Review: Love on the Range by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Wyatt Hunt is temporarily bedridden and completely miserable. Somehow Molly Garner's limited skills have made her the most qualified in their circle to care for Wyatt. But by the time he's healed, she's fed up with him and the whole ungrateful family. For even worse than his grumpiness were the few unguarded moments when he pulled at her heartstrings, and she has long determined to never marry.

Molly gets a job as the housekeeper at Oliver Hawkins's ranch. But really she's with the Pinkertons, spying to find out if Hawkins has abused women and if he's guilty of murder.

Wyatt refuses to let her risk it alone, convincing Hawkins that he's abandoning his own ranch, angered by his two brothers' coming to claim a big chunk of it.

But when another Pinkerton agent gets shot, they realize Hawkins isn't the only danger. The Hunt brothers will have to band together to face all the troubles of life and love that suddenly surround them.

My Review

This is the third book of the Brothers in Arms series, and I would definitely recommend reading them in order. Each book has its own wrap up and conclusion, but the overarching mystery doesn't get solved until this final book. The couples featured in the previous books play important roles in this story as well, so I liked having a good sense of their personalities and what they've been through. 

 

Molly has been in the background a bit- taking care of the house, meals, and doctoring while the others are working the ranch and fighting their enemies. I loved how the author showed her frustration and pent-up anger over her situation and how she dealt with it. Molly comes into her own by attempting to leave the family for an outside job, which provided a real wake-up call to the brothers to realize her needs. Wyatt grows closer to her while recovering and doesn't want her to leave either. I appreciated that their romance was more slow to build than the others, giving them time and space to develop a relationship that is less impulsive and more purposeful. All the while, Cheyenne and Falcon are learning the identities of their mysterious enemies with the help of the Pinkerton agent and Molly and Wyatt's dangerous undercover investigation.

 

The pace of the book is somewhat jerky as the action races forward then slows when the siblings and spouses converse about their discoveries and next plans. Because there is usually a group of them talking things out and disagreeing over some parts, the conversations get a bit tedious, but it also does a great job of showcasing the different personalities and motivations. Kevin's wife Win from the first book carries the spiritual thread as she explored what it means to follow the Biblical admonition to honor your parents when one of them is not making good choices and hurting those he should be showing love to. It's a lesson all the siblings need as they reconcile themselves to the destruction left behind by the man who brought them all together in 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.

The Brothers in Arms series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.

This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.

Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.

My Review

I enjoyed the friendship of Deborah, Callie and the others as they handle the upheaval in their community and lives. This book has all the elements of a cozy mystery, with an Amish setting mingled with their Englisch neighbors. I had read the first book in the series quite a while ago, so it took me some time to sort out all the names and get a feeling for who's who again. It was overwhelming at first with everyone being introduced along with bits about their backstory while new plot threads are simultaneously beginning. Eventually all that settled down and the layers of the story unfolded along with a little romance, which I'm always a fan of!

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 previous books in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series . . .

Review: An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

When Katie Bender's fiance died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn't know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can't afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent--and ultimate--battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.

My Review

The first scenes of the book were exciting with the tornado- Katie rescuing the children and ensuring their safety in the schoolhouse cellar, aided by Seth as he joined them from a nearby field. The heavenly help from the angel Elias was lovely and I liked the way he provided guidance and promptings. When the stress of the aftermath descends, Katie and Seth are snappy and rude to each other, and somehow it doesn't let up, even though they are both attracted to each other and keep feeling the need to help one another. I wasn't feeling their chemistry at all. It was over a third of the way into the book that we learn Elias isn't the only otherworldly character influencing the members of the community- enter the demon Razzen. This is where I began to lose interest. I continued reading to see if the relationship between Seth and Katie would begin to develop past immature jabs, but the plot continued to be hijacked by the paranormal battle between angel and demon with the Amish characters as their pawns. There are some spiritual lessons to be learned but the storytelling style just wasn't my cup of tea.

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: The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart.

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn—unbeknownst to Linnea—to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all—falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

My Review

I love the setting of traveling to Colorado in the 19th century. Linnea is highly intelligent with her botany research, but has a tendency to find herself in dangerous mishaps while in the wilderness- some were humorous but others were more harrowing. Flynn's role of unofficial bodyguard allows for frequent proximity, while driving cattle and exploring the terrain. Of course, his secret arrangement with her father foreshadows the misunderstanding that will inevitably come... I enjoyed this journey and adventure with the McQuaids and getting to know the members in the family more, as well as the complex dynamics between them. I really felt for Flynn with the pressures that are on him, and the expectations that he struggles with. Linnea is also trying to prove herself, but while some accidents can be explained, others cannot, bringing an element of mystery and suspense. The romance was a little too up and down for me, but I did enjoy the spiritual thread of faith woven in.

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 Colorado Cowboys series . . .

Review: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Sophie has spent a lifetime guarding her heart and a long-held secret. It will take all of her courage to speak the truth and embrace the future God has planned for her.

The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.

Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.

They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship.

My Review

The stunning cover first caught my eye with this book. I didn't realize it was the third in the series, and while it can technically be read as a stand alone, I feel like I missed some character development from the previous books since the author referred to Sophie's past and her relationship with the Caldwell's quite a bit. Sophie grew up in the local orphanage and doesn't have good memories there, but has thrived and become skilled in journalism and newspaper printing. I admired her work ethic and her passion for influencing the world for good, especially by advocating for the downtrodden. Sadly I lost interest in the story when the writing style failed to keep me connected to the characters and the plot. There was some foreshadowing of future complex dynamics but the pace was just too slow for me. I think this book would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction and small-town settings.

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.

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired TRADE
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Psychological Thriller with a romance thread

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her. 

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona. Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

EXCERPT

Rhyme easily blended in with the rest of the onlooking crowd.

Asa Kodiak.

The name alone gave him a sour taste on his tongue, but things couldn’t have panned out any better. Kodiak’s new girlfriend was in charge of the crime scene. Not that it would have mattered who had been lead—Kodiak would have been called in once they saw Jenny’s body. Saw the feather.

Asa was right now seeing it. A million thoughts flying through his thick skull—one in particular.

Before the day was out, Kodiak would call for Fiona. Tell her he needed her back in Memphis to work the case, but she’d know that it was Rhyme who had actually beckoned her.

It was time to come home.

To him.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Patch of Hope devotions in her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com. She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent at Books & Such Literary Management. 

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret, Brain Games WHODUNIT:  Solve Crime Scene Puzzles Book, & a Shine cross necklace!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

For Cora Kensington, the Grand Tour was to be the trip of a lifetime. She discovered the family she never knew she had and may have even found the love she longs for in Will. Yet her life has just become infinitely more challenging ...

Hounded by the stubborn pursuit of Pierre de Richelieu and journalists chasing the beguiling story of the newest American heiress, Cora fights to remain true to her past, reconcile her present, and still embrace her future. But as Will struggles with her newfound wealth, Cora begins to wonder if their love is strong enough to withstand all that threatens to pull them apart.

As she glimpses the end of the tour, Cora knows it's time to decide who and what defines her ... and who and what does not.

My Review

Since the books in this series pick up where the previous one left off, I read them all in order one right after the other. And I felt like it was the journey that would never end! The first book is my favorite where we get to know the characters, the intriguing premise of the plot, and begin the travels of the Kensingtons and Morgans. I enjoyed the romance between Will and Cora in the second book, when she decides between Will and Pierre. The internal angst over her identity and relationship with her new family becomes a bit trying, but I appreciated the element of faith that was woven in. This third book left me feeling disconnected from Cora and Will, tired of the little dramas, and began skimming until the plot picked up with some danger and intrigue. The details of the countries and specific locations they visited were interesting at first but I eventually became weary of the descriptions. Overall I enjoyed the story but felt that it would have been more appealing as one or two books. 

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 first two books in the Grand Tour series . . .