Review: The Rancher Takes a Bride by Brenda Minton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

His Secret Daughter

Duke Martin is a father! The former army medic is stunned when old love Oregon Jeffries tells him the news. Given his troubled past, the hardworking rancher and diner owner understands why Oregon kept his daughter a secret for twelve years. But now Duke desperately wants to make up for lost time. As he sets out to be a true father to Lilly, he soon realizes his feelings for Oregon are growing stronger. When Oregon's health falters, he's ready to care for her and prove that he's worthy of her love. Could this be Duke's second chance with the woman he never should have let get away?

My Review

I'm not a big fan of the secret baby trope, but I think the author did this one right! The story jumps right into action with a car accident, and we learn about the characters along the way through their thoughts and reactions. I just loved each of them and especially the chemistry that flares between Duke and Oregon. It's interesting how they were simply neighbors and acquaintances until Lily's injury provides the impetus to change everything. Duke warms up to the idea of having a daughter and family quickly, and it's Oregon that struggles to adjust to having another adult in her daughter's life. She's so independent and there is a theme of having faith that God is aware of us and our circumstances, that we are not alone, even when we feel that way. Duke learns to turn back to God as he finds support from Oregon in coping with his post-traumatic stress symptoms. I loved how the community and Duke's family embraces Oregon and Lilly and draws them in. It was a really feel-good story!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Martin's Crossing series . . .

Review: Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

One good scandal deserves another...

Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.

Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.

Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.

And that he would do almost anything to claim it.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.

It is also part of the Supposed Scandal series.

My Review

This author has the wonderful skill of writing characters that come to life with mannerisms and personality! I loved Taft and Alix together, and they way they choose to get used to each other, with open honesty and hope for the future. Their relationship becomes unexpectedly fun! All the small moments build into a strong friendship and romance as they find compromises and support each other. I think my favorite moments were when Taft realizes that he wants to be a father and Alix sees how amazing of a father he will be with her son. A perfectly delightful marriage of convenience with witty banter and lovely romance!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Supposed Scandal series . . .

Review: Wagon Train Reunion by Linda Ford

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Second-Chance Courtship

Abigail Black had no choice but to break Ben Hewitt's heart years ago. Her parents had picked another, wealthier groom. Now widowed and destitute, she's desperate to leave her old life behind. The wagon-train journey to Oregon is full of dangers, but she'll face anything--even Ben--for a fresh start.

Ben knows better than to trust Abby again. Between her family's snobbery and his family's protectiveness, avoiding her should be easy. Yet he's still moved by Abby's sweetness and beauty…along with a sadness and strength he never noticed in her before. Forgiving past wrongs would be a struggle--but the hardest struggle would be letting Abby go once more.

Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail 

My Review

I typically enjoy wagon train stories- I love the pioneering spirit of those who crossed the plains in search of new opportunities. The characters in this book are strong, but conflicted. Ben is one of the leaders of the wagon train, but finds himself distracted by his former love and her family. He rehashes over and over again in his mind why she rejected him and how he is over her and needs to avoid her. His sister Rachel worries about him being hurt by Abby again- and is extremely repetitive on this point. Abby seems to know her own mind but feels guilt over her twin brother's death, and punishes herself by bowing to her tyrant mother's demands. She constantly thinks about her regret for rejecting Ben and obeying her mother to marry for money, only to discover the cruelty of her husband. I liked the characters, but the repetition of their thoughts and narrative bogged down the pace and made me lose interest.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: An Amish Harvest by Patricia Davids

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Nursing His Heart

When Amish carpenter Samuel Bowman is injured in an accident, he fears he'll never see again. He's always provided for his family—and now that it's harvest season, the Bowmans are needed in the fields, not at his bedside. So when a young Amish widow becomes his nurse, Samuel expects Rebecca Miller to make his life easier. But his caregiver is bossy, outspoken and challenges him to move on with his life. Though Samuel's sight is in question, he can plainly see the woman he's come to care for won't let herself love again. Now it's Samuel's turn to heal her heart.

My Review

I've added a new author to my favorites list! I loved the way we got to know Rebecca and Samuel, with their strong personalities, flaws, and heartaches. Rebecca would rather laugh than cry, and finds great fulfillment in being a caretaker. I could understand Samuel's despair as he recovers from painful burns and waits to see if his sight will return, while worrying over the effect the accident is having on his family's livelihood. Rebecca challenges him in just the way he needs, which also provides entertainment for his family and the reader ;) Rebecca is facing pressure to marry again, but her fear of loss is overwhelming. I felt like she was able to hide from the future in serving others, because her jobs are temporary and she isn't committed to anything long term. The members of Samuel's family are quite likeable, even Samuel as he becomes stronger and begins to find happiness again. I liked the way their romance unfolded slowly as they experienced each other at their worst and best and everything in between. I loved their scenes together by the river where they were the most genuine. I grew just as attached to the Bowmans as Rebecca, and I can't wait to read more in the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in The Amish Bachelors series . . .

Review: The Lawman Returns by Lynette Eason

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

DANGEROUS HOMECOMING

Deputy Clay Starke has come home to Wrangler's Corner for one reason only: to solve his brother's murder. Denied the official resources that will help him unravel the case, Clay is forced to rely on his wits—and on the help of beautiful social worker Sabrina Mayfield. But Sabrina's willingness to assist him soon draws her into the troubles of Clay's past. Now both Clay and Sabrina have targets on their backs, and Clay is at risk of losing not only his heart, but also his life. Will finding his brother's killer cost him the woman he has come to love?

Wrangler's Corner: Family comes first

My Review

I've always been impressed with this author's writing, and this Love Inspired Suspense was just the right level of thrill for me. Clay and Sabrina begin working together when the teen she is searching for leads her to evidence in the murder of Clay's brother who was Sabrina's good friend. Sabrina's focus on the children in her stewardship keeps her investigating even when her own life is in danger. There are plenty of hair-raising situations along with quieter moments where Clay and Sabrina grow closer as they develop trust and realize their growing attraction. I loved getting to know the family members of both as well as community members they interacted with. I was drawn right into the story and was kept riveted all the way through to the end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Wrangler's Corner series . . .

Review: Seasoned with Love by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She’s not looking for a relationship, only to grow her career. And he's solely focused on raising his young daughter. Nothing can turn his head, until he meets Cara Prosper.

Cara Prosper has tried and failed at romance, so it's better to focus on what she can do well. Cook. When she's hired to cook for an elite holiday event at a ranch in Wyoming, her childhood memories rise up again. Family has always been important to her, but it's never been everything. After meeting big shot film producer, Roman De Marco, she discovers that first impressions can be dead wrong. And Roman might be exactly what she's been missing.

My Review

I loved the great chemistry between Cara and Roman! For these two, there's no quicker way to the heart than through food and children ;) Really, their experiences with Roman's daughter are what show the deeper aspects of their personalities and provide a foundation for their attraction. Cara is a genuine person, and her connection with his daughter helps him realize the importance of her influence. The job is temporary, however, and Cara has important opportunities waiting for her. It was a pleasure reading their developing romance and seeing how they overcame the obstacles in their way. I loved the holiday setting in Wyoming and the magical sense it brought. Another sweet story in the Prosperity Ranch series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Prosperity Ranch

About the Author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret. 

 

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Review: Grace on the Mountain Trail by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This epic journey is her last hope to find her lost brother—the only family she has left.

When Lola Carson’s father died, his last words spoke of a half-brother she’d never known about. And now, to claim her own inheritance and come to terms with her father’s secret life, she must find this mysterious man—whose last known whereabouts are somewhere west of the wild Rocky Mountains. After hiring family friends to accompany her on the trek, she sets out for a wilderness few white women have ever seen. She doesn’t expect the majestic peaks to captivate her so, nor the half-dead brave they find on one of the slopes.

White Owl left his village and his broken heart behind when he set out for fresh start. His newfound faith is the one anchor in his life. He’s desperate to learn more about the God he’s committed to follow and become an interpreter for the missionaries who led him to faith. But he barely starts his journey when a hunting accident nearly kills him. The woman who discovers him in the midst of his fevered delirium seems to be a gift from above.

But the more White Owl learns about Lola’s companions and her dangerous quest, the more he realizes his own calling is clear—to take her safely to her brother. The question is, will he have to sacrifice more than his heart to accomplish that goal?

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.

My Review

I was glad to be able to read White Owl's story after he had been rejected by Watkuese in the previous book. He has a gift of discernment, and senses that all is not right with Lola's situation. He knows where to locate her half-brother, giving him the opportunity to remain with the group as their guide and provide protection and support for Lola. I admired her tenacity in seeking out her brother despite her conflicted feelings. Naturally the wilderness presents several obstacles along their journey, and true to the author's style, this group does not reach their destination without their share of danger, injury, and faith-building experiences. I enjoyed the closeness that Lola and White Owl develop, especially with their faith in common. The original group of travelers has expanded quite a bit as the series has progressed, and it was special to see one of the original members unite with their family.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Call of the Rockies series . . .