EAT PRETTY: NUTRITION FOR BEAUTY, INSIDE AND OUT by JOLENE HART, CHC, AADP

 

 

Title: Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out

Author: Jolene Hart, CHC, AADP

Publisher: Chronicle Books (February 25, 2014)

Pages: 208

I just LOVE this little book! EAT PRETTY: NUTRITION FOR BEAUTY, INSIDE AND OUT by JOLENE HART, CHC, AADP. It’s packed full of great information, simply stated, in an easy to read layout. The book is titled appropriately, and visually beautiful. Even though I am not a pink person, I found it gorgeous.

I realize in today’s world we have everything at the tip of our fingers with the internet. Being a visual person, I find it helpful to have the information in front of me in a tangibly form. The internet can often be overwhelming, and let’s face it, as soon as you walk away, or click on another link, it’s gone. Having valuable information ready and waiting to flip through at anytime, anywhere, is priceless. Especially when you’re talking about your health, because when it comes down to it, it’s about staying healthy and fit.

The first page I opened to was page 149. My eyes locked on, Kiwi. What I read, and how it was worded and laid out, immediately sold me on the book. I am so happy I made the decision to purchase EAT PRETTY: NUTRITION FOR BEAUTY, INSIDE AND OUT.

I knew that I was going to get helpful information on what to eat and why, but I hadn’t realized I’d also receive information on what not to eat and why, along with some fabulous recipes. At the end of each description of food, there is a quick chart: Eat pretty food, beautifying compound, and beauty benefit, in just a few simple words.

What will you get in this amazing little book?

·        Information on antioxidants, biotin, and omega-3s.

·        More than 85 everyday foods, each with their specific beauty/health-boosting benefit.

·        Healthful ingredients.

·        A full lifestyle makeover, exploring stress management, hormonal balance, and mindful living.

·        Charts and lists.

·        Nearly 20 recipes.

CHAIN OF MERCY by BRENDA S ANDERSON

Title: Chain of Mercy

Author: Brenda S Anderson

Publisher: Winslet Press (April 22, 2014)

Pages: 358

To say that CHAIN OF MERCY is the first, but not the last book I’ll read by BRENDA S ANDERSON, is a huge understatement. If I were only allowed one word to describe this amazing book, it would have to be, WOW!

Richard Brooks is not who he appears to be. Not by a long shot. But that’s intentional. He wants nothing more than to rid of the man he once was. Only problem is, he’s everywhere he goes.

Sheila Peterson is intrigued by the handsome maintenance man. She never imagined she’d stoop so low as to go out with someone so beneath her, but he’d serve a purpose. Little did she realize what man was hidden behind the façade.

Forgiveness is a huge element in CHAIN OF MERCY on many levels, but it is so much more. The characters, writing, and storyline are beyond amazing. It’s not your typical, predictable novel. MS ANDERSON takes you on a journey with surprising twists and turns. Each of the characters is distinct, with tangible personalities. From the very first page, you will be pulled in, and absorbed into the lives of the characters. But it won’t stop with the last word. No, CHAIN OF MERCY is bound to remain in your heart forever.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

THE ART OF WAR FOR WRITERS: FICTION WRITING STRATEGIE, TACTICS, AND EXERCISES by JAMES SCOTT BELL

 

 

Title: The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics, and Exercises

Author: James Scott Bell

Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; Original edition (December 9, 2009)

Pages: 272

 

I had heard others mention THE ART OF WAR FOR WRITERS: FICTION WRITING STRATEGIE, TACTICS, AND EXERCISES by JAMES SCOTT BELL, and to be honest, I resisted purchasing it. I don’t always believe all the hype. That is until I spotted this tiny book at a writing conference a few years back. I finally relented and made the decision to purchase it. Still, it sat on my shelf of books to be read. Now, years later, I finally read it.

Wow! I do believe that God gives you what you need, just when you need it. If ever the saying “Tiny, but mighty” was true, it would be in reference to this book. I just LOVED the extremely short chapters. They are quick, precise, yet packed with core information. All the basics you need to write a great book, without all the fancy words and sentences to jumble your brain, threatening to lose the point. There was not one single chapter - of 77 - that I did not gain knowledge from.

THE ART OF WAR FOR WRITERS will be a book forever near as I continue my writing journey. Even if you have been writing for some time, it’s a quick reminder of the dos and don’t that you are sure to find helpful.

 

HER UNLIKELY COWBOY by DEBRA CLOPTON

 

Title: Her Unlikely Cowboy (Love Inspired\Cowboys of Sunrise Ranch)

Author: Debra Clopton

Publisher: Love Inspired (April 15, 2014)

Pages: 224

To know me, is to know I’m a huge lover of books, and have my favorite authors. One of them being DEBRA CLOPTON. HER UNLIKELY COWBOY is well written – no surprise there. The characters are easy to connect with, and will come to life. I have always loved MS CLOPTONS feisty characters, though the hero and heroine in HER UNLIKELY COWBOY seem to be a bit more tame then her typical style.

That last thing Suzie Kent wants to do is turn to Tucker McDermott for help. When she finds herself at the end of the rope with her teenage son, that’s exactly what she does.

Tucker McDermott jumps at the chance to make up for the lost of his brother by helping out his widow and son. It’s the least he can do after what this brother did for Tucker.

Love the McDermott’s. MS CLOPTON delivered some amazing lines, with a plot that will have you settling right into the story as if you were there. Can’t wait for her next.

IMOGEN'S CHANCE by PAULA VINCE

 

Title: Imogen’s Chance

Author: Paula Vince
Publisher: Even Before Publishing (April 1, 2014)

Pages: 228

 

I was both intrigued by the title, and that IMOGEN’S CHANCE was written by an author from Australia, PAULA VINCE.  IMGONE’S CHANCE is a unique story about regretful pasts that affect not just the life of one person, but of several.

Imogen Browne is haunted by a past she needs to right. Even if that means confronting it head on.

 

Asher Dorazio is faced with a crisis he never imagined he’d be faced with. One that sets him on a life-changing path.

 

Can Imogen and Asher come clean about their past, and have a future?
 

In reading IMOGEN’S CHANCE, I was both surprise and intrigued by the choices of words by an Australian author, something I’m not accustomed too. Having never heard of the name Imogen before coming across IMOGEN’S CHANCE, I researched it, and was further intrigued by the history behind the name. PAULA VINCE created a unique story, with witty lines, surprises and twists. 

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS by Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, Margaret Brownley

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS

 

by Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton,
Margaret Brownley

Title: Four Weddings and a Kiss

Authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, Margaret Brownley

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 10, 2014

 

Pages: 400

 

 

SPITFIRE SWEETHART by MARY CONNEALY

Admittedly, this is the first story I’ve read by MARY CONNEALY, and I loved the storyline in SPITFIRE SWEETHART.

Rylan Carsterns has never noticed how pretty his annoying neighbor, Maizy Place is, until he was placed in an uncompromising position.

Maizy Place new she was in trouble when she is caught on Rylan Carstens property. If she thought that's the worse of her problems, she only needed to look around to discover how untrue it was.

LOVE LETTER TO THE EDITOR by ROBIN LEE HATCHER

Again, another first for me. LOVE LETTER TO THE EDITOR by ROBIN LEE HATCHER is a cute story, well written, with a good pace. I have a feeling I’ll be reading more by MS HATCHER in the future. She did a fine job of creating a well-rounded story in so few words. Not an easy feat, as any writer knows.

Molly Everton, the town newspapers daughter, is not happy when she discovers he father hired an editor. Why hadn’t she been given the job? After all, she knew the paper better than any other in the office, and certainly better than some stranger that wasn’t even a local.

Jack Ludgrove is optimistic about his new position at the newspaper, about moving to a new town, even if he only plans to stay for a shot while.  

A COWBOY FOR KATIE by DEBRA CLOPTON

If I was honest, and I do try to be in all I do, A COWBOY FOR KATIE by DEBRA CLOPTON is the reason I was most excited to receive FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS. I have been a HUGE fan of MS CLOPTON since day one. I can honestly say, I can’t get enough of her stories.

If I’m not mistaken, A COWBOY FOR KATIE, is MS CLOPTONS first historical, and I have to say she did an amazing job. I’m a huge fan on historicals, as well as anything with a cowboy in it. It wasn’t until I read this story, that I put the connection together. There’s something about cowboy ways, that holds similarities to characters of the past.

As typical of MS CLOPTON, she drew me in right away with characters and a storyline that pulls you in from the first word to the last. She did an amazing job with a historical story, as well as a novella. One of the hardest things to accomplish. It takes a skilled writer to be able to pull off a short story from start to finish, and not just accomplish it, but do it really well.

Katie Pearl has no interest in a husband, only in hiring someone to fix the damage done to her property. When she spots a wandering cowboy coming through town, she ropes him in just long enough to complete the job and move on.

Treb Rayburn only plans to stay in the town he wandered into long enough to earn enough to buy a horse. At the pretty ladies offer as a hire hand to earn a few bucks, and a horse to boot, Treb can’t resist. What he hadn’t planned on was getting to know Katie in a way that had him rethinking packing his bags and leaving.

COURTING TROUBLE by MARGARET BROWNLEY

COURTING TROUBLE is not the first book I’ve read by, MARGARET BROWNLEY, and another reason I wanted a copy of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS. Love MS BROWNLEY’S writing, both fiction and non-fiction.

Grace Davenport’s reputation is not one to be desired. In fact, if you were a man, you’d do best to run in the opposite direction.

Attorney Brock Daniels is confronted by a potential client – a very young one at that – to take on a case he had no intentions of taking. That is until he meets the boys, mother. Brock changed his direction of law practice for a reason, but looking into Grace Davenport’s eyes through the cell bars, has him rethinking his decision.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

PINE COUNTRY COWBOY by GLYNNA KAYE

Title: Pine Country Cowboy

Author: Glynna Kaye

Publisher: Love Inspired (March 18, 2014)

Pages: 224

And the story goes like this …

First thing you should know, I have more books waiting on my bookshelf to be read then any person has a right to have. So, when I went to the store with my daughter, and I stopped in the book section to see if one of my favorite authors new books had arrived, I had no intentions of purchasing any others. Sadly, they didn’t have the book I was looking for.

My first mistake, spotting a LOVE INSPIRED book with a cowboy on the front cover. That gets me every time. Second mistake, I picked it up. Third mistake, read the back cover. Fourth mistake, opened it up and began to read.

Doomed. Done for.

Not done, as in no longer interested. Done, as in I couldn’t stop reading. Knowing full well I didn’t need to purchase another book, especially by an author I had yet to read, I slowly pushed my cart away from the book section – with the book in my hand, eyes focused on the words.

Yeah, I was done for.

Abby Diaz got in her car and drove to Canyon Springs, the small town her father and brother lives in. A town she has not been in for more years then she cares to admit.

Brett Marden has it all together. A ladies man, self-assured, carefree. Well, at least that’s what those around him believe. Not many know the deep dark secrets he carries, and he plans to keep it that way.

As cliché as it sounds, PINE COUNTRY COWBOY by GLYNNA KAYE, had me from the very first page, right to the last word. It now sits on my shelf of keepers. Those are the books I’ve read that are so good, there’s no way I’m giving them up.

MS KAYE is an amazing writer. PINE COUNTRY COWBOY is well thought-out, believable, engaging, the ideal pace, and superb writing. Her characters are well thought-out, likeable, with distinct personality. The storyline unique, diverse, with humor, and surprises that will have your jaw slack.

If after reading my review if it is in question if I will be reading more by MS KAYE, then I have not done my job in writing it.

LOVE REDEEMED by KELLY IRVIN

Title: Love Redeemed

Author: Kelly Irvin
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2014)
Pages: 352

I have to start with a couple of confessions. First, I’m not an Amish fan. Second, I have read few Amish authors or Amish books. Now that you know the facts, I can reveal LOVE REDEEMED by KELLY IRVIN is the best Amish fiction to date I’ve read!

No other Amish novels I’ve read have come close to LOVE REDEEMED. They didn’t keep my attention the way it did. In part, that had to do with the storyline. They were mystery centered, rather than romance, and the plot - for me - weak. I also had a hard time with the use of “Amish words”.

Phoebe Christner desires to have a family of her own, but the boy she has her eyes on doesn’t seem to be interested.

Shy, Michael Daugherty, is in love with Phoebe Christner. When he decides to make his feelings known, tragedy strikes, tearing Michael and Phoebe apart. 

LOVE REDEEMED is a light romance, with a heavy dose of forgiveness. The faith element is subtle, yet strong. The writing superb. Though there were words associated with the Amish, it didn’t overpower or pull you out of the story. The plot was unique. The pace, just the right speed to keep you turning the pages, wanting more. There was a sense of romance throughout, without taking over the story.

I loved what MS. IRVIN did with the characters. They’re three dimensional, and likeable. So many things happened, yet woven together in a believable and natural way. MS IRVIN takes the story to places you wouldn’t expect. As an aspiring fiction author, I tend to rewrite lines in my mind as I read. With LOVE REDEEDED, there was no cause to do so.

MS IRVIN might just make an Amish fan out of me after all.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

 

BROTHERS WALKER - THE LIFE

THE BRIDE WORE SPURS by JANET DEAN

Title: The Bride Wore Spurs

Author Janet Dean
Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals (April 1, 2013)
Pages: 283
 
THE BRIDE WORE SPURS is the first time I experienced reading JANET DEANS work. A classic case of the perfect combination to win over a potential buyer. The title captured me, then the cover, the back blurb, and the last piece to seal the deal, reading the first pages. WOW! What a way to start a story.

Hannah Parrish needs to come up with a plan to keep her family ranch and quick, and Matt Walker seems to be just the man to put a plan into motion.

Matt couldn’t have been more surprised if Hannah Parris had asked him to marry her. Wait, she just did. With a ranch Hannah refused to lose, and Matt not wanting to give his heart to another, it was a match he couldn’t deny might just work.

 

MS DEAN is a gifted writer and storyteller. I loved the characters, as well as the plot. A marriage of convenience is one of my favorite scenarios. It’s not always easy to pull off a believable storyline, but MS DEAN managed to do just that.

 
I spotted THE BRIDE WORE SPURS on facebook, and thankful that I had.

 

 

 

RANCHER AT RISK by BARBARA WHITE

 

Title: Rancher At Risk

Author: Barbara White Daille

Publisher: Harlequin American Romance (Book 1484)

Pages: 224

 

As an aspiring author and Christian, it is my goal to not lash out at authors. Today’s world screams the opposite of what I was taught as a child, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” For too many, they don’t seem to realize there’s a human behind the words that lay on the pages of a book. However, I do believe that constructive criticism, with a careful choice of words, can be helpful. I also realize writing is subjective. I review because I like to share with others my thoughts and feelings so they may enjoy something as much as I may have, or steer then away from what might not appeal to them as well.

 

The RANCHER AT RISK by BARBARA WHITE DAILLE did exactly what it was suppose to do. It caught my attention on the shelf at the store. I mean, what cowboy-loving girl could resist the cover, let alone the title? After reading the back cover and the first page, I was convinced I needed yet another book, and headed to the checkout.

 

As I sat in the waiting room for an appointment and read, I jolted. What? A swear word! Oh, yeah, I’m not reading Christian fiction. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book from “Harlequin” that wasn’t Inspirational, so long I’d forgotten the familiar size paperback in my hand was secular, which could be in part why I wasn’t able to fully engage in the story.

 

At page 80 I made the difficult decision to stop reading. Not that the writing wasn’t good, because it was fine. Not even because there was too much foul language, but rather because I wasn’t able to connect with the characters.

 

I really loved the concept/storyline (The final decision maker to purchase the book.), but there just seemed to be something missing. For me it was the deep point of view. What there was of it, seemed to be surface and repetitive. I admit when I got to the part where the hero was eyeing up and down the heroine, I started to wonder what I got myself into. I’m not a prude, yet being a Christian fiction fan, I’ve grown to love a great story/romance without the need for explicit scenes and bad language. To be fair, the swearing was kept to a minimal and a better choice of words then the author could have gone with. I appreciated her selection in words and that the cowboy used them, and thus far, the heroine had not, identifying their character traits. I had not read far enough to see how far MS WHITE DAILLE had taken the romance aspect.

 

I think for the most part, I will stick with my Christian fiction.

 

 

THE COWBOY’S REUNITED FAMILY by BRENDA MINTON

Title: The Cowboy’s Reunited Family

Author: Brenda Minton

Publisher: Love Inspired (January 21, 2014)

Pages: 224

 

I’m a huge fan of BRENDA MINTON. Can’t get enough of those darn cowboys. The Cooper Creek series has been especially fun.           THE COWBOY’S REUNITED FAMILY, was no exception. What a great storyline, a first for me. Very unique, and not an easy topic to pull off, but pull it off MS MINTON did.

Blake Cooper held out little hope of ever seeing his child, again. Until an unidentified car pulls up to the ranch. His brother told him he might need to take a deep breath. Heck, he may just need his heart restarted.

Jana Cooper is hesitant to face the man she walked out on over a decade ago, and with good reason. But it’s no longer about her. She’d do anything for her daughter. Even face the man she feared could take away what matter most to her.  

THE COWBOY’S REUNITED FAMILY has a few different subject matters it addresses. Topics I haven’t read in prior books. MS MINTON’S writing isn’t in question, one of the best. The ending was amazing, with some of the best lines ever! So cute. So clever. Can’t wait to experience the next Cooper Creek journey.

HER UNEXPECTED COWBOY by DEBRA CLOPTON

Title: Her Unexpected Cowboy

Author: Debra Clopton
Publisher: Love Inspired (December 17, 2013)
Pages: 224

 What can I say? I’m a HUGE DEBRA CLOPTON fan. When I spot one of her books, I don’t hesitate to get it. Actually the opposite. I’m constantly on the lookout for the next.

Rowdy McDermott lives up to his name, but no more. No, he’s a changed man. The last woman he hooked up with shocked him into realizing he didn’t like the man he’d become.

Lucy Calvert moved into her uncle’s place, hoping to live a secluded life - for the most part. One that didn’t involve men. The last thing she expected was to fall into the arms of a handsome cowboy from the ranch next door. Literally!

 I could read the beginning pages of HER UNEXPECTED COWBOY by DEBRA CLOPTON, over and over, again. It’s that good. As soon as I began to read, I knew I was done for. It wouldn’t be long before I found myself reading the last page. MS CLOPTON’S books have that affect on me.

I could go on and on about her incredible writing. Her ability to deliver an amazing story, with three-dimensional characters. How her books always capture my attention to the point, it makes it nearly impossible to rip myself away from them. How all the character are likeable. That I fall for the hero every time. But then I’d be just repeating myself from one review to the next. 

WITH AUTUMN’S RETURN: A WESTWARD WINDS NOVEL, by AMANDA CABOT

Title: With Autumm’s Return: A Novel (Westward Winds)

Author: Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell (January 21, 2014)
Pages: 416

Wow, wow, and WOW! WITH AUTUMN’S RETURN is the third and final book in the Westward Winds series, and what a series it is. I can’t recall a single other author that I’ve read where each book I’ve read of theirs in a series has increased so greatly in how well it’s written.

 
The first book in the series, SUMMER OF PROMISE, caught my eye due to the location the story revolves around. Not long before discovering the book, I had gone to Hartville, Wyoming, and visited Ft Laramie. As I read the story, it wasn’t hard to imagine the location where it all took place, having been there. If I return one day, I will now do so with thoughts of AMANDA CABOT’S story.

With the second book in the series, WAITING FOR SPRING, I loved the characters, as well as the plot even more than the first. MS CABOT’S writing and storytelling had noticeably improved.
 
That brings us to WITH AUTUMN’S RETURN. Elizabeth Harding, the youngest of the three Harding girls, moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to open her own medical practice. Not an easy endeavor for a woman.

Jason Nordling is not a happy man, in spite of having just won a case. When he goes next door of his law practice to meet his new neighbor, it doesn’t sit well that the new doctor in town is a woman.
 
WITH AUTUMN’S RETURN started out with a bang. Wow, talk about a great beginning, with intense tension between two characters. But it didn’t stop there. No, the entire novel was remarkable with wonderful humor, great pace, interesting information, and superb writing. Before reading WITH AUTUMN’S RETURN, I had placed AMANDA CABOT on my favorite list of authors. She has now moved up on the list.
 
I was in awe of her writing, the lines she came up with, as well as how she delivered every word. The plot was refreshing, and intriguing.  Romance with a mystery, neither too much nor too little. WITH AUTUMN’S RETURN, there was not one story, but three. I loved how she so easily incorporated two other couples lives. So natural, not one of them any less engaging then the other.
 
If there was any questions that I’ll be looking for more books by AMANDA CABOT in the future, wonder no more. I will most definitely be keeping my eye out for new arrivals.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

 

 

 

GOD LOVES THE ADDICT, EXPERIENCING RECOVERY ON THE PATH OF GRACE, by EDDIE SNIPES

Title: God Loves the Addict, Experiencing Recovery On the Path of Grace
Author: Eddie Snipes
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 4, 2013)
Pages: 74

At only 74 pages, this little book packs a powerful punch. Wow! What a blessing to have come across GOD LOVES THE ADDICT, EXPERIENCING RECOVERY ON THE PATH OF GRACE, by EDDIE SNIPES. I was interested in reading GOD LOVES THE ADDICT for two reasons. One, being involved in the prison ministry, I run across many individuals that struggle with addiction. I thought it might be a great resource to share with them. The second, I fell in love with MR SNIPES writing after reading his novel, I CALLED HIM DANCER, which I see a correlation between the two. Little did I imagine there would be a third reason, and that is hope and inspiration for me, as well as others in my life.

GOD LOVES THE ADDICT provides a Biblical perspective to addiction. Not only what one would typically think of when they hear the word “addiction”, but what each of us encounter in one form or another. If I were to note every highlight, underlined, asterisk, and notation in my copy, I might be better off copying the entire book. It’s that poignant.

Quote from GOD LOVES THE ADDICT that I found impactful:

“This is very significant, for when you wallow in guilt and shame, you are denying that Jesus paid your debt. While you are crying out, “Please forgive me,” Jesus has already declared, “Father forgive them,” on the cross. And it was Jesus who said, “The Father always hears Me.” That prayer was answered when Jesus spilled His blood for your sins.

One thing we must allow to sink into our hearts is that forgiveness is not dependent upon our abilities to measure up. Forgiveness is a gift of God that is received by faith. Your sin was paid 2000 years ago. Believe this truth and when you sin, thank God for what He has done. Certainly we are sorry for our sins, but we must not allow shame and guilt to take root in our hearts.”

So many of us are hurting, struggling with past and present sins. One of the toughest things we face is forgiving ourselves so we can move on. Addictions are often the results of our inability to let go of our regrets. GOD LOVES THE ADDICT shows us how through Jesus Christ, we can do exactly that.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of GOD LOVES THE ADDICT, even if you don’t struggle with an obvious addiction. It will change your life. I look forward to reading IT IS FINISHED! Steps out of condemnation and into the completed work of Christ, and THE PROMISE OF A SOUND MIND, God’s plan for emotional and mental health, by Eddie Snipes.

 

 

 

WE WERE US - RESTLESS ROAD AND RACHEL POTTER

A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS, A NOVELLA COLLECTION by KAREN WITEMEYER, MARY CONNEALY, RENINA JENNINGS, CAROL COX

Title: Match Made in Texas

Author: Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Carol Cox
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 7, 2014)
Pages: 384

Novellas are not my preference in reading, but if one of my favorite authors is part of a collection in a book, then I’m all in. That is the only way I’d purchase one. Yet I have to say it can have a benefit, and that being every now and again I’m introduced to an author I have yet to have read, and enjoy.

THE COWBOY UNMATCHED by KAREN WITEMEYER

To date, I have read every book KAREN WITEMEYER has written. She is the reason for requesting A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS - without hesitation, I might add. If you have not read the previous novels about the Archer brothers, you simply much. After reading the first, I couldn’t wait to read about the remaining clan.

Though THE COWBOY UNMACHED was not long enough – novella rarely are – MS WITEMEYER did an amazing job. A novella is one of the hardest things to write, to be able to accomplish a complete story that is believable. As the case with all of MS WITEMEYER’S stories, the writing is beyond great, the characters fully developed, believable, and likeable. Maybe a more accurate word then “likeable” would be in love with the hero, and thoroughly enjoy the heroine. The storyline is believable and captivating. She does an amazing job of bringing a story with so few words, to life. If I had to name a weakness, it would be that it left me wanting more.

Neill Archer comes faced to face with a shotgun when he answers a mysteriously ad left in his Bible while attending service. The old widow he expects to find in need of help is not what he anticipates.

Clara Danvers isn’t about to trust any man, and that includes the one who showed up on her doorstep, claiming to answer an ad in the paper she has no recollection of placing. When she discovered that an undisclosed person sent the man to repair her roof at their cost, she doesn’t have much choice but to allow him to do so. 

AN UNFORESEEN MATCH by REGINA JENNINGS

Reading an authors work for the first time can be either a disaster or blessing. If not for making the decision to read A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS because of one of my favorite authors, I may not have encountered REGINA JENNINGS writing. MS JENNINGS style is what I seek. Her pace and storyline are well done. The hero was a bit standoffish, hard to warm up to in the beginning, but a great character just the same. I love the storyline, unique and captivating. MS JENNINGS did a wonderful job with the realism of the romance blossoming over a short period. My only complaint would be it ended too suddenly, yet that’s expected with a novella.

Clayton Weber’s past has shaped him into a man that prefers to keep to himself. He slipped into Dry Gulch, Texas, with no intentions of staying much longer then to meet his current need and move on. When a mysterious ad lands in his hands, it’s an answer to his prayers for a chance to earn some money so he can be on his way.

Grace O’Malley’s life is turned upside down, as her eyesight begins to decline. Left with limited vision, knowing that will soon be taken away, she has no choice but to leave the job she loves and move into seclusion. What she doesn’t expect, is to encounter a man who is willing to love her in spite of her failing sight.

NO MATCH FOR LOVE by CAROL COX

CAROL COX is another author I may not have had the pleasure of reading if not for the collection of novellas in A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS. Her writing is wonderful. The plot intriguing. I loved the characters storyline, though I would have liked a deeper point-of-view for both the hero and the heroine. The romance was not as believable as in the previous two stories, one of the greatest challenges of pulling off a novella.

Lucy Benson, is left with only a few dresses after her father passes away, taking with him everything they owned. With her best friend about to marry, it’s time Lucy moves on. An ad for a live-in companion for an elderly widow seems to be an answered prayer.

Andrew Simms mothers mind appears to be failing. With his own business taking off, he needs someone to watch over her on the ranch. Little does he expect that person to be a beautiful, refine woman. One who can’t brew a pot of tea.

SPOILER ALERT – kind of.

MEETING HER MATCH by MARY CONNEALY

Again, I’ve been introduced to a “new” author in reading A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS. Before reading MEETING HER MATCH, I had not read any of MS CONNEALY’s writing.  She has woven a unique story, with interesting characters.

Hannah Taylor, unbeknownst to others, has been meddling in their lives.  Yet, in good a way. After all three parties married as a result of her interfering, she never imagined that the tables would turn, and she would be a “victim” of a matchmaking scheme.

Marcus “Mark” Whitfield, shy banker, is anything but graceful when it comes to being in the presence of Hannah Taylor. She has no idea his feeling for her, and not able to put them into words, what does he do? - He kisses her. 

FAMILY LESSONS BY ALLIE PLEITER

Title: Family Lessons (Love Inspired Historical)

Author: Allie Pleiter
Publisher: Love Inspired (April 2, 2013)
Pages: 288

I have read just about every book ALLIE PLEITER has written. If I were asked her strongest attributes, it would have be plot and witty lines.

With eight orphan children yet to be placed, Holly Sanders fears for their lives as bandits attempt to rob the train they are on, bound for Evans Grove, Nebraska.

Sheriff Mason Wright is alerted to a situation on the train by a young boy. When Mason discovers the beautiful Holly Sanders is right in the midst of a robbery, his heart drops to the pit of his gut.

With the trauma of the train robbery behind them, Holly works to place the remaining orphans in Evans Grove. Will she be able to find each of them the loving home they deserve, or will they be sent to the last scheduled town - or worse - back to where their journey began?

MS PLEITER is known for her brilliant storylines, deep and meaningful, if nothing else, unique. FAMILY LESSONS started out with a bang, right in the heart of the drama. As the story unfolded, we get to know the characters. I especially loved Mason’s story, and the connection to the orphan boy’s history, Liam.

Every part of a story is important, and the ending is no exception. A writer can have everything right up until the point of the conclusion, but if they don’t get it right, it can diminish everything before. This was not the case with FAMILY LESSONS. MS PLEITER did an amazing job wrapping up the story. Heartwarming in a way that will have you cheering for the characters.

SHOW ME A SIGN by SUSAN MIURA

Title: Show Me A Sign

Author: Susan Miura

Publisher: OakTara (October 14, 2013)

Pages: 144

Several years ago, my teenage daughter got me hooked on YA (young adult fiction). Since then I've been repeatedly blown away by not only the content of the stories, but the writing, and SUSAN MIURA'S, SHOW ME A SIGH, is no exception.

Right from the start, I was drawn in. I love MS. MIURA'S voice, her humor, and her spot on accuracy to capturing a male teen character. I'm a mother of four, three girls and a boy, and it's not uncommon when reading a novel that I cringe when an authors secondary character is a child of any age. More times than not, they were not successful in capturing the true essence of a kid, whether that be a two-year old or a seventeen-year old.

Nathan Bolivan attends a high school for the hearing as well as the non-hearing. He's had his eyes on Haylie Summers, who's both beautiful and deaf. His excitement of their upcoming first date is quickly turned upside down when he discovers Haylie has gone missing ... and he's a suspect.

Haylie Summers is abducted, tie-up, and blindfolded. Frighten, and not able to hear her captors only adds to her uneasiness. As she remains imprisoned, she wrestles with the answers to the questions swarming around in her head. Why is she being kidnapped, and by whom? Would she make it out alive, or would she never see her family and friends, again?

SHOW ME A SIGN is wonderfully handled in first person between the two main characters. There's just the right amount of suspense, mystery, love, humor, and faith all wrapped up into a believable and powerful story. The flow is natural, with a captivating pace and plot. The humor is refreshing, the characters are three-dimensional, and the writing brilliant.

Though I enjoyed all of the characters, I'd have to say that aside from Nathan, his best friend Alec, is my favorite. He's fun and likeable. MS. MIURA did an incredible job incorporating a teen British boy. With the One Direction craze going on in the teen world today, her timing could not have been better. I loved the interaction between Nathan and Alec. Natural, funny, and entertaining.

Start to finish, there wasn't one thing I'd change in SHOW ME A SIGN. As an aspiring author, I tend to edit as I read. A true sign to a brilliant storyteller is the ability to incorporate all the aspect of what goes into writing a great story, and that MS. MIURA has accomplished. I may be long past my teen years, but you can bet I'll be looking for her next book.

THE CHRISTMAS BOX by RICHARD PAUL EVANS.

Title: The Christmas Box

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 9, 2012)

Pages: 87

Before I purchase or read a book that I purchased on a whim, I go to Amazon and read a few reviews. Typically, a couple of the five star as well as the one star reviews, getting a feel for both spectrums. The few negative/one star reviews that I read for THE CHRISTMAS BOX, didn’t deter me. Why they believe the book to not be good wasn’t concerning enough. The second thing I do is go inside the book and read a few paragraph to get a feel for the authors writing style.

If there was ever a book I was glad to have not been swayed by the bad reviews, it’s THE CHRISTMAS BOX by RICHARD PAUL EVANS. Wow! One would think it much easier to write a novella, but when in fact it’s harder. With a full-length novel, you have pages of words to convey your story. With a novella, not so much. It takes a skilled writer to pull off a novella that contains all the elements required to make a great story, and that’s exactly what RICHARD PAUL EVANS has accomplished in this wonderful short story.

Richard works hard to keep his family afloat with a shared business, while his wife cares for their soon-to-be four-year old daughter, Jenna. When his wife Keri spots an ad in the newspaper for a live-in family to make a lonely widow - Mary Perkins - meals, along with doing a few odd jobs, they are quick to apply, having outgrown their cramped apartment.

Richard and his family are quickly welcomed into Mary’s home where they soon become a family. There are secrets discovered in the attic, and even greater lessons to be learned.

THE CHRISTMAS BOX will keep your interest, wanting to read the next page before you’ve completed the one your reading. It will capture your heart, your soul, make you smile, and make you weep.

As I began to read THE CHRISTMAS BOX, I didn’t have high hopes for a well-rounded story with only 87 TINY pages. I certainly didn’t expect to be in awe of MR EVANS writing. But that’s exactly what happened. The way he strings words together with brilliant descriptions that flow naturally, is nothing short of amazing. RICHARD PAUL EVANS storytelling is of one that I will not only be reading to learn the craft of writing, but seeking out his future novels.

THE FIREMAN’S HOMCOMING by ALLIE PLEITER

Title: The Fireman’s Homecoming

Author: Allie Pleiter

Publisher: Love Inspired (May 21, 2013)

Pages: 224

When I discovered the first book in the Gordon Falls series by ALLIE PLEITER, FALLING FOR THE FIREMAN, I knew I’d be reading the series. A story about a black sheep son, THE FIREMAN’S HOMCOMING didn’t disappoint. If I had to choose between the Gordon Falls books thus far, I’d say THE FIREMAN’S HOMCOMING is my favorite.

Clark Bradens moves back to his hometown after years away to take over his father’s position as fire chief. One may think it was joyfully handed to him, but having been the town’s bad boy, Clark finds himself needing to win over the residence.

Melba Wingate left her life in Chicago to move back to the town she grew up in so she could be there for her ailing father. Believing her biggest hurdle was dealing with her father’s failing health, she is shocked by a secret she discovers. A secret that threatens everything she knows, along with the growing attraction to the town’s former bad boy, Clark Bradens.

If there’s one thing I can count on in a ALLIE PLEITER book, its humor. Not only are they well written, with a wonderful plot, she comes up with so many great lines she’ll have you shaking your head, wondering how she manages to do so.

MS PLEITERS ability to write both historical and contemporary is remarkable. However, I must confess I have a strong fondness for her historical.

THE FIREFIGHTER’S MATCH is the next in the Gordon Falls series and next on my list to read.

RESTLESS ROAD - ROAR