Sweet Historical Romance- "A River To Cross" Yvonne Harris

A River to Cross by Yvonne Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is such a sweet book set in the 1880's about a Texas Ranger, Jake Nelson who sets out to rescue Elizabeth , the daughter of a General, from kidnappers across the Mexican border. The Mexican military took her as they killed her brother who owned a Texas news paper while he was writing articles about the dangers at the border.



Jake and his men rescue her but fail to apprehend the general who is responsible, Manuel Diego. Jake smuggles her back across the border to safety and keeps her securely at the Texas fort in case the Mexican general, Manuel Diego, tries to harm her. Elizabeth is determined to continue her brother's legacy with the news paper articles despite the dangers.



Naturally Elizabeth and Jake fall for each other and Diego comes to the U.S. for Elizabeth. Will he save her again? Can the crazy life a ranger make for a good marriage after she's been hurt in the past?



I enjoyed this sweet romance and learning about the life of a Texas Ranger. I'm not familiar with history during this period so I don't know how much is factual (not so sure about gangs during that time) but it was very enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who likes Historical Romances, the old west and Texas Rangers.



This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.







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A-C-T-I-O-N! "Vigilante" by Robin Parrish

Vigilante by Robin Parrish

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Vigilante is about Nolan Gray, a popular and highly trained ex-military man who fakes his own death and disfigures his identity to fight crime. He is now known as "The Hand" who cleans up the streets in a superhero-ish extreme way with his task force and "inspector gadget" meets "007" like equipment. He gains a nemesis who is out to destroy him and his team of "do gooders" & will stop at nothing for revenge. Will good prevail or will evil have it's way?



It is certainly a high action packed novel mixed with the morals of "good vs. bad" in a non-preachy Christian like manner. While many of the scenes tried to remain true to life, I thought it was more superhero-ish. I would recommend this book to a man who loves superheros and villians, though I very much enjoyed it's high energy and moral undertones.



I was given a copy for review from Bethany House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own.



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Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this suspenseful Christian murder mystery!

The story takes place on a Texas horse ranch owned by US Press Secretary, Scottard Burnette, where a team of Secret Service agents are sent there to protect the VP's drug addicted daughter, Lyndsey, from death threats.



The head agent, Ash Zinders, refuses to let anything happen to Lyndsey on his watch despite having a beautiful new female agent Meghan Connors on his team. Both agents are wanting the same position in which there is only 1 spot available, protecting the president of the United States.



However, things go unexpectedly awry on their current assignment when traps are set, information is leaked, and someone is murdered. To top it all off, the ranch hands and others are acting suspiciously and the rival agents, Ash & Meghan can't stop thinking about their mutual attraction for each other. Will they be able to save Lyndsey and uncover an even greater conspiracy? I won't tell...



I loved this book and couldn't put it down at times because the suspense was so great! The characters were realistic, and it was very well written! I'm looking forward to reading more books by DiAnn Mills as this was my first.





I was given a free e-book for review courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Netgalley.com. All of the thoughts and opinions stated here are my own.



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Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West

Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Young journalist, Kristin Taylor, goes to war-torn Vietnam in 1967 without a plan to continue her father's legacy that took his life when she was young. She quickly gets a job working with a hard edged photographer, Luke, who slowly becomes an aquired taste. He & his friend Jonno teach Kristin some survival skills, give her some laughs, and surprises, amid all of the devistation and heart ache of war. Behind Luke's back, Kristin uncovers secrets about him that make for an amazing story and puts all of their lives at risk as certain people don't want the story leaked out into the general public. Will Kristin betray Luke's trust just to further her career and risk losing his love forever, or will she choose to follow her heart before it's too late?



I loved this book! It was a romance, yes, but SO much more than just that! It was the perfect blend of realistic love, war, friendships, relationships, history, action, conflict, suspense, and God. It was so well done and I highly recommend it to all!







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Wickflicker by Teric Darken

"Is your palm freely passed twixt the wick and the flame?
Do you smoke the briar's fire fueled by faces and names?
On the bridge of your lust, will you pay the small toll?
Would you gain the whole world in exchange for your soul?"
-Olde Order: Wickflicker

Ohhh! It was simply amazing and unlike any other book I've read! It's one of those few books that I'd like to read OVER AGAIN, now that I know how it ends. You'll have to read it yourself to know what I'm talking about because you're not getting it out of me;)

This book is a wild ride of satan, sin, internal and external spiritual battles, greed, lust, power, and addictions, all with the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other! It starts as two best friends, Gat & Caleb go in search of party supplies only to find a creepy Wickflicker in the dark, dank labyrinth of a basement instead. Gat falls easily for the sinister lies of the Olde Order demon while Caleb isn't as quick to believe in his trickery as he recalls the wise words of his father as a child. Gat quickly learns the hard way that having it all comes with consecuences at a price he can't afford to pay, while his friend is quickly succumbing to certain devilish temptations in the dark. Then hold on for a finale you won't see coming as the "Lil' devils sport such a wicked grin." -Wickflicker

The Muir House by Mary DeMuth

The Muir House by Mary E. DeMuth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


‘You’ll find home one day. Sure as sweet tea on a hot afternoon.’ Willa Muir hears these words over and over in her dreams and can't help but suspect that they're glimpses of 1 year in her childhood that she can't remember. She leaves Washington and her boyfriend hehind after denying his wedding proposal to head back home to Texas in search of answers. Awating her is her childhood home, the Muir House Bed and Breakfast, which was a former funeral home. When she arrives, it seems the whole town is keeping secrets as she realizes she has some doors to close and hearts to forgive before moving on with her life and finding her true home.



This is the first book that I've read by Mary DeMuth and thought it was very enjoyable and clean. It's a very character driven novel with a mix of true to life family relationships, romance, mystery and drama. I found the beginning to be a bit slow moving, but it picked up about half way through with some redeeming unexpected plot twists and life lessons. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family drama and relationships.
Book trailer....



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYQDObRO8...


Thank You Mary DeMuth and Zondervan for providing me with a free copy for review! All of the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.



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White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick

A young Arcineh Bryant moves in with her wealthy grandfather after her parents suddenly die. Over the years Arcineh builds some resentments between her grandfather, aunt, and cousins. Due to some of her abandonment issues, when she later meets the man of her dreams, she has some reservations with trusting her instincts.

This is the first book that I've read by Lori Wick and found it to be very enjoyable and clean. I loved the main character, Arcineh (not to mention the guy who falls for her) as she is such a sweet character inside and out. I enjoyed the story very much and will have to look for more books by Ms. Wick in the future.

FREE BOOK CONTEST/GIVEAWAY!!!

Author Nike Chillemi is giving away a free Kindle copy of her book "BURNING HEARTS" on the Contemporary Christian Fiction blog. Contest ends Monday, June 27th when a winner will be announced! Check it out & join my group while you're there to win!
Thanks!

The Grace Awards Winners!!!

They all look very good, so check them out!
I was a judge for...
Women's Fiction: serious women's issues, can have humor and suspense elements
and the winner was...
SENSIBLE SHOES by Sharon Garlough Brown (Westbow)

The other winners are...

Romance/Historical Romance: primary element is love/courtship/marriage, be it set now or then
MEANDER SCAR by Linda Lickel (Black Lyon Publishers)

Suspense /Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Detective Novel /Thriller: crime fiction, there's probably a body
BACK ON MURDER by J. Mark Bertrand (Bethany House)

Speculative Fiction: science fiction, horror, fantasy, etc.
SEASONS IN THE MIST by Deborah Kinnard (Sheaf House Publishers)

Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction: (exploits, quest, a feel of wide-open spaces, expansive):
WOUNDED SPIRITS by April W. Gardner (Vinspire Publishing)

Young Adult: appeals to ages 14 to 21ish
SECRETS UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN by Elisa Maria Crites (Westbow)


I need to withhold any thoughts or opinions about the winning book to avoid any possible conflicts of interest with the award.

"Between Friends" by Debbie Macomber

Between Friends by Debbie Macomber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this unique story of 2 best friends spoken through years of correspondants. I loved how the author weaved historical events in the story as they touched each characters lives through the years. I have to wonder how much of this book was an actual memoir as it showed 2 photo's of the author & her best friend, then and now.



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"Life, Inspite of Me"

by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

I LOVED this book and I love this AMAZING woman! This story about a young woman in despair tugged at my heart just short of ripping it out. I could almost feel her pain, emotionally and physically, as she recounted her story of attempting to take her own life. God had a MUCH GREATER plan for her!!! She is a shining beacon of God's glory by getting her story published and making TV appearances.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who IS a teenager, HAS a teen, or ever WAS a teen. Perhaps if you can't relate to her struggles, then you may know someone who IS struggling that could use hope. I know her story has saved at least hundreds, if not thousands of people and has given many more an AMAZING story of God's love through Kristen!
Blessings!

New Judge for the "Grace Awards"

I'm so happy to announce that I am now a new "Judge" for "The Grace Awards"!!!... Follow the link for more info and see how you can cast your vote for your favorite Christian Books!!! Thanks!

"A Beggars Purse"

A Beggars Purse by Toni Nelson

From Goodreads.com...
How do you react when approached by a homeless person? Do you stop and listen or simply walk away as if the person doesn't exist? Toni Nelson grew up in a beautiful home, set in an idyllic beach community, making friends with the hobos passing through town on the freight trains. Her grandparents' home was a 'safe house' for the roaming drifters, and Toni learned at an early age the joy that could come from showing compassion to those less fortunate. Later in life, Toni moved to Nevada and was struck by the amount of homeless and penniless peopling the city of Las Vegas. With a heart opened and sustained by God, Toni embarked on a journey to help the people who have nothing, and now shares her experiences in this touching and beautiful memoir. Join Toni in her journey to share God's love with the people around her, and discover the treasures that can be found in A Beggar's Purse. 'A wonderful portrayal of how with time, heartfelt examinations, and a touch from the Lord, a person can journey from a child-like perspective to one which is able to identify the redeeming qualities found in all of mankind.' —Laura Broadwater, contributing author in A Cup of Comfort series


MY REVIEW...

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book made me open my eyes and get in touch with my childhood beliefs and thoughts about how every person in this world should be treated. Why do people mistreat other people who do not have a home, are hungry, and/or are down & hopeless? Perhaps they need to be shown a little love and respect like Toni and her grandparents did in this amazing memoir of a family that gives food, friendhip, & hope to those less fortunate. It was entertaining while thought provoking in that a little act of decency & kindness could make a huge impact in someone's life. God has truly blessed Toni with a compassionate heart and the ability to show His glory through her and her beautifully true story-telling. This book has inspired me to think & do more to treat all people with non-judgemental love & compassion.



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"K - I - L - L FM 100: Music to Die For" by Teric Darken

K - I - L - L FM 100: Music to Die For by Teric Darken

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Join our CCF group discussion for the month of December with author Teric Darken here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4454...


Free-spirited disc jockey Carter Jackson seemingly becomes the victim of a local murderer, "The Killer Queen". As Carter tries to escape the clutches of his sexy captor he cleverly uses the air waves to send a coded message for help. Tensions are growing... Can he rely on a message decoder or will he have to take a more active approach? Through twists, turns, and great music flashbacks, we learn that not everything is as it first appears. It's captor vs. captive... or is it?



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"The Judging: The Corescu Chronicles Book One" by Ellen C. Maze

The Judging: The Corescu Chronicles Book One by Ellen C. Maze

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this book! It was so well written and kept me at the edge of my seat! It's the first Christian vampire book I've ever read. To me it's about good vs. evil and justifying our sins so much that we believe we're "not really" sinning.



So what is a priest turned vampire to do but justify his circumstances? Kill in the name of God of course! The handsome vampire Mark disguises himself as a doctor while using people and psychic abilities to complete his mission. The gorgeous Hope Brannen falls for Dr. Mark and soon learns there's more to him than meets the eye. She brings her christian friend, Tony, to meet him and confront his evil ways at the huge risk of upsetting a vampire and his friends. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens & I can't wait for the next book in the series! Until then...











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