WINGS OF GLASS by GINA HOLMES

Title: Wings of Glass

Author: Gina Holmes

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (February 18, 2013)

Pages: 400 

When I spot a book with the name GINA HOLMES on it, I don't hesitate. I purchase it. WINGS OF GLASS is the third book I've read by MS HOLMES, and it won't be the last. Each one takes me on a journey, and heightens my ambition to write.

Penny Carson is young, naïve, and broken, when Trent Taylor enters her life. He sweeps her off her feet with the promise of a better life.

Trent is not what he seems to be. He's manipulative, drinks too much, and controlling, like so many men that abuse their wives. He has a past that made him the man he is today, just as Penny has one that allowed her to be in such a relationship.

WINGS OF GLASS is a story that needs to be told. Those that have not been in an abusive relationship can't begin to understand what one goes through. It's so easy for those that have not, to be perplexed why one wouldn't just walk away.

WINGS OF GLASS gives readers a glimpse into the world of an abusive marriage, whether verbal or physical, or a combination of both. MS HOLMES touches on what a wife would go through, as well as the husband and those that have a loved one that's in such a situation. It's so easy for us to point fingers and judge. But what we often don't understand is the story behind the story.

MS HOLMES writing and storytelling never fails. She is a master at stringing words together, and telling a story that will keep readers engaged from the first to the last word.

HER UNFORGETTABLE COWBOY by DEBRA CLOPTON

Title: Her Unforgettable Cowboy

Author: Debra Clopton

Publisher: Love Inspired (April 23, 2013

Pages: 224

What can I say; I’m a huge fan of DEBRA CLOPTON. As soon as I head she was writing HER UNFORGETTABLE COWBOY, I grew very excited, waiting anxiously for its arrival.

Morgan McDermott isn’t please in the least that his father has hired his ex fiancée to temporally fill-in as the teacher for the foster boys on the ranch. No, not one bit.

Jolie Sheridan hadn’t expected to come home to Dew Drop, Texas, and more specifically to Sunrise Ranch. The very place she’d returned her fiancée ring all those years ago. It takes a life threatening accident, but once she’s there, she’s faced with the decision of her past. And a new one that could change the course of her life.

 

HER UNFORGETTABLE COWBOY is the first of a brand new series. I own each and every book written by MS CLOPTON. I have loved the Mule Hollow series, and didn’t doubt that I would enjoy the Sunrise Ranch as well. I can’t wait to read about Morgan’s two other brothers, or any new characters MS CLOPTON introduces through this new series.

WINNING HIM WITHOUT WORDS by LYNN DONOVAN AND DIANEE MILLER

Title: Winning Him Without Words

Author: Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller

Publisher: Regal (February 15, 2011)

Pages: 208

WINNING HIM WITHOUT WORDS by LYNN DONOVAN AND DIANEE MILLER, came to me in a rather unique way. In reading DIANEE MILLER’S book, THE SOUL SAVER, which was amazing, I learned of WINNING HIM WITHOUT WORDS.

WINNING HIM WITHOUT WORDS is a must read for those that are married to a spouse that is a non-believe or one that may believe, yet doesn’t live their life for the Lord. This book is instrumental in bringing peace to those who feel they are alone in a mismatched relationship.

With ten key points to guide you through your mismatched marriage, WINNING HIM WITHOUT WORDS is a great tool for gaining peace, love, acceptance, and purpose. Not only will your marriage be enhanced by this amazing book, so will your life as you learn how you can be instrumental in God’s work in regards to your spouse.

 

There’s even a website for the spiritually unequal married, a wonderful place where you can be encouraged and uplifted at, spiritually unequal marriage dot com. Through WINNING HIM WITHOUT WORDS, I was introduced to another book that has been a tremendous help, BOUNDARIES, by DR HENRY CLOUD and Dr JOHN TOWNSEND.

10 Key points:

1)    Commit to Christian community.

2)    Don’t save your husband, save yourself.

3)    Stay connected to your man.

4)    Discover the essentials to love.

5)    Believe your marriage is blessed.

6)    Trade perfection for authentic.

7)    Pick and choose your battles.

8)    Cherish each new season.

9)    Put on the armor of God.

10) Pray the most dangerous prayer.

You may think you are alone is this big world in regards to being married to one that does not share the same beliefs as you, but it just isn’t so. What a blessing it is to be able to read about others going through the same journey as you.

ONE NIGHT WITH A ROCK STAR, BY CHANA KEEFER

 

Title: One Night With a Rock Star

Author: Chana Keefer

Publisher: Old Barn Press (April 30, 2013)

Pages: 327

 

Wow, I’m not sure where to begin. ONE NIGHT WITH A ROCK STAR by CHANA KEEFER is now on my list of all time favorite books. What an honor and privilege to have read this captivating story.

The prolog had me a little confused, as they often do. I then moved on to the story where I was immediately swept away. There’s something to be said about first person, and MS. KEEFER did an amazing job. The one thing I don’t like about first person is the lack of the hero’s perspective. What MS. KEEFER did in regards to this dilemma was nothing short of amazing. Her writing is brilliant, with many great lines, a real page-turner.

ONE NIGHT WITH A ROCK STAR is county meets rock at its best, with a touch of Cinderella, in a unique and refreshing way. I loved the vast differences of the main characters lives and how Sky was drawn to the innocents of Esther’s world.

The plot is wonderful, with characters that come to life, and will have you falling in love with then. What female hasn’t dreamt of meeting a rock star, and having a relationship with them?

In reading THE END, I was okay with it. It was a good ending. Not great, just good. Good only because it left me feeling as if there should be something more. As I turned from what I thought to be the last page, I was treated to a, P.S. Kind of a mini epilog. Suddenly I needed to go back and reread the prolog. When I did, it brought tears to my eye as the realization hit me.

But if that wasn’t enough, I started to read the excerpt to the sequel. My first thought, what could the author possibly do with a continuation. As I read each page, automatically absorbed into the next story, it happened. I actually gasped. I don’t think I’ve ever experience a glimpse into a sequel as riveting as the one to ONE NIGHT WITH A ROCK STAR.

Hurry up and get here, 2015.

I must find out what happens!

MENDING THE DOCTOR'S HEART, by TINA RADCLIFFE

Title: Mending the Doctor’s Heart

Author: Tina Radcliffe

Publisher: Love Inspired (March 19, 2013)

Pages: 224

I have been a fan of TINA RADCLIFFE’S writing for some time. Her book, THE RANCHER’S REUNION, being my favorite. The characters first encounter is one of the most memorable character moments for me.

 

Dr. Ben Rogers seeks a new job in a new town, in hopes of a new life. Everything seems to be in place. That is until he meets the beautiful Sara Elliott. Dr. Sara Elliott that is. A woman in line for the same position Ben moved to Paradise, Colorado, for. Ben has a heart that needs mending, and though Sara has some things to sort out in her own life, she may be just the person to do it.

Once again, TINA RADCLIFFE has written a story with unique and witty lines. The detail to the medial aspect draws you in, with a few twist and surprises along the way.

 

WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK, by DONALD MAASS

 

Title: Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook

Author: Donald Maass

Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (June 14, 2004)

Pages: 240

 

WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK, by DONALD MAASS, hands down, is one of the best books I’ve read on the craft of writing. Easy to read, with great examples and worksheets.

It’s not only a book that will help you develop your writing skills, but shows you how to write a bestseller, as well as get your proposal past the rejection pile.

A glimpse into what to expect in this amazing book:

·       Building plot layers

·       Creating inner conflict

·       Strengthening voice and point of view

·       Discovering and heightening larger-than-life character qualities

·       Strengthening theme

·       And much more!

I loved the detailed references to several bestselling authors’ novels. By the end of the workbook, I had a good list going of books to read and study.

 

Whether you are a new writer, or one that has been struggling for years, WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK, by DONALD MAASS is the book for you. Make it your next to purchase. You won’t regret it.

THE COWBOY LAWMAN by BRENDA MINTON

Title: The Cowboy Lawman

Author: Brenda Minton

Publisher: Love Inspired (March 19, 2013)

Pages: 224

Here are three known facts:

1)    I absolutely LOVE BRENDA MINTON books.

2)    I’m immediately drawn to anything with a cowboy … and typically love it.

3)    I’m immediately drawn to anything with a lawman.

If you put a cowboy hat and boots on a lawman, in a story written by BRENDA MINTON … well now I’m in Heaven.

I can’t think of a single story by MS. MINTON that I’ve read that I haven’t fallen in love with the hero. That alone says a lot about her ability to weave an amazing story. THE COWBOY LAWMAN was no exception, but a rule to MS. MINTON’S storytelling.

I love the Cooper family, and every character that sets their eyes on a Cooper member. I loved Slade McKennon’s character and his story. I often fall for the hero, but it takes an amazing writer to get me to REALLY like the heroine as well, and MS. MINTON accomplished that, too in this amazing read.

 

Slade McKennon feels it’s his duty to keep Mia Cooper safe. Only problem is, Mia doesn’t need a man to keep her safe. Especially not the handsome lawman she’s known most of her life, and was married to her best friend. She does just fine on her own.

THE COWBOY LAWMAN will have you swooning over Slade McKennon. It’s filled with interesting, three-dimensional characters with a touch of mystery and suspense. Your heart will race and your body tingle as you read the most amazing lines MS. MINTON delivers.

 

As always, BRENDA MINTON has roped me in and taken me away with her storytelling. Once started, you cannot seem to part with it until you have finished the very last word, and even then, you are left wanting more.

I have just one question … When’s the next one due out!!!!!

I feel a “Breeze” coming. Read the book and you’ll get it.

 

 

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN, by PAMELA S MEYERS

Title: Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Author: Pamela S Meyers
Publisher: Summerside Press, an imprint of Guideposts (April 1, 2013)
Pages: 320

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN, by PAMELA S MEYERS, is a good old fashion romance with a touch of mystery, set in 1933. It’s always fun to read a story located in a familiar place, and even more so when it’s one you’ve visited. Though I must admit, my visit as a kid was nothing compared to Meg Alden’s.

Meg Alden works for the town newspaper, and is hoping to gain a spot as a reporter when in waltzes Jack Wallace, dousing any hopes she has for the position. Meg’s not about to let that deter her. When her friend speaks of an opening at a newspaper in California, Meg is willing to start at the bottom and work her way up. At least there, she has a chance of becoming a reporter … doesn’t she?

Jack Wallace’s father thinks he needs to experience a small-town paper before taking over theirs in Chicago. Jack’s immediately drawn to Meg Alden, the woman who works at the said paper his father feels he needs to experience.

Can Jack convince Meg to stay in Lake Geneva? Will Jack go back to the family business in Chicago? And what will happen the opening day of the Riviera!

You didn’t really think I’d reveal any of those answers, did you?

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN is a fun read, taking you back in time. MS MEYERS unique style of writing includes many great lines that will have you smiling. I loved the reference to the Big Bands, taking me back to my childhood, listening to my grandfather talk about the different bands as he watched The Lawrence Welk Show.

Each time I read the words, The Elgin Club, a trill came over me. I was born and raised in Elgin, I wasn’t familiar with it. After reading MS MEYERS book, I searched the internet for The Elgin Club, and was elated to find a website on it.

I just so happen to be going to Lake Geneva this April, and you can bet one of my stops will be at the Riviera. MS MEYERS has definitely captured my attention, drawing me into the era with the Big Bands and all the hoopla around the opening of the grand Riviera.

TO WHISPER HER NAME by TAMERA ALEXANDER

Title: To Whisper Her Name (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel)

Author: Tamera Alexander

Publisher: Zondervan (October 23, 2012)

Pages: 480

Once again, I am at awe of TAMERA ALEXANDER'S writing. Don't let the number of pages intimidate you. TO WHISPER HER NAME will take you on a journey. One you will never want to end, with exquisite writing, an amazing storyline, and three-dimensional characters, both in the main as well as the secondary characters. It is packed full of great lines that won’t disappoint.

With nowhere to go, and her reputation ruined by her late husband, Olivia Aberdeen arrives at Belle Meade Plantation as a guest of her deceased mother's good friend, "Aunt" Elisabeth. If truth were told, Olivia’s Aunt's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, is not too keen on the idea.

Ridley Cooper, a Southern man who chose to fight for the Union, finds himself at the Belle Meade Plantation, seeking knowledge of training thoroughbreds. He doesn't expect to stay long, but with encouragement from General Harding, Ridley's short stay extends to a year. Not that he minds. In fact, getting to know Olive has made his decision to leave harder then he could have imagined.

Ridley has a secret he has vowed not to reveal. Olivia has scars from an abusive marriage, and is determine to not marry again. Only time will tell if they both can overcome their past in order to have a future.

 

TO WHISPER HER NAME is filled with a touch of history, adding to the rich plot. A glimpse into what slaves endured, as well as faith, woven in a subtle, yet powerful way. Each character comes to life with their own story. How could one not fall in love with Ridley and Olivia.

 Make sure to check out the book trailer, along with a short video of MS ALEXANDER’S at Belle Meade, with a peek into the history behind the Plantation.

 

BOUNDARIES: WHEN TO SAY YES, WHEN TO SAY NO – TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE by DR HENRY CLOUD AND JOHN TOWNSEND

Title: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No-To Take Control of Your Life
Author: Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend
Publisher: Zondervan (2002)
Pages: 304

DR HENRY CLOUD has been a guest speaker at my church on more than one occasion over the years. He’s an amazing speaker, and seems like a genuinely nice guy. When I heard about BOUNDARIES: WHEN TO SAY YES, WHEN TO SAY NO – TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE by DR HENRY CLOUD AND JOHN TOWNSEND, I decided to purchase it.

I’m sorry to say I let it sit on my bookshelf for some time before finally reading it. Once I got started, I quickly realized what a treasure I’d stumbled upon. There’s so much good stuff packed into 304 pages, I can’t begin to cover it all. I will say that I have more dog-eared paged in BOUNDARIES, then I do in any other book I’ve ever owned.

I didn’t realize I had boundaries issues until I read this book. There wasn’t a chapter I didn’t get something out of it or couldn’t connect with. I had thought about skipping the section on “Boundaries and Work”, since I’m no longer in the work field. I would have missed out if I had. It was a real eye opener to when I had worked, and packed with wonderful information if I ever decided to return to working.

Boundaries are needed in all parts of our lives including, our family, friends, spouses, kids, and those we work with. We as individuals need to set our own boundaries as well. To not do so would only be cheating oneself. We also need to recognize that God has boundaries as well.

BOUNDARIES will teach you all you need to know about boundaries in all aspects of your life, and how to apply them properly. I love the reference to Christianity, but even if you’re not a believer, I highly recommend this book.

My copy of BOUNDARIES is filled with highlights, parentheses, and astericks. If I had to pinpoint the most valuable piece of information I took away, it would have to be in a paragraph on page 89.

“What you can do is influence others. But there is a trick. Since you cannot get them to change, you must change yourself so that their destructive patterns no longer work on you. Change your way of dealing with them; they may be motivated to change if their old ways no longer work.”

What amazing advice. How often do we gripe and groan about others? How often do we try to change others, whether in the way they act or what they say? And more importantly … how often do our efforts have a positive result? On page 89, BOUNDARIES teaches us that we are the ones that need to make a change, and by doing so, we may be instrumental in changing other’s life.

I can’t even begin to guess how many people I’ve recommended this wonderful book too, packed full of knowledge for every person, written in a way that anyone can grasp. It’s a book that will remain in my home indefinitely.

THE COWBOY’S HEALING WAYS by BRENDA MINTON

Title: The Cowboy’s Healing Ways

Author: Brenda Minton
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 22, 2013)
Pages: 224

I can’t help it, every time I spot a BRENDA MINTON book at the store I get excited. If I’m currently reading a book, I have to fight not to stop reading that one, and read MS MINTON’S instead.

One thing I can be sure of when I open up to the first page of a BRENDA MINTON book, I’m going to be swept away. Swept away in an amazing story with characters that I will fall in love with and wish I could walk into their world.

Laura White is down on her luck when she’s driven off the road by a sweet, elderly woman. When her handsome grandson comes to the rescue, Laura doesn’t trust him as much as he is leery of her. He may be a doctor, but the caring man has the potential to break her heart. Something she’s experienced one too many times. 

Jesse Cooper isn’t happy that his grandmother is so willing to take in a stranger. One that seems to be hiding something. In time he discovers not only is Laura to be trusted, she just may be the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

I feel like a broken record when reviewing a BRENDA MINTON book. How many ways can I say that I love her writing and the stories she gifts her readers with. Never tired of her novels, as I finish one, I wait with baited breath for the next.

I love Jesse Cooper, just as I have loved the rest of the Cooper men. Sweet and caring come to mind when I think of his character. Laura’s story is refreshingly unique. An ending can make or break a story. THE COWBOY’S HEALING WAYS has one of the sweetest and endearing endings I’ve read.

Bring on another, I’m ready!

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HOME FOR GOOD by JESSICA KELLER

Title: Home For Good

Author: Jessica Keller
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 22, 2013)
Pages: 224

If I was only allowed one word to describe HOME FOR GOOD by JESSICA KELLER, I guess that would have to be “WOW”. If I had not been told so, I would not have believed this to be MS KELLER’S first novel.

Ali Silver’s husband took off before she had the chance to tell him she was carrying his child. Raising a child on her own hasn’t been easy. When Jericho Freed returns after eight long years, Ali isn’t so forgiving.

Jericho isn’t proud of deserting the love of his life all those years ago, but it couldn’t be helped. He wasn’t the man she deserved. After joining the military and getting his life back on track, Jericho returns to the town he grew up in and the woman he left behind. But will she forgive him enough to allow him back into his life?

At only 224 pages and such a great read, I should have finished HOME FOR GOOD quicker than I did. So why didn’t I? The writing was so rich that I felt the need to take my time to absorb each and every word.

Right from the first page I was sucked in. It began with a POW, but it didn’t stop there. It just kept going. Don’t ask me why, but names are important to me. If the characters name isn’t one that I like, it can hinder my reading. If it is one that I adore, then all the better. All that to say that I loved not only the name Jericho, but his character as well. Maybe the word love is a little strong …Nah.

MS KELLER’S did an amazing job with bringing the characters to life, keeping a wonderful pace, moving the story along in a way that kept you from wanting to put it down. I’m not much into mysteries, suspense or thrillers. I loved the subtleness of the suspense and mystery MS KELLER added. Just enough to spice up the story, yet not enough to take away from the romance.

Will I be looking for more by MS KELLER in the future? You can count on it.

WAITING FOR SPRING by AMANDA CABOT

Title: Waiting for Spring

Author: Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2013)
Pages: 400

WAITING FOR SPRING is not the first book I’ve read by AMANDA CABOT. It is however the second in the Westward Winds series. I really liked SUMMER OF PROMISE, but I have to say I loved WAITING FOR SPRING.

Charlotte Harding has secrets that she and her son’s life depend on remaining undiscovered. She may never remarry, but she doesn’t intend to stop living.

Barrett Landry has it all. A woman that is said to be his perfect match, a cattle ranch and a mansion, and is even being recommended to run for senator. When he meets the beautiful Madame Charlotte, he begins to question his decision to ask the woman he’s courting to marry.

It’s not often that I run across an author that I like the first book I read of hers just fine, but when I read another I’m blown away. I read WAITING FOR SPRING slowly, indulging in the magnificent writing. I read it at a quick pace, needing to find out what happens next. The writing is amazing, the storyline intriguing, as the characters leap off the pages. I was taken aback by the countless unique and well written lines.

I loved the hero as well as the heroine, but that’s not all that unusual. But what is is to have so many emotions towards the antagonist. Seriously, I really felt for the man. Then there’s Charlotte’s good friend, Gwen. I was kept guessing what would become of the two. MS CABOT did an excellent job with all the characters, bringing them to life and giving them each their own unique story.

WAITING FOR SPRING is a wonderful romance, filled with suspense, drama, and uniqueness. Having Charlotte’s son blind, added an exclusive addition to the story. I couldn’t help but wonder what a blind child, as well as the parents of such a child, might go through.

WAITING FOR SPRING has convinced me to put MS CABOT on my list of favorite authors. I’ll be looking forward to more stories by her in the future.

NEW AGAIN - BRAD PAISLEY AND SARA EVANS

STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON by CONNIE CAMERON AND JEFF PECK

Title: Stories of Faith & Courage from Prison
Author: Connie Cameron and Jeff Peck
Publisher: God & Country Press (November 9, 2012)
Pages: 464

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON. At 464 pages, this is no small book. It's beautifully put together, making for a great gift or for keepsake to pass down from generation to generation.

STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON by CONNIE CAMERON AND JEFF PECK is a wonderfully inspiring and moving collection of short stories setup as a devotional. Each day you can read a new story that will warm your heart, bring tears to your eyes, encourage you to continue your work in the ministry, or inspire you to become involved in the prison and jail ministry.

Who will enjoy STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON:

-Those that volunteer in the prison and jail ministry.
-Those with a loved one that's incarcerated.
-Those that are incarcerated.
-Those who have been incarcerated.
-Those that work in the prisons and jails.
-Those that know someone that has an incarcerated loved one.
-Those feeling called to prison and jail ministry.

Whether you're familiar with the ministry, curious about it, or know someone that's incarcerated, STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE FROM PRISON won't disappoint.

CHOICES OF THE HEART by LAURIE ALICE EAKES

Title: Choices of the Heart: A Novel (The Midwives)

Author: Laurie Alice Eakes

Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2013)

Pages: 384

CHOICES OF THE HEART by LAURIE ALICE EAKES is a tale of a young woman who is forced to leave the only life she knows to escape a scandal to spare her family. To A life very different from the one she’s use to. Never did she imagine she’d step into the midst of a family feud. Right from the start she is faced with not one, but two men with an eye on her.

CHOICES OF THE HEART is written with realistic characters, true to their upbringing and surroundings. MS. EAKES’ did a brilliant job in the voices of the characters that were raised in the mountains, with a unique plot. 

A DAUGHTER’S REDEMTION by GEORGIANA DANIELS

Title: A Daughter’s Redemption

Author: Georgiana Daniels
Publisher: Love Inspired (December 18, 2012)
Pages: 224

Robyn Warner is willed her father’s property after being estranged from him and her half siblings for several years. The cottages on the property are in dire need of repair. Robyn intends to fix them up herself, but the “handyman” that’s on location when she arrives, doesn’t intend on leaving until the job is finished.

Cabel Sloane is the cop “responsible” for Robyn’s father’s death. Before Dan took his last breath, Cabel made him a promise that Cabel intends to keep. When Cabel meets Dan’s daughter, Robyn, he can’t deny the growing attraction. The fear of her discovering the truth of who he is has him putting it off. Just when she musters up the courage to tell her …

A DAUGHTER’S REDEMTION by GEORGIANA DANIELS has a powerful beginning that will draw you in, as well as a satisfying ending with a few surprises along the way.

ALL IN GOOD TIME by MAUREEN LANG

Title: All in Good Time

Author: Maureen Lang
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (April 1, 2013)
Pages: 400

I’m a huge MAUREEN LANG fan, so it was never in question if I was going to like ALL IN GOOD TIME. I have yet to read one of her novels that didn’t captivate me from the first page to the last.

Dessa Caldwell is on a mission. A mission that not many would believe to be a wise choice, but that hardly mattered to her. God has placed a calling upon her and she means to obey. Only problem is she needs to acquire a loan from Hawkins National Bank. The owner is less than happy to approve her much needed loan for the Pierson House, a refuge for prostitutes.

Henry Hawkins has a secret that has kept him at a distance from others. One he fears will destroy all he’s built over the years. When Dessa Caldwell enters his bank with the intentions of obtaining a loan for a crazy mission she is determined to carry out, Henry is not too pleased when his uncle tricks him into giving her the loan.

I have to say I fell in love with Henry and Dessa, and dare I say for a moment, Mr. Foster. MS. LANG has the most amazing knack for brining to life the characters in her novels that will have you turning the pages, and not wanting to set the book down.

MR. LANG does an amazing job at subtleties. Characters that seep into your heart, and change so gradually and realistically over the course of the book that you feel they are someone you know. Faith is gently sprinkled throughout, never preachy or forced. Just the right amount to get the sense of one’s belief and transformation without feeling as though you just stepped out of a sermon.

The drama and tension is tangible. As a writer, one of the things you are taught is to end your chapters with a hook. MS. LANG certainly has that down. I found it difficult to put the book down, taking me away from my daily duties as I thought, “just one more chapter”.

I loved the unique storyline, and how the ending came together. Once again MS. LANG has produced an amazing story, one that will stay with you for a very long time.



BLOWN AWAY by CARRIE UNDERWOOD

DEATH IN DAHLONEGA by DEBORAH MALONE

Title: Death in Dahlonega

Author: Deborah Malone
Publisher: Lamp Post Inc. (October 21, 2011)
Pages: 132

Trixie Montgomery and her good friend Dee Dee, adventure off to the north Georgia Mountains, to write a historical article for the magazine Trixie works for. It doesn't take long for trouble to start brewing. Dee Dee is caught red-handed holding a bloody pickax over John Tatum. Trixie is bound and determined not to let her good friend take the rap for a murder she is sure Dee Dee didn't do. Trixie will stop at nothing until justice is served.

I'm not a cozy mystery reader. I don't like slapstick comedy. I just can't get into the funny side of something otherwise serious.

Yet ....

DEATH IN DAHLONEGA by DEBORAH MALONE is a terrific read. It's very well written with many comical moments, as well as unique lines. MS. MALONE will have you turning the pages with a mystery that will keep you guessing. If I were a cozy mystery reader, I'd purchase each of MS. MALONE'S novels.

SAFE HAVEN by NICHOLAS SPARKS

Title: Safe Haven
Author: Nicholas sparks
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition (June 26, 2012)
Pages: 432

I’ve only read a few NICHOLAS SPARKS books, and each one was triggered by a movie. Not the typical way I pick out a book to read. The first was A WALK TO REMEMBER. Being one of my all time favorite movies, I just had to read the book to see how it was written. Unfortunately I was disappointed. Not that it wasn’t written well, or a good story, just too different from then the movie.

The next book by MR. SPARKS I read was, DEAR JOHN. I saw the movie trailer, and knew I had to see it. I made the mistake of rushing out to get the book to read beforehand, finishing it the day before I went to see the movie. Once again I was disappointed. They had changed something, in my eyes, something major. I couldn’t get past that. The movie also lacked the emotion the book did (what a surprise). The book was amazing. The movie okay. Perhaps I saw the movie too close to having read the book.

I have THE NOTEBOOK, but have yet to read it. Loved the movie. Have THE LAST SONG, have yet to read it. Loved the movie. I guess you might say I’m a little hesitant to read AND watch something by NICHOLAS SPARKS. If I don’t read a book before watching a movie, the chances of me reading it afterwards is slim. Yet each time I see a great movie like one of MR. SPARKS, I yearn to read the book.

As soon as I saw the trailer for SAFE HAVEN, I knew I’d have to see it. Once again I wrestled with the idea of reading the book first. The writer in me wants to read how a great movie is played out in words. So I did it. I purchased the book and read it. And loved it!

Katie Feldman slips into a small town in North Carolina, hoping to move in unnoticed. All she wants is to live out the rest of her life in peace. Meeting a man is the last thing she has on her mind. She’d doing just fine on her own, and that’s the way she prefers it.

Alex Wheatley is kind hearted and genuine. He’s also a widow and father of two young children. When Katie steps into his quaint family store, he’s immediately intrigued. Not only is she beautiful, she seemed to have a secret. One she isn’t about to let Alex in on.

SAVE HAVEN is definitely going on my list of favorite books. MR. SPARKS is an amazing story teller. I realize number one bestselling authors can get away with just about anything, but as an aspiring fiction author; it kind of annoyed me that he didn’t keep his point-of-views straight. One sentence was one character, and the next another. More than a handful of times I had to go back and reread it to figure out whose point-of-view it was. To the average reader this may not be an issue, but to a writer that has been taught to not head hop/switch POV without indicating doing so with a break, it’s distracting. I have to wonder why such a brilliant storyteller would do so. I admit there are a few times in many story that it might be helpful, but on the whole, it’s not good to do so.

Other then the head hopping, SAFE HAVE is an amazing story. Not a lull in the book, though I could have done without the overly descriptive details at times. I loved both characters, Katie and Alex. I was both surprised and pleased when the story shifted to Katie’s past. The characters were three-dimensional, coming to life off the pages. After seeing the movie trailer, I could only picture the cast from the movie, which wasn’t a bad thing. They fit the profile perfectly … minus their hair color. I really liked how the abusive relationship was played out. It painted a realistic picture of what too many women go through. I have to say, I did feel sorry for Katie’s husband at one point, wondering what happened in his life that caused him to do what he did.

SAVE HAVEN is a fast paced, entraining read that will tug at your heart, and cause your heart to race with a few twists and surprises.

Next on my list from NICHOLAS SPARKS … THE LUCKY ONE. Now on DVD, I’m still deciding whether to read the book before seeing the movie. I guess time will tell.

GOOD TIME by OWL CITY AND CARLY RAE JEPSEN

DIAMONDS IN THE SKY by RIHANA

WHEN CAN I SEE YOU AGAIN by OWL CITY

HEART TO HEART by LURLENE MCDANIEL

Title: Heart to Heart
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Publisher: Ember; Reprint edition (March 13, 2012)
Pages: 224

I didn’t fine HEART TO HEART by LURLENE MCDANIEL, it found me. Due to receiving a gift card to a bookstore I typically don’t shop at - way too expense – I searched for a book to purchase. My oldest daughter introduced me to several YA books. Each one I’ve loved. So much so that I’ve thought of one day writing a YA book myself. So it wasn’t a surprise to find myself searching the YA books at the store.

After reading the back cover of HEART TO HEART, I decided to give it a try, though I’d never read any of MS. MCDANIEL’S Books before. I was immediately drawn into the story. The writing was wonderful, the characters real to life, and the storyline unique and well thought-out.

Kassey Messecheck and Elowyn Eden are close friends. Kassey thought she knew everything about her best friend, so after a fatal car crash, Kassey was surprised to discover Elowyn had checked the donor box on her driver’s license.

Arabeth ST. Clair has lived the latter years of her life lonely and isolated. But all of that was about to change when she receives a call that a donors heart is available. The last thing she expected was to meet the loved ones of the girl who donated her heart.

I highly recommend HEART TO HEART to kids and adults of all ages. There’s a great lesson to be learned from this wonderfully written story. It will tug at your heartstrings and bring you to tear.