THE UNLIKELY WIFE, by Debra Ullrick

Title: The Unlikely Wife
Author: Debra Ullrick
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 3, 2012)
Pages: 288

The cover and title, as well as the blurb on the back cover of THE UNLIKELY WIFE by DEBRA ULLRICK, intrigued me. I’m a sucker for historicals, and love the mail-order bride concept. This was my first read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised. Right away I was swept away by the well thought-out characters and the predicament they were placed in.

When Michael Bowen’s wife by proxy arrives by train, he’s more than a little set off. To say the least, she’s nothing like the woman Selina Farleigh Bowen’s letters suggested she was.

Wearing a pair of men’s trousers, Selina is instantly looked upon as an outcast…including from the man she married, sight unseen. It becomes increasingly obvious he’s in love with another woman…the woman who wrote Selina’s letter to Michael, her best friend, Aimee.

A stubborn woman who’s comfortable in her own skin, Selina refused to change for no man. That is until worry over losing the man she loves threatens to consume her. Will Michael ever learn to love a woman that didn’t fit his image of the perfect wife, and learn the true meaning of love?

In reading THE UNLIKELY WIFE, I was introduced to Haydon and Raniee Bowman. Both characters stories spiked my interest. I’ll be placing an order in the future for THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE, to unravel their tale.

ESCAPE FROM THE BADLANDS by Dana Mentink

Title: Escape From The Badlands
Author: Dana Mentink
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 3, 2012)
Pages: 224

ESECAPE FROM THE BADLANDS was my first read by author, DANA MENTINK. The first fifty pages had me turning them quickly. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. Shane Mason’s rescue of Kelly Cloudman, had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

Kelly Cloudman needed a job, so when she's asked to be a medic for South Dakota’s Desert Quest extreme race, she says yes. When her vehicle is trapped and threatens to be overtaken by water, she never would have guessed in a million years who her rescuer would be.

Shane Mason is on a mission. A mission to prove his brothers innocents before it’s too late, and enters the race of his life. The last thing he expected was to come face to face with the woman he walked out on.

ESECAPE FROM THE BADLANDS is packed with suspense that will keep you wondering which of the key players are guilty and why. A wonderful inspirational suspense you won’t want to miss.

THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BLESSING by Brenda Minton

Title: The Cowboy’s Holiday Blessing
Author: Brenda Minton
Publisher: Love Inspired (November 15, 2011)
Pages: 224 pages

What can I say, I’m a huge fan of BRENDA MINTON. Every book I’ve read by her has been amazing, and THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BLESSING was no exception. I’ve read about the men from the Cooper family in previous books and hoped there’d be more. When I heard the next book was about Jackson Cooper, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

When a teenage girl shows up on Madeline Patton’s doorstep by mistake, Madeline’s compelled to help her. Only problem is, that means coming face to face with the handsome Jackson Cooper.

Jackson Cooper isn’t too happy when his mousey neighbor shows up on his doorstep with a teenage girl claiming to be his daughter. As agitated as he is, he can’t resist the temptation to make the school teacher blush.

Jackson Cooper may have changed his rebel ways, but marriage and kids aren’t in the plan. Even if he allowed himself to want those things, they weren’t possible.

Madeline Patton only wants to teach and go home to her quiet place…alone. After all she doesn’t need a man in her life, much less wants one.

Jackson, Madeline and thirteen-year-old Jade, discover God’s amazing grace and a family they never imagined possible.

I loved the whole bad boy meets shy, mousey girl. Brenda Minton did a fantastic job with all the characters. Jackson was your classic good looking, ladies man, yet sweet and kind. Madeline is reserved, hiding under her baggy clothes and dark rim glasses, yet focused and knows what she wants.

Jackson’s situation with his daughter was unique and well played out. I loved the transformation of Madeline, and her story. In THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BLESSING, the characters will stay with you a long time as you wait anxiously for the next Cooper Creek story.

THYME FOR LOVE by PAMELA S MEYERS

Title: THYME FOR LOVE
Author: PAMELA S MEYERS
Publisher: OakTara (November 14, 2011)
Pages: 216

THYME FOR LOVE by PAMELA S MEYERS is a fun, light mystery. Having never read this type of novel, I was initially confused by the casual, witty mystery. What later came to mind was Sherlock Holmes and the game Clue. Not more than a few pages later, MS. MEYERS mentioned that very thing. That's when it all clicked. Thoughts of who done it, in which room, with what, ran through my mind. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed THYME FOR LOVE, not being the genre I typically read. A true testament to how well it's written.

April Love is in need of a job, and her Aunt Kitty has just the job for her. But what she fails to tell April is her ex fiancée, Marc Thorne, works there. Now she is faced with the decision to quit a job she desperately wants or face the man who hurt her years ago.

Marc Thorne is just as surprised as his ex fiancée, April when she walks into the Rescate. It doesn't take long for old feeling to stir. But Marc has a secret he fears will douse any hopes he has of renewing their love. Convincing April they were meant to be together isn't the only obstacle he faces. When he's accused of murder, will she believe he's guilty?

The mouth watering descriptions of the food April prepares, sent my stomach rumbling. MS. MEYERS delivered countless cute lines as well as kept me guessing as to "who did it". THYME FOR LOVE was hard to put down as I attempted to figure out who the killer was.

My favorite type of novel is those involving a cowboy and a ranch, so of course Karl had me sitting on the edge of my seat, hoping he wasn't the killer. I can't wait to read the next two books in this series...And I'm hoping to see a cowboy or two.

Christina Perri - A Thousand Years