Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Review: More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer


Heidi Reads... More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?


My Review

I love when an author can draw me right into the story and setting and make me feel like I'm there! Evie's background as an orphan on the orphan train is tragic, yet she uses her trials to strengthen her faith and stays optimistic. She has such a fun and funny personality, it was a pleasure to read about her mannerisms and special way of warming up even the most recalcitrant cowboy. Her insecurities about her eyes and the way many of the townspeople respond to her difference sharply contrasts with the young woman that Logan gets to know, and he provides encouragement and support. Logan has his own spiritual journey as he struggles with the concepts of justice and vengeance, and his blossoming relationship with Evie. I liked seeing the interactions between Logan and Evie's overprotective brothers and the way they slowly began to trust each other. The discovery of an abused young woman shakes up the plot and adds mystery and danger as Logan and the siblings protect her and themselves against a ruthless and conniving villain. Secrets, family loyalty, and romance all complicate the decisions Logan and Evie have in front of them, and I was completely immersed in the story the whole time. Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Review: Waiting For You by Heather B. Moore


Book Four in the Pine Valley series . . .

https://amzn.to/2HXukHm

My rating:5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Gwen Robbins loves her job waitressing at the Pine Valley resort restaurant, and as a single woman, she has no trouble turning down any offers of dates from the restaurant patrons. Even when her boss, Seth Owens, shows interest in her, she’s not tempted in the least, no matter how strong their attraction.

But when Seth helps her through a crisis, she begins to see him in a different light. He’s not the rich and privileged business owner she first makes him out to be, but a man who’s making huge sacrifices to follow his own dreams. As Seth encourages Gwen to mend her own divide with her family, she realizes her heart is slowly opening toward a better future.


My Review

I'm with Gwen- not a fan of the spoiled frat boy type. Thankfully, she's wrong about Seth and gracefully acknowledges her mistake when she realizes that he's sacrificing to make his own way and is generous and compassionate. It was entertaining watching him prove her wrong with incredible patience. They had great chemistry that was fun as well as passionate and I enjoyed their playful moments, especially in the kitchen ;) They each have issues with their parents, and it was interesting to see how they encouraged each other to make amends and develop a stronger relationship with them... even if it came with sacrifice. I love contemporary romance with depth in the characters and themes, and this one fits the bill!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't miss the other books in the Pine Valley series . . .

(They are all stand alone novels and can be read in any order)

Book One
Heidi Reads... Worth the Risk by Heather B. Moore


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Synopsis

When Alicia moves back to Pine Valley to help her mom through a serious addiction, the last person she wants to see is her teenage crush, Jeff Finch, who destroyed their friendship in one single disastrous night. But Alicia is determined to not let anything about Jeff affect her, especially since she hasn’t seen him in ten years. All she knows is that he’s living a successful and charmed life, and she is more than happy to keep anything between them in the past. But when he shows up with a date at the restaurant where she works, Alicia realizes she’s still not over her feelings, and Jeff is definitely looking at her in a way he never has before.

Book Two
Heidi Reads... Where I Belong by Heather B. Moore


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Jane Morris makes a living by cleaning the houses of the wealthy residents of Pine Valley, and she tries hard not to judge their extravagant lifestyles. But when one of her clients goes through a devastating breakup with his fiancé, Jane finds herself in the middle of his emotional mess. She wants to help him, but Cameron Vance is a man she could easily lose her heart to. Jane agrees to be his date to the charity event of the year, organized by Cameron’s mother. But the magical night shows Jane that if she’s a Cinderella, then Cameron is definitely a candidate for Prince Charming.
 
Book Three
Heidi Reads... Say You Love Me by Heather B. Moore
  

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Synopsis

Clara Benson is not looking for a relationship, especially not after her losing her teaching position, followed by a disastrous breakup with her fiancé, and the sudden death of the grandma who raised her. In fact, Clara picks up and moves to escape her mess of memories. She hopes that Pine Valley will be the perfect place to heal from heartache.

When she meets her boss’s lawyer, Dawson Harris, Clara can’t deny her attraction. But she’s determined to choose herself, and her healing, over a guy who might be charming, attractive, and oh, so appealing. Easy, right? But when Dawson becomes the one person who can straighten out her mess, she realizes that finding herself doesn’t have to be mean losing Dawson.


Friday, June 8, 2018

Review & Giveaway: A Cowboy of Convenience by Stacy Henrie


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2LdZXfVA Cowboy of Convenience
(Sheridan Sweethearts #2)
By Stacy Henrie
Inspirational Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
June 1st 2018 by Love Inspired Historical

Groom by Agreement

A real home--it's what Vienna Howe dearly wants for her young daughter. Yet the ramshackle property she just inherited hardly qualifies. She can't afford the repairs--until foreman West McCall suggests they start a dude ranch together. For propriety's sake, they'll need a marriage in name only...a practical solution for two wary hearts.

Years ago, West convinced Vienna to marry a man of means, never realizing how cruel her husband could be. Guilt-ridden, he intends to secure the lovely widow's future. But despite his reluctance to get close to anyone, this union might do more than fix Vienna's ranch. It could open the door to a warm, loving future...


My Review

There is a wonderful sense of anticipation throughout the book as we wait for West and Vienna to work up the courage to share their deepening feelings with each other. This is a lovely marriage of convenience story because they are already good friends with each other and have several years of built up trust behind them. They work together well as they build the neglected ranch into a dude ranch that wealthy easterners will pay good money to come visit and experience the western way of life. The conflict comes from their hesitation to risk their hearts to love again and the possibility of rejection if they share their feelings. As time goes by they have experiences, some frightening, that build a foundation of love that keeps growing stronger. I loved the setting and characters, especially cute Hattie and Vienna's friend Maggy from the previous book in the series.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)


Other Books in the Series

https://amzn.to/2Lfg4KaThe Rancher's Temporary Engagement
(Sheridan Sweethearts #1)
By Stacy Henrie
Inspirational Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
February 1st 2018 by Love Inspired Historical

Undercover Fiancée

The Pinkerton agent that Edward Kent hired is intelligent, capable—and unexpectedly female! Though shocked to learn that Maggy Worthing will be investigating the threats to his Wyoming horse ranch, Edward needs to find the culprit. And if that means a temporary engagement to give Maggy a cover story, he’ll play along with the feisty detective.

Maggy always gets her man—at least when it comes to solving crimes. The young widow refuses to marry again and land under another husband’s thumb. Unmasking Edward’s enemies will earn her a longed-for promotion…but the heart has its own mysteries. Could working together with the handsome English aristocrat spark a real and loving partnership?


About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.


Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)
- 1 winner will receive a signed print copy of THE RANCER'S TEMPORARY ENAGEMENT (US only)
- Ends June 13th





Thursday, June 7, 2018

Review & Giveaway: Where Trains Collide by Amber Stokes




Heidi Reads... Where Trains Collide by Amber Stokes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

*Only 99 cents!*

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Synopsis


Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s reappearance in her life only complicates matters and sparks difficult questions.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life’s best destination.



My Review

I love a spontaneous adventure, but the main character in this book sure doesn't! That doesn't stop her from escaping for a quick getaway to visit her brother and friend when life becomes too much. We get to know her as she departs and even more when she encounters her boyfriend from three years ago. I thought it was interesting that we learned some of her flaws and his through their interactions on the train and at their destination, but also why they worked so well together. I liked how the book showed the importance of maturing during those young adult years when it's time to make life decisions. Even the absence of making a decision is a decision in itself. Reading this book made me think back on my college days and wonder a few what if's. The author captured not only the anxiety of that season but also the high emotions that accompany romantic relationships. A quick read but with many lovely moments!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


About the Author

Amber Holcomb (Stokes) is an indie author and freelance editor living below the majestic mountains of Montana with her adventurous husband. Previously, she worked in marketing for a Christian publisher for nearly three years. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and now fuels her work with words in this new season of life.

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

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Giveaway!

In celebration of this new novella, enter for a chance to win a $15 Amazon.com gift card! Giveaway is open internationally (to anyone age 18 or older who can receive an Amazon gift card via email). Void where prohibited.

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