Book Review: To Tame a Cowboy

They share a passion to heal what is broken, but it's their own hearts that need to be made whole. 

Brody McQuaid is a broken man, and he knows it. While his body survived the war, his soul did not. Besides loving his little niece, his only sense of purpose comes from saving the wild horses that roam South Park. Ranchers in the area have taken to killing the horses, which are competing with their cattle to feed on the open grass.

Savannah Marshall is a veterinarian on her family's Colorado ranch. She longs to keep her father happy following the tragic death of her older brother, including marrying a man of his choosing. But days before her wedding, she gets cold feet and disappears to South Park. As she learns more about the destruction of the horses, she joins Brody in an attempt to save the wild creatures. But when Savannah's family and the resentments of the area cattlemen catch up with them both, Brody and Savannah will have to tame their fears if they've any hope to let love run free.

My Reflections:

What a fantastic sequel to the Colorado Cowboys series. If you haven't read books one and two I would highly recommend it, however, this could easily be read as a stand-alone.

Brody suffers from PTSD from his time as a Union soldier during the war. He struggles with frequent anger, depression, terror-filled dreams, and feelings of unworthiness. Savannah seems to be a balm to Brody's soul.

Savannah the ultimate tender soul is fleeing from a loveless union. She wants to please her family but must put some distance between them so that she can figure out her own heart. Having trained to be a veterinarian, she flees to the hills to fulfill that dream. 

Brody and Savannah find a common passion in saving the wild horses, will this relationship be just what Brody needs to calm his wild heart? Will Savannah find the courage to stand up for what she wants? 

Overall this is an enjoyable series set in the rustic Colorado mountains. If you are a horse lover this story will likely be a hit! I am excited to see what happens next with Ivy and Dylan, there has to be a squeal for them! 

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

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband,...

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Book Review: When The Meadow Blooms

 From the back:

If any place on God's earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law's Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past--the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls' experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, past troubles become rich soil in which faith can grow.

Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother's widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again.

But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing.

My Reflections: 

When the Meadow Blooms is set in Kentucky in 1925. 

This is a touching story of hardship and sorrow and the will to overcome it.

Rose fights to become strong enough to overcome her battle with tuberculosis. The only thing she can think of is her two children Calla and Sienna, who are being cared for at an orphanage.

Having lost her husband she must face her battle alone, that is until she becomes desperate enough to ask her brother-in-law for help.

Dirk has his own history and must work through his troubled past to help his kin who are near strangers.

Living as a recluse is he ready to unchain his heart and move into a new life.

I think my favorite character if I had to pick one would be little Sienna, her keen observations and sweet nature stole my heart. She is a sensitive child who often sees the little details most of us are oblivious to. 

This is a poignant story that highlights God's redeeming love, no matter our past. I so enjoyed traveling with Rose, Calla, Sienna, and Dirk throughout this novel. The story ends neat and tidy making me wish for a sequel. 

I cried I rejoiced and I smiled. This will be a keeper on my library shelves.

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

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Along a Storied Trail, An Appalachian Summer, River to Redemption, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister, along with several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider,...

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Book Review: Sea Glass Cottage

 

From the Back:

When painful pasts collide, can love overcome heartache--and triumph despite the odds?

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls open their hearts to a new beginning?

My Reflections:

This sweet story about forgiveness and reconciliation hit all the right spots. set in the quaint little town of Hope Harbor, Oregon the inhabitants are quirky and genuine.

Christi is treading on thin ice. After a failed marriage and losing her inheritance she does the only thing she can think of. Asking for a loan from a long ago summer fling is desperation even she couldn't have fathomed. Growing up in a privileged upper class society Christi has learned some hard lessons, now she just has to prove the hard won change to Jack the person she hurt all those long years ago. Hope Harbor draws Christi in with a series of blessings, which encourages her to stay awhile and explore the path God has for her life.

Jack finds his oasis in Hope Harbor living a peaceful life as a police officer and writer. His world is upended in two major ways when Christi walks back into his life. Not only is she fanning the past hurt in his life but she is also fanning feelings he thought were long dead. 

A cast of characters adds life to this story. You have Charley the artist and taco stand owner who seems God inspired with his spot-on wisdom and nuggets of truth. Father Murphy and reverend Baker who love to banter back and forth, Gladys and Floyd and let's not forget those crazy seagulls!

This is a second-chance love story you won't want to miss. If you are looking for a story that is an easy-to-read fun getaway from life's demands this just very well is what you are after!

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

Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is...

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Book Review The Element of Love

 

From the Back

She mixed danger, desperation, and deception together. Love was not the expected outcome.

With their sharp engineering minds, Laura Stiles and her two sisters have been able to deal with their mother's unfortunate choice in husband until they discovered his plans to marry each of them off to his lecherous friends. Now they must run away--far and fast--to find better matches to legally claim their portion of their father's lumber dynasty and seize control from their stepfather.

During their escape, Laura befriends a mission group heading to serve the poor in California. She quickly volunteers herself and her sisters to join their efforts. Despite the settlement being in miserable condition, the sisters are excited by the opportunity to put their skills to good use. Laura also sees potential in Caleb, the mission's parson, to help with gaining her inheritance. But when secrets buried in Caleb's past and in the land around them come to light, it'll take all the smarts the sisters have to keep trouble at bay.

My Reflections: Who doesn't love a novel filled with spunky characters and a daring escape?

These sisters are smart and they know it. Running from their stepfather Edgar's mistreating, these girls risk their lives to get out and get help for their battered mother who is left in the hands of this despicable man. 

This book centers around Laura Stiles and her relationship with Caleb the minister she meets after her harrowing escape. Laura is a firecracker... literally. She knows how to use explosives well, her father trained all his girls to take over the lumber business before he died an early death. I enjoyed Laura's antics and bold ways. 

Laura pretty near throws herself at the unsuspecting Preacher. The thing is the lumber dynasty can only be transferred to the girls and out of the hands of their stepfather if they marry. So marry she must and fast! Will Caleb take her up on her offer? 

Caleb signs on to be the preacher of a small ragtag group of missionaries. As he stumbles along and does his best to minister to those around him Laura shows up and turns his world upside down. As things start to develop into a relationship with Laura his past is the only thing holding him back.

I cannot wait for the next two books of this series. The story ends quickly leaving us in suspense as to what happens to the other sisters, Michelle and Jilly. If you are after a new Mary Connealy book this one is sure to please!

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

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of...

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Book Review: Along the Rio Grande

 

Is her compassion doing more harm than good?

Recently widowed Susanna Jenkins has decided to follow her family to the booming town of San Marcial, New Mexico, for a fresh start and to aid in her family's sudden change in fortune. They are tasked with managing her uncle's new Grand Hotel, and it takes all her patience to try to help her parents see the good of their circumstances and relinquish their sense of entitlement.

She's hopeful when her brother becomes determined to get a job and make his own way, and she feels drawn to his kind boss, Owen Turner, who works as a boilermaker for the Santa Fe's train shops in town. But the hard work only seems to fuel her brother's anger, and his rough new friends give her pause.

When misguided choices put Susanna's family in an even more precarious situation, she worries her help has only made things worse. Leaving her family to fend for themselves seems like the best option, but how can she walk away from the true friendships--and love--that she's found?

My Reflections:

Tracy Peterson remains one of my favorite authors, and for good reason. Her newest book took me away to another time and place. I could not put this book down, the characters jumped off the pages and I became one with their world for a short time. Set in 1899 in New Mexico this story begins with Susanna's plight of trying to contend with not only becoming newly widowed but also trying to help her family where she can. I had a hard time with her father, brother, and mother's attitudes, whew I wanted to jump into the pages and set some boundaries!

 Susanna is a hardworking kind-hearted character. She is truly invested in her family and the world around her. It is hard to believe she was raised by her parents as they are polar opposite! Many times I found myself wanting to have a good heart to heart with this character, coming from a co-dependent family I could have told her a thing or two!

Owen was one of my favorites as well. He tries to live a life pleasing to God and live by his values. Susanna and Owen are a wonderful match as they both want the same things in life. But Owen must face his own skeletons before he can truly help Susanna and her family.

This is a fantastic read. I enjoyed how the details about the job, setting, and people brought the details to life and breathed a cohesive story into the making.

If you are looking for your next Traci Peterson fix here you have it, my friends. A whole new series to binge read on! Now we just have to wait for her next installment..

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

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit...

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Book Review: In Search Of A Prince

 

From The Back:

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

My Reflections:

In Search of a Prince weaves the classic fairy tale into a realistic modern-day version. This is the modern princess we have all been waiting for. 

I blissfully enjoyed every page of this book, it hit all the right places. Faith, romance (yet be it slow and simmering) strength of spirit, and a touch of surprise. This story feels fluffy on the outside but it delves much deeper into the core beliefs we all must tease out in life. I enjoyed the beautiful setting, the storyline, and the adorable characters.

I so appreciated the character and strength Brielle exhibited. Such a hefty role to have thrust upon you, yet Brielle masterfully pulls it off making this a believable story in an otherwise unbelievable storyline. 

This is a rare jewel, it made me laugh, cry, and anxiously await the next page. If you are looking for a new romance that is modern yet picturesque of your fairy tale days this is the book for you, my friends!

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

Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel Grace Restored was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, and Risking Love was a 2020 Selah Award finalist. As a member of the American...

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Book Review: Life Flight

 

From the back:

EMS helicopter pilot Penny Carlton is used to high-stress situations, but being forced to land on a mountain in a raging storm with a critical patient--and a serial killer on the loose--tests her skills and her nerve to the limit. She survives with FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield's help. But she's not out of the woods yet.

In the ensuing days, Penny finds herself under attack. And when news reaches Holt that he may not have gotten his man after all, it will take all he and Penny have to catch a killer--before the killer catches one of them.

My Reflections:

This is the first book in Lynette Eason's newest book "Extreme Measures"

If you are looking for a book that boasts extreme Action danger and psychological terror this is the book for you. The bad guy is truly chilling, and the twists and turns keep the reader entranced through the whole book.

Penny Carlton is a spunky fighter, her actions to thwart the killer are nothing more than amazing. I don't think I would hold up to the stress this character boasts. She is always on her toes and is willing to do what it takes to catch the suspect, even if it puts her life on the line.

Holt is the a likeable character his ability to dodge danger is however lacking as Penny is often the one to save him. He is adorable with Penny, and they make a sweet couple. Throughout the book I felt like he should hurry up and just reveal his past and get on with things. Their relationship is slow moving but the unfurling is worth the wait.

The villain's in this novel are creepy and some scenes are pretty dark. I was sure glad I was hiding behind pages instead of living this drama.

All in all I rate this book five stars. Lynette Eason has never disappointed me. Her books are always filled with sustenance and life. You won't regret opening this book, but beware it is quite the ride!

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

Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award,...

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