Serving Up Love

Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining history.

In Karen Witemeyer's "More Than a Pretty Face," a young woman works her hardest to escape poor choices from her youth. Tracie Peterson offers "A Flood of Love," where reuniting with an old flame after more than a decade offers unexpected results. Regina Jennings's "Intrigue a la Mode" delights with a tale of a young woman determined to help support her family, despite warnings of danger nearby. And Jen Turano's "Grand Encounters" heads to the Grand Canyon with a tale of a society belle intent on finding a new life for herself. 

My Rating: 5 stars

A Flood Of Love

I loved this sweet story of lost loves reunited. Katiann was a perfect addition to the story as a precocious little girl wanting a mama. The flood made for an exciting element and the ending was perfect. Great paced novella. 

More Than A Pretty Face 

I had been looking forward to Rosalind’s story since meeting her character in Karen’s “More Than Words Can Say” from earlier this summer. This story was a perfect happy ending for Rosalind. Caleb was such a strong hero and just what I would have picked for Rosalind’s happily ever after. 

Intrigue A La Mode

What a fun mystery! This story was neat since it had a mystery element, an undercover Pinkerton detective as well as another undercover player. I really liked Willow and Graham and I hope to see Calista get her own story. Fun read!

Grand Encounter

My favorite story in the set! The  humor in Jen’s stories never fail to deliver and that is always my favorite thing about a Jen story. This one has it in spades! The story was sweet and moved well. Jack and Myrtle are great characters and I also enjoyed Walter and Ruthann and the rest of the supporting characters. Perfect story. 

I received this book from one of the authors and was not not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

Deadly Deceit

Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason -- to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth -- and the next big story -- is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called the Watcher force Vivian to fight for answers -- and her life.


My Rating: 4 Stars
Wow, what an exciting book! This mystery was really good and kept me guessing. I loved all the Marvel references, they made for a fun added bonus to the story. I also enjoyed getting to know Frannie better. I would love to see her story!! Looking forward to book three!!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Stitches In Time

Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .

New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she's the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child's heart and knit them back together.

Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.

There's only one thing that breaks through the girls' hard shell--an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie's chaotic life. What he didn't expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.

Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.

My Rating: 5 Stars

What an enjoyable story! I have been waiting for this 2nd book in the Deacon's Family series, since reading and loving the first book in this series. This was an excellent follow up. I loved the role that Luke is given in this book. What a fantastic story idea to thrust Luke into that role and see how he grows. I also loved the foster kids and their coming to Stoney Ridge. I hope we see more of that in the rest of the series. The next book can't come soon enough for me!

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

Protecting Tanner Hollow

Four nail-biting novellas in one!

Lethal Homecoming
Nolan Tanner never got over Kallie Ainsworth's sudden, unexplained departure. Now when he comes to her rescue after an attempt on her life, all the old feelings come rushing back.

Lethal Conspiracy
When professional fundraiser Lillian Maloney sees her father's campaign manager commit murder, she goes on the run from the men he hires to kill her. A close call brings firefighter Jason Tanner to the rescue, but the killer is closing in . . .

Lethal Secrets
Someone wants Honor McBride dead. When Eli Murphy helps her change a flat tire and discovers the danger Honor is in, he longs to help--but Eli has secrets of his own that could get them all killed.

Lethal Agenda
When Detective Derek St. John rescues a woman he's met only once before--and has never been able to forget--he finds himself falling for her. But he'll have to keep Claire Montgomery alive if they're to have a future together. 

My Rating: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this collection of stories from one of my favorite authors. These stories have been previously released but were new to me as I hadn't gotten to the individual stories before. My favorite of the collection was the 2nd story. I really liked the mystery in that one and there were a couple of massive surprises in that one. I also loved that Derek St. John finally had his story told as well. All in all, a fantastic collection of stories! Recommended!

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

A Match For Emma

Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe.

When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected.

With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find? 

My Rating; 4 Stars

What an adorable story! I am new to this series but it was an easy jump in. Jon and Emma are fantastic characters that jump off the page. I really want to be a part of this town and the lives of these characters!! This romance was fun to read and it would make a great Hallmark movie(just sayin!), it even has a mystery angle as well. I laughed out loud multiple times and the humor was a perfect addition to the story. The sparring Emma and Jon do is a hoot! I will be backtracking and reading the first two books in this series super soon and I hope there is a book 4 in my future as well(hint,hint!) I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

With You Here

Holy Roman Empire, 1527
In the wake of Martin Luther’s religious reforms, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum is compelled by her sense of duty to help ease the burden of her people. When she stumbles upon a dying man in the woods, she vows to aid him—even when she discovers the arrow shot in his leg was put there by a heretic hunter. With both her physical and spiritual well-being in danger, she must choose between conscience or adhering to the laws of the Empire.

Present Day
Doubting her calling to become a hospital chaplain, Amber Carrington takes time off from her theology studies to volunteer with refugees in Germany. Working with children, making a difference, reconnecting with the conviction that once drove her—these were her expectations. An instant attraction to a professional soccer player wasn’t a part of the plan…and she can’t let him distract her from her purpose.
As a new Christian, Seth Marshall is determined to put his popularity as a world-renowned footballer to good use. Unfortunately, old habits and public opinions are hard to overcome. When he falls hard and fast for Amber Carrington, his former life—and her no-dating policy—may block his perfect shot for the woman he loves.

My Rating: 4 Stars
This was such a fun read! Sarah's books have been on my radar for quite awhile but I hadn't read one before this one and if all her books are as good as this one, I am ALL in! I really enjoyed the dual time periods in this book, Sarah wove them together well and tied the story lines together in a cool way. I loved the character of Seth, anyone that calls himself a daft cow when trying to impress a girl is one of my people! This was a quick and easy read(I read it in less than 24 hours) and it's WELL worth it! I will be going back and catching up on Sarah's other books soon.

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

A Pursuit Of Home

When she learns the family she thought dead might be alive and in danger, Jess Beuchene knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long. Desperation brings her to Derek Thornbury, an expert in history and artifacts, to help her decipher the clues in an old family diary. Will their search to uncover the truth of the past lead to a future together?

My Rating: 5 Stars

We FINALLY have Jess's story!! Insert "squealing" here! I have been needing Jess's story for several books now and am so excited it's finally released! I could not put this one down. Derek is a perfect match for Jess in every sense of the word and I adored him and his growth in the book. Jess's backstory was one I wouldn't have thought up but it was perfect the way Kristi wrote it. We are reunited with several characters from the Hawthorne House set and that was a favorite part of the story for me. The humor I have come to expect from Kristi's books was there in spades and made the story even better for me. I know that I am gushing but Kristi has been a favorite author of mine since reading her first book(I have read them all) and she never disappoints. From great characters, tons of humor and a fantastic setting and time period, Kristi's books are always instant favorites for me and I devour them as soon as they are released. Her books are firmly on my keeper shelf! I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

A Distance Too Grand

When a spunky photographer wrangles her way onto an 1871 survey crew of the Grand Canyon she thinks nothing can stand in her way. But her mind changes when she finds out she'll be working alongside the one man she doesn't want to fall in love with.

My Rating: 4 Stars

I very much enjoyed this historical novel set just after the Civil War that takes place at the Grand Canyon. The author does an amazing job at describing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, painting vivid pictures in my imagination as I read the story. The book has a lovely blend of romance, mystery and a breathtaking setting. The mystery aspect kept me engrossed the growing romance between Meg and and Ben was sweet. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this new series, and I hope Ben’s sister, Diana gets her own story! I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

Royally Yours

Tinsel, Vermont is known for its no-paparazzi policy and Christmas decorations that are fit for a queen. This holiday season, join four royals on a stroll through town square as they each find their Christmas wishes for a happily-ever-after...tiaras optional.

My rating: 5 Stars

This is the sweetest collection of Christmas novellas. Set in an adorable town(that I wish was real!) with a fun quirk-no media allowed so celebrities and royalty can have a vacation spot free from media/paparazzi was such a cute premise. ALL of these stories would make great Hallmark Christmas movies. My personal favorite of the collection was Melissa's. I loved that the town's library was a major part of the story and all the bookish elements Melissa added. That was so fun and charmed my love of all things bookish heart. The other three stories are also charming and full of romance, humor and all things Christmas. If you like Hallmark movies, all things Royal, or sweet Christmas novellas, then this is the collection for you! I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

An Old-Fashioned Texas Christmas

An Archer Family Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve, 1893, and the entire family has gathered to celebrate the holiday. This day is always bittersweet for Jim and Cassie, who lost a child on Christmas Eve three years earlier. Cassie has devoted herself to being the favorite aunt of the Archer children, whisking her nieces away to a nearby schoolhouse to create decorations for the Christmas tree that the men and oldest boys are venturing out to chop down.

When an unexpected knock at the schoolhouse door reveals a desperate pregnant woman on the run from a dangerous outlaw, it’ll take a Christmas miracle—and the entire Archer clan—to make sure no danger befalls the child born on this beloved holiday.

Gift of the Heart

A widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start, but with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near?

My Rating: 5 Stars

This is a perfect Christmas novella collection! Of course, Karen is my favorite author so it's possible I may be slightly biased, but these stories are top notch. in the first, we get a new visit with the beloved Archer family. It's a fast paced and exciting Christmas Eve story with a couple of sad bits but a happy ending. I loved getting to see the Archers again! The second story is actually one that released last year as part of a novella collection with three other authors. I read and loved it as part of that collection. With an adorable little girl and a spunky cat, it is a lot of fun and full of Christmas spirit. If you enjoy sweet Christmas novellas, check out this set! 

Hidden In Amish Country

Can she unlock her memories…so she can stay alive?

Find out in this Amish Country Justice page-turner

There’s a bull’s-eye on her back, and Englischer Sadie Standings can’t remember why…but she’s sure she can trust Amish widower Ben Mast. With the single dad’s help, she’ll hide in Amish country while trying to figure out why someone is after her. Because unless she uncovers the secrets of her past, both their lives will be forfeit. 

My Rating: 5 Stars
This was a FANTASTIC mystery! I really enjoyed this read about Sadie and who is after her and her brother with the added twist of Sadie having amnesia after a car wreck. There was an added layer of mystery about Sadie's past and her memories that made this read extra intriguing for me. Simply put, once I started this book, I did not want to put it down! Very, very well done!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Strong Brave Loved

Bestselling author Holley Gerth feels like your best friend, your supportive sister, and your biggest cheerleader. She understands that you want to be a woman who looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." A woman who knows love is a risk and reaches out anyway. A woman who understands kindness takes real courage. Who doesn't fake it or try to hide her scars. Who fights to believe she is who God says she is and helps others do the same.

Strong, Brave, Loved offers 60 short devotions to empower you to be that kind of woman. It's simple, personal, and practical, with room for you to journal your own responses and reflections. With these concise and compassionate devotions, Holley leads you on a journey of discovery as you learn to live in freedom, hope, and holy courage.

My Rating: 5 Stars
This is a FANTASTIC devotional/journal. I really identified with Holley and this book. With an easy to read format and a charming design, this is half devotional and half journal with a question for each day and space to write your answers down. I really love having the space to write my answers/thoughts down. Considering I read this over a couple days, I will be planning a reread of reading it the "proper" way very soon. My favorite chapters were days 31 and 34. They really spoke to my heart specifically.  This is headed straight to my keeper shelf!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

100 Ways To Love Your Husband/Wife

.

Couples with great marriages know one simple truth: the best marriages are made up of many everyday decisions that say "I love you" rather than those that say "I love me." When we put the other person first, even in little ways, we find true fulfillment.

This book offers husbands practical, hands-on advice to start applying immediately. Maybe you are just entering into marriage and want to start off on the right foot. Maybe you have made some mistakes along the way and are struggling to connect. Or maybe you want your marriage to go from good to great. Wherever you currently are in your relationship, let Matt Jacobson help you learn how to love your wife well. 

My Rating for each book: 4 Stars
A quick easy read, full of practical tips to show your spouse that you love them. In the busyness of kids, jobs, and all the things clamoring for our attention, it can be dreadfully easy to forgot to show your spouse they are still the love of your life. This book is a good reminder to show love and with a few example stories thrown in, it makes for a must have for most any spouse. Speaking as a wife myself, the tips in Matt’s book were pretty spot on.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own

Words Of Hope/Words Of Comfort For Women

When we get out of bed in the morning, we don't know what the day ahead holds. It could be routine. It could be amazing. It could be devastating. No matter what each day holds, one of the biggest influences on the direction our days take is our own attitude. We can live in fear, worry, and anxiety, or we can choose to live with purpose, trusting God in every circumstance.

Compact and concise, Carolyn Larsen's Words of Comfort for Women and Words of Hope for Women each offer you 90 inspiring devotional readings that will help you remember God's presence in your days and see your world from a positive perspective. These short, to-the-point readings illuminate God's promises and show you just how they apply to your everyday life. Beautifully designed, these devotionals are the perfect gift for a friend--and for yourself. 

My Rating: Words Of Hope 3 Stars, Words Of Comfort 4 Stars
These are lovely collections of quick and easy daily devotionals for women. The topics covered in these books are all things we as women face on a daily basis and can’t we always use reminders of how to deal with or face these issues? These are simple truths and these books packages them in such a format that reading one a day takes NO time. Great little books for my keeper shelf. I have already passed them on to my Mama for her to enjoy. Recommended.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

She Prays

One of the most wonderful things about walking with God is that we can have an intimate and real relationship with him. He wants us to know him so well that we are comfortable talking to him about anything and everything. Yet, there are times when we feel disconnected and insecure. We desire to grow in prayer, but we don't know where to begin, what to say, or how to listen for his voice.

In She Prays, Debbie Lindell invites you on a 31-day journey to experience a confident and conversational relationship with your heavenly Father. She shows you how to replace the pressure to perform in prayer with a faith-filled expectation--trusting that God is delighted with every conversation and every word we whisper to him. Her desire is that your soul will be transformed as your confidence in prayer grows, and that your faith will be strengthened as you see God work through your prayers in ways you never imagined possible.

My Rating: 4 Stars
A wonderful devotional.I really enjoyed this prayer devotional by the pastor of a church I have attended in the past, Debbie Lindell. She has a good and easy to read writing style, and these devotions are short but still full of good “meat” to chew on. At the end of each day she has a prayer and a thought/question to answer, so perfect for daily prayer/journaling time. This would be great for teens and young women starting out on their prayer journey or new Christians. It’s also good reminders for those who have walked the faith road for a long time and maybe need a reminder about the importance of prayer. All in all, a solid devotional. Will be passing this on to one of my besties who is currently attending Debbie’s church.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Hope’s Highest Mountain

On her way to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, Ingrid Chastain never anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man, she's hesitant to trust him, but the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

This was a lovely introduction to Misty’s books. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. Micah and Ingrid were likable characters and the others we met along the way were great additions to the book. The storyline was an interesting and it moved well. It’s a quick easy read. Honestly based on the characters, there would be an easy next book,and it’s one I would enjoy as well. I will definitely be reading more of Misty’s books in the future! 

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.