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 . . .

 

Review: A Model of Devotion by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A brilliant engineer, Jilly Stiles has been educated since childhood to help run her father's dynasty. Now with the company safe after the marriages of her two sisters, Jilly can focus on her dream of building a mountaintop railroad--and never marry.

Nick Ryder came into Jilly's life when he saved her mother from her no-good stepfather, and he's prepared to protect Jilly from anything that threatens to harm her. Haunted by the pain of his own past, Nick is determined not to get his heart involved while protecting Jilly from losing her hard-won independence.

But when a cruel and powerful man goes to dangerous lengths to make Jilly his own, marrying Nick may be the only way to save herself and her dreams.

My Review

I've really enjoyed this series and how each daughter became empowered through her skills and determination, as well as supporting and receiving support through new relationships and love. While their mother was physically abused by their stepfather, Jilly suffered from emotional abuse which has been alluded to in the first two books. We learn how this has influenced her stance on marriage, especially marriage for convenience. Nick has proven himself a devoted protector of his former boss's family, and received their trust in return. He and Jilly make a good team, continuing to build her father's lumber legacy with the latest developments in rail transportation. As sabotage becomes evident, the danger ramps up and all the daughters with their mother unite to fight back against the threat. I appreciated that Nick and Jilly had more time than her sisters to develop a foundation before diving into a deeper relationship, but I think that was necessary given her issues. I was happy to see healing and success with all the members of the family as the series wrapped up.

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 Lumber Baron's Daughters series

Review: His Amish Sweetheart by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Fondly nicknamed “The Peanut Butter Brothers,” Andrew, Abraham, and Austin Petersheim skillfully run one of Wisconsin’s most cherished family businesses. But their mischievous younger twin siblings have a talent all their own—for matchmaking . . .

Between work and keeping his little brothers out of trouble, Austin Petersheim barely has time to think, much less court the most popular maidel in town. But if he can establish a local market to direct-sell his family’s goods, he’ll stand out as a potential husband. He’s so grateful for the help of his longtime friend, Hannah Yutzy, who has such practical ideas—and is so easy to talk to . . .

While Austin embarks on his plan, his siblings have a plan of their own: to give Austin and Hannah a little nudge to show them they’re made for each other. When their antics wreak havoc with a rival family emporium, Hannah must help Austin set things right. And as she does just that, Austin is stunned to realize his best friend could be his perfect wife. Now he’ll just need the courage and faith to find out if she agrees . . .

My Review

Another matchmaking scheme in the books for young Alfie and Benji, on their quest to get out of the cellar and reclaim a bedroom in the house! These two crack me up with their narrative and way of thinking. Their older brother Austin is in their sights, and this time the twins disagree on who should be the target of his romance. Austin is such an oblivious guy, and often made me cringe as his thoughtlessness hurt Hannah's feelings. It's a tricky time of life, where it's too easy to take friends for granted while figuring out dating and courtship. I loved how Benji sees through the facade and manipulations of Alfie's choice of girl, and Alfie's reaction when he has to eat crow and follow Benji's lead for once. Some angst and drama is woven in as Hannah learns to let Austin go, while Austin learns to appreciate and value Hannah as well as identify who he feels truly devoted to. Andrew, Abraham, the family, and community are entertaining as a strong supporting cast, and I hope we get more stories in this 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.

Don't miss the other books in the Petersheim Brothers series . . .

Review: The Engagement Bargain by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Make-believe betrothal

Rock-solid and reliable, confirmed bachelor Caleb McCoy thought nothing could rattle him--until he discovers he needs to pose as Anna Bishop's intended groom. After saving her life, his honorable code bid Caleb watch over the innocent beauty. And a pretend engagement is the only way to protect her from further harm.

Raised by a single mother and suffragist, Anna doesn't think much of marriage--and she certainly doesn't plan to try it herself. But playing Caleb's blushing bride-to-be makes her rethink her independent ways, because their make-believe romance is becoming far too real...

My Review

The suffragist message and theme was strong in this book, and it was interesting to see how Anna, raised by a borderline militant suffragist mother, could choose her own path while still staying true to the good principles of the movement. It was a journey for her to be removed from her mother's influence and develop her own opinions about friendship, relationships, and romance. I loved her hidden talent with embroidery and the small ways she defied her mother while still seeking her approval in other ways. Caleb's emotions are a bit of a mess, and it was surprising that he had allowed a rather insignificant rejection from his past to have such a long-lasting effect on his trust. I liked seeing him loosen up and give Anna and himself a chance. A great cast of community members- family and friends- rounded out this story in a delightful way.

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.