Book Review: Secrets of My Heart

From the Back:

Portland, Oregon, 1879
Nancy Pritchard finds herself widowed and with a world of problems when her deceased husband's shady business schemes start to come to light. As she sifts through the shadowed memories of their loveless union, Nancy realizes there is a lot she didn't know about the man she married.

Seth Carpenter, a childhood friend of Nancy's, has recently returned to Portland and is delighted to see her again. As a lawyer, he offers to help her sort through the legal ramifications of her husband's death. But there is more to Seth than meets the eye, and his job will take him into the dark side of Nancy's husband's life--aside she didn't even know existed.

As the two searches for the truth behind her husband's death, a mutual attraction creates complications. When Nancy's own life is threatened, can Seth be honest with her about who he really is and why he's come back to Portland? And can Nancy bear another betrayal?

My Reflections: 
As always we can expect a full-bodied plot matched with well rounded, interesting characters. If you have had the pleasure of reading Peterson's "Hearts of The Fronteer" you will be reacquainted with some of the characters in this book.
Match this already full list of qualities and add in Peterson's ability to weave in beautifully unravelling faith messages. 

Newly widowed Nancy lives in Portland Oregon year 1879 in a very comfortable, beautifully built home. After her husband's demise, she finds out her loveless marriage also held many secrets. These secrets must come out of hiding so that she can help others being harmed by the consequences. 

Enter in Seth, the new Lawyer in town, or is he? Seth also comes with a hidden agenda, but as the two work together they find an attraction that neither one expected. Will Seth be able to penetrate Nacy's closed-off heart, or will his secrets push her further away?
If you love a beautifully played out romance and a great message of hope, forgiveness and perseverance you will surly enjoy Tracy Peterson's newest series!

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family...

Continue reading about Tracie Peterson

Book Review: Runaway Bride

From the Back:

Haunted by Mistakes in Her Past, Will She Ever Again
Trust Her Heart to Another? Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship, still bearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately attracts suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by making a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy, held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker who has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections but also clash over their views of how the natives should be treated amid a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need--a starving girl left behind by her tribe. Intent on helping the child, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision, or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?

My Reflections:

This is Jody Hedlund's second instalment of her newest series "Bride Ships" and I have to say I read this book in record time! I found the plot engaging and the characters spot on. The best part about the setting is that it is based on Vancouver Island as the city of Victoria is becoming colonized. 

Wealthy Arabella is running from her intended husband after he brutalized her and threatened her family. I'm sure this was a very hard decision for Arabella to make, after all, she was accustomed to a life filled with comfort and had little to worry about until her father arranged a poor match for her. Imagine boarding a boat destined to a far away uncivilized place, in the hopes of finding a desperate husband? 

When she arrives she meets the baker Peter, he is a handsome strong character who makes Arabella see beyond the constraints of upper society. He is the character who you are rooting for, however, the most likely match would be found in the Navy Lireent Drummond. Drummond seems to be the perfect match but as Arabella spends more and more time with both men she must decide to go the easy and certainly expected rout or to throw off all constraints and pick an entirely different path.

I adored the history of the new settlers of Victoria and my heart hurt with the plight of the natives who were treated so brutally. Smallpox epidemic is in full swing, which is crazy timing to be reading this book as right now we have a pandemic shutting down entire countries! 

If you love history, romance and loveable characters than you will surely love Hedlund's newest release. I can't wait for book two to be released!

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

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the author of over 20 novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, and is the winner of numerous awards, including the...

Continue reading about Jody Hedlund

Movie Review: I Still Beleve

I STILL BELIEVE

One love can change your life. One life can change the world. From the creators of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE comes an inspiring love story for the ages. Rediscover the wonder of love in I STILL BELIEVE, based on the real-life story of chart-topping singer Jeremy Camp.

The new movie from directors Jon and Andrew Erwin and producer Kevin Downes stars KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinise. A hopeful reminder that faith tested is faith worth sharing, I STILL BELIEVE opens in theaters everywhere beginning 3.13.20.

My Reflections: While I didn't get a chance to see this movie because of the theater shutting down, I have heard that it an excellent movie. My friend cried, that says something!
I can't wait to view  it sometime soon!

https://youtu.be/2yn_zPs4SKQ

Book Review: Collateral Damage

From The Back:

They thought they left the fight behind on the battlefield.
But their greatest struggles are just beginning.
Honourably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others, but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more.

Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counsellor. When he arrives at her office, she isn't there--but a dead body is. When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

My Reflections:
When I saw Lynette Eason had a new series out I was like, "yes please!" She is one of my favourite authors who is consistently pumping out some of my favourite novels. 
Collateral Damage in the "Danger Never Sleeps" series is action-packed adrenaline surging read, you can expect danger, murder and corruption and even some romance is thrown into this whirlwind tale. 

Her story shines light and hope in the darkness while compelling her readers to dig deeper into some tough topics. As a fellow PTSD survivor, I found that she portrayed the very difficult facets of this diagnosis in a very realistic manner. I loved how Eason was able to bring such hope all the while taking her readers on a rollercoaster of events. I was very much engaged from the first page right up to the last.

Lynette Eason has certainly done her research, it is evident thought the novel that she has a very good concept of the inner workings of the justice system and the supporting fields. The plot is well thought out and seamless. I am so eager to read book two "Acceptable Risk" Well Done Lynnette Eason!

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

Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Acceptable Risk, as well as Protecting Tanner Hollow and the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner...

Continue reading about Lynette Eason

Book Review: On Wings of Devotion

From the Back:

Against Every Warning, She's Drawn
Ever Closer to the Man Known as "Black Heart"
All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.

As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed "Black Heart," she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing--and some of her own to do as well.

With Camden's court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope--and to each other--if they want to survive.

My Reflections:
If you haven't read book one "Number Of Love" I encourage you to get it. This can be read as a standalone novel, but the first book is equally as good as this one. White's devotion to researching her facts is well played out in this novel, I felt like I was reading a really, really perfect history book with love notes and a complex story tucked inside! That's my kind of history.

Roseanna White is a crazy talented writer she takes her characters and pulls open the very vulnerable aspects of their suffering. This is seen in all of her characters but my favourites being Philip Camden his angry, sulkiness clashing with sweet, loving nurse Arabelle Denler, pure brilliance! Arabelle is tender and her heart for God is what shines through drawing people to her, you get to see God moving, changing and transforming the lives of the people around her. The unlikely match between these two seems pointless, or is it? Drama abounds around them as WW1 crashes amongst them. 

This book was spot on from the plot to the mystery and let's not forget the love story. You won't regret picking up this novel, I had a hard time breaking free from its grip. If you love this author as much as I do you may just want to go out and get the first book as well. See the review of "Number Of Love" here: http://citygirlmovestothecountry-tanya.blogspot.com/2019/07/book-review-number-of-love.html

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

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) 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...

Continue reading about Roseanna M. White

Book Review: Braver Stronger Smarter: A Girl's Guide To Overcoming Worry and Anxiety

From The Back:

"This book helped me remember how brave I am!"--AnnabelleWant to know something? Girls who worry the most are some of the smartest, kindest girls around. The worry you feel happens because you care deeply about things and people. You try hard and want to do the right thing, which is wonderful. But it's not fun to feel pressure, is it? That's why Sissy Goff wrote this book. To help you know how brave and strong and smart you really are.

Whether you're a mom, dad, aunt, or grandmother, you can help the girl you love overcome her worry and anxiety. This interactive guide--created for elementary-age girls but helpful for all ages--teaches you and your girl practical ways to work through overwhelming emotions. With fun stories and writing and drawing prompts to guide her, your girl will feel empowered, knowing she is deeply loved by a God who is bigger than her fears.

Also available from Sissy Goff! Raising Worry-Free Girls, a companion book that provides more in-depth information and strategies for parents and educators.

My Reflections: 
What a great way to connect with your child on a level they understand. I wish books like this were out when I was a child.  This book is recommended for the ages of 6-18. I feel the younger you start addressing these issues the better, however, it's never too late, I'm still working on this stuff!
Learning how to cope and manage worry and anxiety is paramount for everyone in today's fast-paced world. There is never a better time to start than now. So if you have a child who is struggling or if you just want to educate them for their future this would be a fantastic resource. 

This is a workbook designed to be a fun and engaging way for children to learn how to cope with their big emotions. I recommend you purchase the companion book "Raising Worry-Free Girls" It is more geared to the parent, but follows the same elements. Addressing the worry monster, understanding, help and hope. This is all presented in a fun and creative manner giving your child the opportunity to jot down notes, draw pictures and imagine themselves as stronger, braver and smarter!

I encourage you to take a look at both of the above-mentioned books (You can see my review for the first parent book "Raising Worry-Free Girls" on my Blog.) http://citygirlmovestothecountry-tanya.blogspot.com/2019/10/book-review-raisisn-worry-free-girls.html
I'm so glad authors like Sissy Goff take issues like these and help parents put them into practice to tame that "Worry Monster."

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

Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Sissy Goff, MEd, LPC-MHSP, spends most of her days counselling girls and their families, with the help of her assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese. Since 1993, Sissy has worked as the director of child and adolescent counselling at Daystar...

Continue reading about Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Book Review: Protecting Your Child From Predators

 From the Back:

Keeping a Child Safe Requires More Awareness Than Ever
Even aware parents often underestimate the dangers their children face. Research indicates that 1 in 4 females and 1 in 6 males are sexually abused before age 18. In most cases, the enemy is not a faceless stranger, it's someone you know and trust--a neighbor, a coach, or even a family member.

This book provides practical steps to ensure you're doing all you can to reduce the risks of abuse. But since you cannot be with your children 24/7, the authors teach you how to help your child develop awareness and strategies in the face of potential dangers--without making them fearful.

Dr. Robinson, whose decades-long practice focuses on abused and endangered children, calls on her own case studies to show age-appropriate conversation starters for parents, teaching them how to ask the right questions and provide the right boundaries.

This book will help you move from fear to confidence on this critical topic that is just too important to ignore.

My Reflections:

Protecting our children has become harder than ever. The internet, our saturated busy lives leaves our homes and children open targets for predators of all kinds.

In "Protecting Your Child from Predators" you will find tips and real-life stories, is this an easy happy read. NO. Is this a must-read, YES. Each and every one of us must stay vigilant over the safety of our children, this book opens the shutters of our eyes, the ones we rather not explore. 

In Protecting Your Child from Predators you will find three informative sections that deal with your specific age group, these are labelled:

1) Children Five and Under

2) Children Six to Eleven

3) Ages Twelve and Older 

In these sections, the authours do a good job of moving the reader from fear to action. Getting into the minds of preditors helps parents know what to watch out for. This book is a must-read if you have children, work with children or run a church ministry. Don't be fooled, the Bible teaches us to put on the full armour of God, this is no joke, we are in a battle my friends, and some of us do get hurt in the crossfire, but our God is a good God and he does redeem. 

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

Beth Robinson EdD

Beth Robinson, EdD, is a licensed professional counselor and approved supervisor for licensed professional counselors. She is also a certified school counselor with a teaching certificate and is a frequent expert witness in legal proceedings involving...

Continue reading about Beth Robinson EdD

Latayne C. Scott PhD

Latayne C. Scott, PhD, is an award-winning veteran of the Christian publishing industry and has written over two dozen books. She has a PhD in biblical studies and lives with her husband in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Continue reading about Latayne C. Scott PhD