"A Western Christmas" by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge

About The Book

A New Family Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift  

Yuletide Lawman by Renee Ryan

A Christmas to remember—that's what Ellie Wainwright wants to provide for Sheriff Caleb Voss's little girls. But she can't agree to a marriage of convenience. Ellie wants nothing less than real love. Caleb long ago gave up on love, yet sweet Ellie's kindness to his children could make a believer of him again.

Yuletide Reunion by Louise M. Gouge

Emma Sharp's family needs to rebuild their barn before Christmas. All help is welcome—even if it comes from the handsome neighboring rancher who jilted her two years ago. Can Jared Mattson prove that he wants to build not just a barn with Emma—but a bright future together?

Please visit Renee Ryan's website

Please visit Louise M. Gouge's website

Buy "A Western Christmas" from Amazon

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This book was released in October 2015

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

 

 

My Review

 

“A Western Christmas” is a book that has two novella's written by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge. I received this book from Ms. Ryan in exchange for an honest review, so honesty it is going to be just like every other review.

Here are two novellas that take place in Wyoming and New Mexico in the month of December with the same theme it seems in both of them. The theme is grace, forgiveness and understanding. Though the characters are four very different characters, they are very similar at the same time. Some are stubborn to the point to where they might just cut off their noses in spite of their face, others daydream a bit more freely, and all of them have suffered some kind of heartache. As I said they are similar yet there are plenty of differences to make each story unique and special to read.

I would try to tell a little about each story but honestly the little blurbs on the back of the book (can be found above) covers all the important aspects of the story so I wont bother trying to tell more about them, for if I do then I run the risk of spoiling the stories for other readers, and I hate when I learn too much about a book I am thinking of getting because somebody basically told the story in their review. So since I hate that I won't do that to anyone else.

These two novellas are heartwarming and tender Christmas stories that really highlight the Christmas message of love, forgiveness and so much more. Christmas is a very important in each of the stories with each having a different focus it seems but both on the message in one way or another, on love. Love for each other and how love is.

I honestly enjoyed this book and it really put me in the Christmas feeling with the messages that they each portrayed. The message of hope and forgiveness, joy and grace just seemed to shout Christmas. So grab a warm blanket, cup of your favorite hot drink and enjoy this book.

Wagon Train Proposal by Renee Ryan

About the Book

For the Sake of His Children
  
A marriage of convenience? Rachel Hewitt couldn't possibly accept. Not even for the sake of three adorable little girls who desperately want a new mother. Sheriff Tristan McCullough offers Rachel a home and family, but not the one thing she truly seeks—someone to love her for herself.

Tristan McCullough hoped to find a wife on the wagon train, not a nanny. The hardworking widower wants a marriage without emotional risks. But independent Rachel intrigues him. One minute she's winning over his shy little girls, and the next she's tackling danger head-on. She might just be Tristan's unexpected second chance at happiness…if he'll risk his wary heart again.

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

 

Please visit Renee Ryan's website

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Read more reviews at Goodreads

This book released in June 2015

This was a well loved library book that was reviewed

 

My Review

“Wagon Train Proposal” by Renee Ryan is the third and final book in the continuous series 'Journey West', and a wonderful finish to the whole series. Now even though this is the final book in the series that doesn't mean that this can not stand alone for it most certainly can.  If one has not have the pleasure of reading “Wagon Train Reunion” or “Wagon Train Sweetheart” then that is ok for it is not absolute vital to read them, but they do help with some background on both Rachel and Tristan.

The series long story-line reveals the culprit or culprits pretty early one but just because the culprit or culprits are revealed early doesn't mean that the guilty party or parties are not a problem later on in the story.  Actually because of the culprit or culprits I was on edge wondering when this person or persons would strike.  I couldn't help but laugh for I expected things to go one way and I kept waiting for it all to go down, and when it went down, I am not sure if I was disappointed because it didn't happen the way I thought or laugh because of the way it did.  Well I know I laughed at one point during this whole event, so maybe it is just a little bit of both.

There is a twist in the story that was so unexpected that I actually had to go back and reread the page again to make sure I read it right the first time.  This is a secret that deeply affects one of the characters.  It sure added something I never saw coming and well I can almost see how it made the character stronger.  Stronger because they dealt with it, forgave and is now learning to deal with the secret that has been brought in the open with courage.  I wonder how many other readers are going to reread the paragraphs or page when this all comes out.

Rachel is the youngest Hewitt sibling and she has three very protective siblings along with three protective in-laws, to the point it is almost funny.  Rachel is a woman who is not shy about stating her opinions in the slightest, is not afraid of hard work and feeling a bit uncertain about where she belongs.  She had plans when she finally reached Oregon City but suddenly those plans are out the window so now she much come up with something else, which she does.  There is this natural grace about Rachel as well determination and strength.

Tristan is a man who takes his job seriously and has a plan.  He is also a man of great honor as we first saw in “Wagon Train Sweetheart” and again in this story.  He has this fierce love for his three precious children without a single doubt and will do whatever he must to protect them.  He has reasons for some of the things he feels, even though most think they might be unreasonable, at the time I could almost understand his thoughts.  Though things don't work out as he plans them he is flexible enough to do whatever it takes.

I had wondered time and time again why a certain character was always there and wondered if maybe this character was going to play a larger part than they actually did.  I also wanted to see another character find their own happy ending.  Actually to be honest there is another character as well who I wouldn't mind finding their own happy ending after all this person has been through and what they are still facing.  I don't think we will see those things come out in future books, but maybe my own imagination will just have to take over.

I hope all who have the privilege of reading this entire series will enjoy it as much as I did.

Wagon Train Sweetheart by Lacy Williams

About the Book

A Promised Bride 

Emma Hewitt never thought she'd travel thousands of miles to wed. Yet Oregon is where she'll meet the groom her brothers have chosen. After years of nursing her ailing father, Emma's social skills are lacking. An arranged marriage is only sensible. And her growing feelings for Nathan Reed, a worker on her wagon train, are surely better forgotten.
 

\Nathan knows he's wrong for Emma. He's too rough, too burdened with guilt over his past. But when Emma nurses him through a fever, she sees something in him no one ever has. Now he wants to be a man worthy of her love. Emma's loyalty to family has always come first. Will she find the courage now to follow her heart?
 

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

 

Please visit Lacy Williams' website

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Read more reviews at Goodreads

This book released in May 2015

This was a well loved library book that was reviewed

 

My Review

“Wagon Train Sweetheart” by Lacy Williams is the second book in the 'Journey West' continuous series.  This is another Hewitt sibling that has their own happy ending, and Emma learns quite a few things along the way in this story.  I loved the story but hated the cover of the book for frankly it didn't show the characters correctly.  Nathan's hair is longer in the book and Emma's hair is blonde.  Not Ms. Williams fault but seriously the people who do the covers should try not to make it so obvious that they don't have a clue about the story.

There is a series story-line that is continued and a couple of suspects are knocked out of the running but I have to wonder if maybe there isn't a new one added.  Though there is this series story-line, I would feel comfortable in saying that this could be a stand alone book.  There is a little bit of information that was in “Wagon Train Reunion” that was not in this book but it wasn't enough to make anyone feel as if they lost something important between the books.  I just wonder about the clues that were not mentioned in this book but were mentioned in the last book.  Guess everything will come together for “Wagon Train Proposal”.

This is Emma's story and we learn so much more about her.  What her fears are, what she enjoys doing and what frustrates her.  There are things that we got to see about Emma in “Wagon Train Reunion” sure but here we learn so much more about her.  She is a shy young woman who gives of herself to the point of sacrifice it seems, but wishes for things to be different at times.  Throughout the whole journey Emma learns things about herself as well.

Nathan is a man who has a haunting past, and I sure didn't see it coming either.  I was able to understand a bit better why he is the way he is and it all stems from his past.  Though he does what he can to hide it, this is a gentle giant without a doubt and who has his own fears.  But like Emma learning about things about herself, Nathan learns somethings about himself throughout the story.

With this story we have come over half way if not more in the wagon train journey, and nearing completion.  The adventures, I guess you could say, were interesting and hair raising at times.  I have to say that with the description of some of the things that happen, that my admiration of those who made this trip are more courageous than I thought.

This is a story that is really worth reading.  I hope all who pick up this book enjoys it as much as I did.

Wagon Train Reunion by Linda Ford

About the Book

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

 

Please visit Linda Ford's website

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This book released in April 2015

This was a well loved library book that was reviewed

 

My Review

“Wagon Train Reunion“ by Linda Ford is the first book in the continuous series 'Journey West'.  I have put off reading this book for as long as possible, so that I would have less time to wait between this first book and the last book.

This book is really different than most books I have read in the past, for there more flashbacks than usual.  Actually it seemed there for the first half to two-thirds of the book was equal parts flashback as in the present time of the story telling.  Sometimes flashbacks are not written well with other stories, but this time around, the flashbacks were written so well that they really enhanced the story and helped explain so much of what was going through both Abigail and Ben both then and now.

This is a story of second chances.  Second chances for everyone on the wagon train and maybe, just maybe second chances for Abigail and Ben.  Both are stuck with something in the past.  One is stuck in what happened between them so many years ago and the other even further back.  To be able to free themselves from the past they must be willing to face it and search what they are wanting now.

Abigail is a woman who has done what she felt that she must, regardless what the cost is to herself.  She is a woman who can handle a lot of stress for she deals with her mother without complaint (frankly she should get sainthood for that alone), always willing to help those around her, tries to do her share of the work, and battles her own emotions.  Abigail is also a woman who knows what she wants for her future.

Ben is a man who takes his responsibilities very seriously, and he is so determined to protect himself from the past.  As the train moves forward things happen to where he has no choice but to face the past, while helping those who need.  It how he handles everything that really shows his true character.

There is a series story line that is going to drive me up a wall until the villain is exposed.  Honestly there are so many who could be the villain, though I don't buy the person accused at the end of this book.  There are several reasons why I don't buy that this is the guilty party, but I can only explain one reason and that his because he is the hero of the second book.  There are some pretty big reasons other than that but if I went into them then I might be giving something away.

This is a wonderful start to the series and I look forward to reading the other books.

“The Convenient Cowboy” by Lacy Williams

About the Book

 

 

Do You Take This Cowboy? 

A blizzard traps rancher Davy White in his family's secluded cabin with Rose Evans…and she's nine months pregnant! Help is miles away, and Davy must work to keep them both alive. As the storm rages outside, he comes to care for the vulnerable widow. Enough that he's willing to offer her his name—against his family's objections.

Rose will do anything for her baby, but she's recently widowed. She doesn't know if she can trust the feelings she has toward Davy. And she refuses to come between him and his family. But the more time they spend together, the less she can resist the comforting, caring cowboy.

Wyoming Legacy: United by family, destined for love

 

Please visit Lacy Williams' website

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This book was released in June 2015

This is a well loved library book that was used for the review

My Review

 

“The Convenient Cowboy” by Lacy Williams is the latest book in her 'Wyoming Legacy' series but never fear this is a stand alone book.  This is Davy's story and man I love the White's with all that happens to them.

Here is a story of overcoming, though it might not be noticeable right off the bat, but that is what I think of the story anyway.  Overcoming the hurt of being left behind.  Overcoming the hurt from the past.  Overcoming the hurt of being alone.  And finally overcoming the hurt of the uncertainties of the present.  Each thing that is overcome is small by itself, but when they are all put together the way they are, it is just something that is really beautiful.

Davy is a man who is determined to have everything ready for his brothers return, regardless what his family thinks about his plans, though he wants their approval.  Then when he is faced with all those plans being changed on him, he can face those changes one of two ways, and it is how he acts that shows so much more about his character.  He feels deeply but he has this ability to cover those up, not exactly by hiding them but just not by showing them.  I know that sounds like an oxymoron but really understand Davy White one is just going to have to read this book.

Rose is a woman who has not had the easiest of lives up to this point.  When she is found she has been struggling to do what she had to do with what was around her.  Actually the more this reader got to know Rose the more I saw a deep strength that I don't even think she realized that she had.  She is determined to do everything she can to help out and pull her share, but not so stubborn that she can't see what is best for her and her child.

This is also a story of fighting to a better tomorrow.  It seems as if both Davy and Rose are fighting in completely different ways.  One is fighting for the tomorrow that has been planned while the other is fighting just for tomorrow.  With the way they are fighting at times it seems almost as if they are fighting together then there are times when they are fighting separately.  Now I don't mean that they are fighting with words against each other, but  they are taking all they can to fight inner and outer forces that are working against them.

This a wonderful story that I hope all who read it enjoy it greatly like I did.  

 

Other "Wyoming Legacy" Books

 

The Homesteader's Sweetheart

Roping the Wrangler

Return of the Cowboy Doctor

The Wrangler's Inconvenient Wife

A Cowboy for Christmas

Roping the Wrangler 

 

 

“A Bride at Last” by Melissa Jagears

About the Book

 

Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony--until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

Please visit Melissa Jagears' website

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This book was published in June 2015

This was a well loved library book that was used to review

My Review

“A Bride at Last” by Melissa Jagears is the third book of her 'Unexpected Brides' series and we finally get to see Silas Jonesey's story.  Here is a book full of faults and the reader sees that finish line for so long that it is sometimes really frustrating.  Though this is part of a series, this can stand completely alone at the same time.  There is a minor, minor series story that continues on but again if one hasn't read the prior books they are not lost so no worries there.

This is a story that caught my interest from the very start with the mad dash from one place to another.  This is a story also full of so many emotions from regret, to uncertainty, deep and unfailing love, a legal fight, deep faith that things will work out, and a few little heart games it seems.  I found this whole story to be so sweet in a love way and frustrating at the same time for it seems the finish line is there and visible for so long but just as one reaches it, then it moves again because we are sliding backwards time and time again.

Silas is a man who knows how life can change, how it is not always easy to change and that it is a fight each and every day to keep the positive change.  We have heard about this man from almost the start of the series but until now it was more as part of the community.  Here is a man who has hit rock bottom and worked his way out, along with who helped him get back up.  This is a man who still struggles and sometimes needs a helping hand to keep fighting the battle.  When something surprising happens time and time again, he keeps moving forward with a faith that helps him a great deal.

Kate is a woman who accepts and loves people as they are but at the same time has to get over some of her own internal issues.  She is willing to help out where she can with all that she has at times, willing to do what she must in order to keep those she loves from harm and is trying to do what is right at the same time.    Kate is also a woman who is fighting her own internal battle when things look hard, but yet while Kate battles that internal battle she is fighting externally for what she wants. 

Then there is Anthony who is a young man who is basically the glue to the whole story.  Anthony is going through his own things and problems but there is something so very special about him.  This is a young man who has had so many changes happening and he deals with them the best way that he can, maybe not in the smartest ways but the best way he can think of anyway.  Normally I don't talk about a third character when talking about the main characters but Anthony is so much more than the hero or heroine of the story for he is the glue that holds them all together.

There are things from everyone's past that can stop happiness if others are determined to hold on to that past, but when everyone is willing to let go happiness is bound to happen.  Both Kate and Silas has things in their past that could prevent their future if they are not willing to over look things.  Happiness is a risk that they must be willing to take, considering their pasts hurts.  Things are not exactly easy at times.  There is one scene in the last quarter of the book that I just loved how it played out for it was so symbolic of letting the past go so that there is a better tomorrow.

There is so much going on in the story from the very start that it is hard to put down the book for any length of time.  We see other minor characters who apparently have their own story to tell.  I have to say after one slimy character reveals a bit about their past, I almost hope that he has his own happy ending only because sometimes the most despicable characters can have the biggest turn around.  Now I wont be disappointed if this character never gets his own story for sometimes despicable people are always going to be despicable.  There is a couple in the series that I would be interested in seeing if they ever get their happy ending.

I hope all who read this book enjoys it as much as I did.
 

“A Worthy Pursuit” by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

 

 

A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?

Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

 

Please visit Karen Witemeyer's website

 

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This book was published in May 2015

This was a well loved library book that was used to review

My Review

“A Worthy Pursuit” by Karen Witemeyer is another smash hit with this reader. I had to make time and hold off a couple of days after getting the book from the library to ensure that I would have the entire afternoon to focus on getting lost in the book.  Ms. Witemeyer is an author that I always have to make sure that I can read her books in one sitting for I just can't but them down.  After finally being able to enjoy the book I honestly wish I could have found the time sooner but too many obligations took place. I am so glad I got to enjoy the book finally for it was so worth the read.

From the start of the book it was almost as if I was standing at the edge of the cliff and it wasn't long before someone pushed me over the edge. As I was falling it was as if every so often there is this offer of respite from the fall before it was free falling again. It was pure excitement with only moments of catching one's breathe before the excitement picked up again.

Then chemistry between Stone and Charlotte is something that is so tangible that it it thick enough to be cut with a sharp knife. Frankly I was waiting for that first kiss thinking it was going to come out of one of the many toe-to-toe confrontations between Stone and Charlotte, but that first kiss was something I didn't seem coming and wow was it steamy. I am not talking about the kiss being something demeaning or dirty but really it was something that just so toe curling even for the reader that it was worth the wait and suspense for, at least in my opinion.

We get a pretty good idea who the villain of the story is from very early on, but once the reasons behind the villain is out, the reader can only guess that things are going to get pretty dicey. I didn't think they were going to get like they did but wow what a story of excitement. Then to hear why is just disturbing I guess is the word I want to describe the villain.

Charlotte is a woman who is willing to do what ever she must do in order to protect her charges but there is something else about her. She takes things into consideration fairly quickly then weighs her options. Charlotte is a very intelligent woman with her own hurts from the past, which is why she holds part of herself back but she is still willing to extend a hand of friendship to those around her. There is a strength about her too that is visible to those around her, even when she is shaking in her boots.

Stone is a man who always gets what he is going after. When he is faced with something he never expected he does what any honorable, law abiding person would do and that is take things one step at a time. When things are not as he expected he waited for things to be come clear before he moved one way or the other for it is just who he is. Then once he makes a decision, he sticks to it with his whole heart. I have to say that his final mission really had a lot to say about what his true character is.

I truly hope all of those who pick up this book will enjoy it as much as I did. I would recommend blocking out as much time as possible to read this book so that there are the fewest possible interruptions for those interruptions might get on your nerves. My cat can attest to that for he got locked out of my reading room so I could enjoy the book in peace.

 

"In Perfect Time" by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

Two hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love

Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?

Please visit Sarah Sundin's website

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This book was published in July 2014

This was a well loved library book that was used to review

My Review

“In Perfect Time” by Sarah Sundin is the third and final book in her 'Wings of the Nightingale' and what a cruel (and I say that in the best of ways too) book it was.  I don't remember the last book I bawled so much through or had my heart in my throat so much of the book, but I went through plenty of tissue and couldn't swallow a lot of time because of my heart being in my throat.

This is a book that is set in the middle of World War II and much like the other two books in the series there are plenty of scenes around what happens in the war.  I would have to say that unlike the other two books this didn't really have scenes of battle but there was still plenty of war problems.  Again nothing graphic, gruesome or so bad that I couldn't stomach it (I am a squeamish person even with words on paper).  The trails and hurdles that had to be overcome were what made this book so cruel for I just couldn't put the book down for any reason.  I am so glad that I can read a book like this in an afternoon so that the torture wouldn't have been dragged out for that long.

I have to say that with this being the third book, I have noticed that none of the characters had the same problems and they each faced something so totally different, and I would say the best was saved for the last.  I never expected the past's like Roger and Kay though I knew they were both hurting.  Actually both of them surprised me a great deal throughout the story in the best of ways.  I knew I was starting to like Kay from the other books but I never expected her to be my favorite out of the three young ladies and yet she was and is.  Roger is the man I expected him to be but didn't realize that he had to work to get there or that he had some issues.

Yet once again I can't describe either Kay or Roger for they do go through some radical changes throughout the story.  They are truly not how they seem in the other books for there is so much under the outer layers that they show to the world and people around them. 

Strength is a large portion of this story for everyone, not just Kay and Roger, had to have the strength for all that they were going through.  Almost everyone learned something with what they go through, they learned what they were really made of and so much more.  I would have to say that though I cried a lot and my heart ached for what they were going through.  I couldn't forget this was a war and yet it was more than just the World War too that was being fought.

I hope all who read this series enjoys as much as I did.  This is my first readings by Ms. Sundin but I can promise it wont be my last.
 

"On Distant Shores" by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

Caught between the war raging around them and the battles within, two souls long for peace--and a love that remains true.

Lt. Georgiana Taylor has everything she could want. A boyfriend back home, a loving family, and a challenging job as a flight nurse. But in July 1943, Georgie's cozy life gets more complicated when she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson.

Hutch resents the lack of respect he gets as a noncommissioned serviceman and hates how the war keeps him from his fiancée. While Georgie and Hutch share a love of the starry night skies over Sicily, their lives back home are falling apart. Can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they've made?

Please visit Sarah Sundin's website

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This book was published in August 2013

This was a well loved library book that was used to review

My Review

“On Distant Shores” by Sarah Sundin is the second book in her 'Wings of the Nightingale' series and a book that had me holding my breath more times that I dare count.

Like “With Every Letter” this is a story that takes place in the middle of a war and on the front lines almost.  And like “With Every Letter” this has battle scenes, scenes with injuries, and other nightmares of war without going into too many details.  However, even without the details the emotions where there so richly written that it was hard not to feel all of the emotions that would go with the events.  With all that was happening it was so hard to put down the book.  There are moments, not as often as with the first book, that really were overly detailed but that didn't distract from the book this time around.

This is a story of change.  Not change like the first book and maybe growth is a better term.  Yes, I think growth is more what this story is about.  Growth in so many ways that is for sure and to watch the growth that was happening was truly remarkable.

The romance was unbelievable, and I don't mean that it was hard to believe, but that it was incredible.  It was not a simple romance but with all the hurdles that had to be overcome it was hard not to wonder how it was going to work out, after all with all good romances have struggles and this had a ton of struggles to overcome.  Things are not exactly fair for either of them and they have so many choices to make in life as well.

Again I can't really describe Georgie or Hutch because if I do that then I will be giving something away in the story that makes it so wonderful.  They each have choices to make, that will change how their lives will go on.  One is treated unfairly, but then again in the Army things don't go the way they should, and this is a great example of that.  The other one is suffering from pressure from outside to do something they are not all that sure about.

I hope all who read this book enjoys it as much as I did.
 

“With Every Letter” by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

They know everything about each other--except their real names

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she's never met--even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence--he's been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other's true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

 

  

Please visit Sarah Sundin's website

 

Buy "With Every Letter" from Amazon

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This book was released in September 2012

This is a book is from my personal Kindle collection 

 

My Review

“With Every Letter” by Sarah Sundin is the first book in her 'Wings of the Nightingale' series.

This is a full length novel that is set during World War II.  Now this is the first full length novel that I have read during that time period for I really wanted to see if I was going to enjoy an era that I have always avoided before.  I have read only a few Heartsong Presents, and for those who don't read them they are books with only about 170 to 180 pages, that opened my eyes to the whole time period in the first place.  This book really sealed the deal and I need to stop avoiding time periods for apparently I will enjoy the book.

Honestly this book at first was hard to get into.  Finally at around page 170 things turned around and it became a really good book that I just couldn't put down.  I have to wonder if those first 170 or so pages where used to help set up the rest of the series.  It was hard to get into because it was just slow and at times it seemed as if there was too many details that just bogged down the story.  Actually the too many details was something I found throughout the whole book but once it picked up speed it didn't matter much any more.

I usually try to describe the characters but honestly I can't do that with this book for both Tom and Mellie change so much through the story that if I was to describe them then I would be giving away so much.  I just couldn't take away anything for really the changes that they go through really is what makes the store.  The way they supported each other was beautiful and so tender.  The way open up and help each other is also  what helped make the whole story so wonderful.

This is a book that is set basically in the middle of the war, and that is not glossed over by not talking about what is going on.  I am a person who can't abide by gruesome details of death, shooting, and violence, so with that said, I would like to say that this is a book that shows war is going on around them.  There are scenes of battle, scenes of death, scenes of injuries, but they are not so graphic that I couldn't read them.  I would allow my friends tween daughter read this book because this doesn't glorify war, but it doesn't show the worse of it.  So though I say I found at times the book had too many details, when it came to the worse part of war, there was this balance of just enough for the reader to understand what is happening without getting into the details that would be too graphic.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I hope all who pick up this book enjoys it at much as I did.

“Texas Christmas Grooms” by Pamela Griffin & Vickie McDonough

About the Book

Can two grooms by lassoed in tie for Christmas?

 

Hearts are forever changed when retired Texas Rangers try their hands at matchmaking in by-gone days.  Will any of their absurd schemes work out as planned?

 

Erik Olson is shocked when Anna Campbell arrives in town with two small orphans in tow and declares they are brother's children.  Will Erik prove her claims false and see her gone by Christmas?

 

Travis McCoy is a nomadic photographer with no time to put down roots, find a wife and raise a family.  But when he enters Cut Corners, the temptations to change are strong and he has to keep reminding himself of his goal to leave by Christmas.

 

How far will the schemers of Cut Corners go to make sure four wild hearts are corralled by love and tamed by faith in time for Christmas?

I am unable to find Pamela Griffin's webpage
Please visit Vickie McDonough's website

Buy "Texas Christmas Grooms" from Amazon

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This book was released in December 2005

This was is book that is in my personal collection

My Review

“Texas Christmas Grooms” by Pamela Griffin and Vickie McDonough is a book I picked up at my local library book sale and such an interesting book. This is a book that is made up of two novella's that have me wondering if there are other books that go along with the novellas but it doesn't seem like it, however, sounds like there could be some interesting stories there.

The little blurb on the front of the book, “Two Charming Tales of Don't-Tie-Me-Down Men Who Are Each Lassoed by Unexpected Love” sums up the two stories perfectly for these two gentlemen are confirmed bachelors for life or so they thought. Both gentlemen are people who are excelling in their profession and seemingly content in their lives as they stand.

The former Texas Rangers who are now matchmaker's have their hands full that is for sure with Erik and Travis. To be honest though the stories didn't really focus on these former Texas Rangers and what they are doing but on the two possible couples. Stubbornness with both Erik and Travis is a theme that is through both novellas for man oh man are both of these men stubborn. Neither is willing to see beyond their plans it seems.

The young ladies of the stories though are lovely creatures who are determined in their own way, not out of stubbornness but out of necessity. Both have a family to think of above their own needs. One is the need of keeping siblings together, while the other is thinking of her own sibling(s). Both of the young ladies have warm hearts that can be seen under everything. One has a flaw that I can relate to and found her to be humorous and yet heartbreaking for really no one thought to look beyond the actions to the reason why she was the way she was.

These two novellas take place over short periods of time, but that is the way it is with novellas, and over all it didn't take anything away from the story. I read this book with one thought in mind, each novella wasn't that long and so it fit it with the time constraints that I had when I picked up the book. I am the type of reader who enjoys sitting down and reading a book in one sitting so I make the time to do just that when I pick up a book. If I am short on time (too close to my bedtime for example) I will pick up a book that has several novellas in it so that I can still be reading within those time constraints. I made time early one morning to read the second novella in this book for I just loved the telling of the first one and wanted to see what happened.

I hope those who read this book enjoys it as much as I did.