“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

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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.

"Always Ready" by Susan Page Davis

About the Book

Semper paratus. Always ready. Caddie Lyle strives to live up to the motto of the Coast Guard—and her father’s legacy—as she carries out rescue missions. But when she discovers other career opportunities and meets Guardsman Aven Holland, her heart begins to pull her in different directions.

Aven is drawn to Caddie, too, but their duties allow little time together. As danger from Alaska’s coast and a secret from the past threaten their newfound love, will they be ready to trust God for a possible future together?

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This book was released in August 2009

This was a Kindle book in my personal collection

My Review

“Always Ready” by Susan Page Davis is a lovely Heartsong Presents that filled some time that I had before bedtime and this is a wonderful book that will give me some pleasant dreams I am sure.

This is a story of not giving on something that is truly worth it. Both Caddie and Aven had to decide what was important and worth trying to fight for. Over the time period of several months both of these character must continue with what they must yet make decisions. I really enjoyed how these two had to work at being together. It had a real touch of reality because of the different hurdles.

There is an interesting connection between Caddie and Aven which comes to light as they get to know each other. It wasn't harped on so it wasn't a real big part of the story but I thought that the connection that these two share was special and gave them something strong in common.

Both Caddie and Aven are determined people to do what they think is right even when those things are hurdles that must be jumped and they do. Together they have this great ability to work together even when not together. Sometimes things got hard for one character but they went through everything without complaint.

There is a conflict in the story other than the main thing of finding time, that had little clues all throughout the story. I don't think all the pieces were put together by the characters but they were there if a reader pays attention. I wont say that this book is a suspense book but there is a strong sense of something going on and trying to figure it out. The conflict was interesting and didn't over power the story thankfully.

I hope all who read this book enjoys it like I did.

“True Devotion” by Marta Perry

About the Book

What kind of man turned away a pregnant woman? Susannah Laine could tell that Nathan Sloane had demons to wrestle with, but so did she. She'd come to Lakemont to find out what her late husband had been doing there before his sudden death. And she wasn't leaving without an answer....

Susannah's occupancy of the cottage where his wife had lived before her death reawakened painful memories for Nathan. Still, he couldn't deny his attraction to Susannah, and reluctantly agreed to help in her search. But the truth they uncovered threatened their burgeoning romance. Could God now give Susannah the strength to overcome her past and embrace this second chance at happiness?

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This book was released in February 2004

This is my own personal book that was reviewed

My Review

“True Devotion” by Marta Perry is a older book without a doubt but boy it really got to this reader. Someone is trying to uncover secrets and I have to say that the little bread crumbs of the secret trail didn't quite lead to the rabbit hole but instead it lead to a foxes den. So yes, just when one might think they knew where things are going, there is a major twist that I didn't see coming.

So while one is dealing with the secret the other is dealing with the past because they hadn't fully handled what had happened. As that being the case it was amazing to watch the person struggling with the past helping everyone else around them it seems. Because of this struggle they this person is dealing with they are hiding so much of themselves from everyone around them.

Susannah is a woman is on a mission and while on that mission learns quite a few other things. There is a great strength in Susannah that we see several times throughout the story and there is this great understanding her with another character. So between her strength and understanding there is also something else that is fragile within her, but it is hard to pinpoint because she hides it so well. There is also this ability to accept things even if she is not happy with what is happening.

Nathan is a man with the world on his shoulders it seems like and he is one to try to add more to those shoulders because he feels as if needs to take of the world. Nathan is also an extremely stubborn and at times foolish man, but there is something about him that just draws a person in.

Sometimes when an author gives two characters the problems that both Susannah and Nathan had, it seems as if the characters are overly flawed or overly perfect. However, that is not the case here. Both Susannah and Nathan have their good strong points and their weak flaws. Wait I don't mean that the flaws seem weak only that they have the flaws that work well with their strong points.

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

"Noah's Ark" by Debby Mayne

About the Book 

Now that she has a bachelor’s degree in art history, Emily is unable to find work in her field. So she heads to West Virginia, the only place she’s ever felt at home, to see if she can figure out what to do with her life.

Noah  may be in over his head. His veterinary practice is taking off, but he has little help and too many clients in arrears. When Emily comes to work for him part-time, her skills and pleasant nature quickly pull things into order. At least in the office. His heart, however, is another matter!

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This book was released in September 2009

This is my own personal kindle book that was reviewed

My Review

“Noah's Ark” by Debby Mayne is a book that I got for my Kindle in order to use up the last of a gift card and it was a perfect book to read on a night when I just wanted something simple, easy and quick to read after a long day of being busy. This is a Heartsong Presents book that is now on Kindle as a Yours Truly Digital Edition. For me this is a pretty typical Heartsong Presents book so I got exactly what I hoped for.

For me Heartsong Presents books are usually (and I have read some that blew my mind and some that bored me to death) fairly simple without a lot of deep issues throughout the story. There is a bit of conflict that is a personal manner that is resolved but I know that things could have been explained a bit better, but frankly it was explained well enough to where I felt the conflict none the less. I couldn't help but feel for the characters Emily and Noah as they worked through everything.

Emily is a woman who is needing to figure things out now. She goes to the one place that she felt the happiest to try and figure out what she wants to do in the future. While there her pure and golden heart was visible to all those who got to know her, and she learns a few things about herself while on her journey to figure out her future.

Noah is a man who cares deeply about what he does. He knows his weaknesses but is not sure how to go about fixing them. His heart along with Emily's is pure and golden and it shows with all that he does. He has been hurt in the past and now he has to figure out what to do for the future now.

Both of these characters are on a journey and discoveries are made without a doubt here.

I hope that all who read this book enjoys the relaxing and easy read that this book is.

"The Cowboy Next Door" by Brenda Minton

About the Book

Never again would he be burned by a city girl! No matter how sweet and loveable they seem, Lacey Gould and her niece won't win over Jay Blackhorse. Still, they clearly need his help. Lacey needs a place to stay…he has a house to rent. She's clueless about caring for the infant her sister abandoned. Jay has a talent for stopping the baby's tears. But when a dark secret from Lacey's past blows into town, will Jay's help be enough? And who will help Jay when he realizes he's falling for the city girl next door?

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This book was released in May 2009

This is my own personal book that was reviewed

My Review

“The Cowboy Next Door” by Brenda Minton is a lovely rescued book that I really enjoyed. 

The biggest disappointment about the book really is nothing more than the geographical issues with the two major cities/towns mentioned. I have to say that I live close to one of the cities/towns and the other one is not that close for there is actually a four hour difference, not a half an hour difference. I just kept shaking my head and figured that it is just an author’s prerogative to change little things like that, but for me it is annoying because it is so close to home and it is wrong. Well unless there is a second city/town in Missouri that goes by the same name which I don't think so for I looked. 

Now besides that everything was beautiful, and there was one statement in the book that erased all that frustration about the cities/towns. I have only quoted a handful of books in my reviews, if that many, but this statement was truly powerful. The quote can be found on page 126, regular print, “Stop stoning yourself,...” I found this to be truly powerful in describing someone who just refuses to forgive themselves. I think I will keep this quote in mind and use it when it is needed. 

There are secrets from the past for both Lacey and Jay, secrets they are not ready share. One has a secret that they don't want to get out for fear of how others in the community will react to them after they are learned. These secrets are slowly leaked throughout the story which leaves the reader trying to figure out what is going on, or what happened. As the secrets are revealed they are not a complete surprise but yet at the same time they are a bit surprising. The secrets are not something that really changes the character themselves, but gives a deeper understand to each of the characters. 

Changes are not easy to handle no matter who is going through the changes, especially when they are major changes, but one of the characters seems to have things constantly thrown at them. It is how this character dealt with the curve balls that were thrown their way one right after another until most people would break down completely, whereas this character just kept going. I am not saying that this character didn't break down for a few moments but they just kept moving forward like always. 

I would give my thoughts about Jay and Lacey but if I do that then I would be giving a few too many details about the story that might take away from the story. Both of them change throughout the story, so really to explain them I would be giving away too much. They are wonderful characters who have been hurt in one way or another, just trying to move on now. They learn different lessons as well along the way. 

I hope that all who get to read this story, enjoy it as much as I did.

"The Path to Love" by Jane Myers Perrine

About the Book   

I found God.

I know, I'd said it once before, to get out of trouble, but this time it's true. I was drawn to a church, and this one hymn, about saving a wretch like me, touched me. So did the reverend, speaking about love, redemption, mercy and grace. It was nothing like the church my mother dragged me to as a kid, trying to keep me from the family life of petty crime. Next thing I knew, tears were rolling down my face as I felt...healed. But does my stiff-necked parole officer believe me? No! How can I convince Brandon Fairchild that this conversion—and the feelings I'm having for this good-looking man—aren't just a con game?

Please visit Jane Myers Perrine's website

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This book was released in July 2005

This book is part of my personal collection and going to stay that way.

My Review

“The Path to Love” by Jane Myers Perrine is the first book I have read by this author, and frankly I loved the writing and telling of this story.

I have to say I loved watching the struggle of Francie with her walk in her new life. At times there was such a feeling of understanding what she was feeling, not because of the circumstances, but because of her emotions and the struggles she felt. The walk that she had was not easy because of her past but she continued step by step, trudging on even when things were spiraling out of control. As more is learned about Francie, there is something truly special about her that shows through her and by the end of the book she is a shining example of Christ's love and redemptive powers.

Brandon is a man who has plenty of faults, but at the same time there is integrity within the man. He faces quite a few interesting dilemma's that he learns from though sometimes he is a bit of a slow learner. I found his honesty at times to be refreshing and yet frustrating when he doesn't understand what he is feeling. There is so much to love about this man, and yet want to smack the guy at the same time.

This is truly a wonderful story of redemption and second chances. I am not sure why but stories with an ex-convict who are turning their lives around really touch me for there is such a show of Christ's love and grace in these characters. There is something about them struggling to get things back together while showing the love and grace they received. Normally there is some kind of family or friend support to help in different ways as soon as the ex-convict is released while that was not the case here. Sure friends were developed but Francie did it all on her own showing her strength even before she began her walk.

There is something heart warming is also going on in another character with overcoming their short comings. The short comings are not that ease to see, but it takes this character a lot of thinking to realize what their short comings were. Though it is understandable why this character thinks the way they do at times, and that made the ending just that sweeter.

There is also another story going on at the same time. I have to say that second story really helped create this laughter that helped to break up the tension that was created otherwise. This is a book that is going to stay in my personal collection for it was just that sweet and wonderful. I hope all who read this book enjoys it like I did.

"His Bundle of Love" by Patricia Davids

About the Book  

HEAVENLY FATHER,

I would love to be a dad, to hold a sticky hand while we watch a ball game. But is Caitlin Williams's daughter coming into my arms at birth part of Your plan? Caitlin named me as the dad so her preemie could receive urgent medical care. That's why I brought the Williams women home with me until Caitlin gets back on her feet. I sense she's hiding something about her past—I wish she'd realize secrets can tear you apart.

Now I can't imagine my life without them. I've even proposed to Caitlin—for the baby's sake, of course. But convincing Caitlin to make the three of us a family will be no easy task.

Please visit Patricia Davids' website

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This book was released in January 2006

This is a book from my personal collection that was reviewed

My Review

“His Bundle of Love” by Patricia Davids, according her Dear Reader in the back, is her first published novel. In the last two days, I have read her first published and her latest published and frankly without the Dear Reader, I wouldn't have realized it.  It is rare when a first published book is written so well that it is hard to tell the first from the last like this book.  The whole book was so well written that there was nothing missing for the characters were exceptionally well developed, the plot wasn't lacking any details, and the scenes were so well written without an overload or lacking of details.

Here is a story full of secrets, and some of the most heart wrenching moments I have read in a while. Life for Caitlin has not been easy and frankly it doesn't seem as if it getting any easier for her either from the very start of the story, yet sometimes she was the one making things harder for herself than they had to be. Caitlin's pride is bigger than most of the Rockies, but her heart is even bigger than that. She is hiding a secret though and it is a whooper of one too boot.

Then there is Mike who is put in a very interesting position and what he does shows his character. Oh this man is holding his own secret as well. Almost everything Mike does shows his faith and how Jesus loves everyone. Oh there is faults that come out as well, so that he is not some perfect and impossible man.

It seems from the start things just seem impossible for things to work out, with all the hurdles that must be crossed. Some of those hurdles are major, yet frankly at the same one knew things couldn't possibly end up the way that Ms. Davids made it seem like it was going. I say that they couldn't possibly end up the way it appears to be leaning is because frankly it wouldn't be for a good ending unless something really twisted happens. Well nothing twisted happened so things are all working good.

As Caitlin learned that there are some secrets that are not worth keeping for there can be some pretty big consequences. This is a great reminder that there are some things more important than a person's pride.

Regardless of all the secrets Caitlin is a woman who is strong and determined to do everything she has to in order to take care of her little baby. She overcomes so many issues yet at the same time there is God's hand is how some of those issues are overcome. It is how things are working out like they do that makes everything so beautiful but heartbreaking. Heartbreaking because of what was going on with Mike.

It might seem at times as if things are not moving forward but it is in the little things that shows how the story is indeed moving forward. At times it seems as if there is some steps backwards but they are important to the story and the wonderful ending.

This is a book that is you are able to get your hands on then it is well worth the reading. I totally enjoyed this book and hope all who do read the book will enjoy it as much.

"Heaven Sent Husband" by Gilbert Morris

  Due to a large purchase at my local library book sale, I will be alternating between a new book that I get from the library, and a book that I purchased.  I think that I have gone through all of the older Christian library books anyway so I am hoping that this will give them a chance to stock up on books I haven't read yet.  I am sure that there will be new books I have missed over the summer that I can read during the winter time.  I will let people know if the book I am reviewing is an older book.  The older books will be ones that really touched my heart and I think worth keeping and re-reading in the future.

About the Book

 

Between her dedicated nursing at Mercy Hospital and plans to be a missionary in India, Ketura Lindsey had no time to think about marriage. But to follow God's plan, she had to acknowledge that love was part of His higher purpose for her life. Yet did He really intend her to find wedded bliss with her high school nemesis, Jared Pierce?
              
Jared, the star of the baseball team, had hurt tall, gangly Ket with his teasing. Now an intern at Mercy, he was a constant presence in her heart and mind. But would Jared, who dated beauty queens, ever notice-let alone propose to-a plain Jane?

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This book was released in April 2005

This book is from my own personal collection.

My Review

“Heaven Sent Husband” by Gilbert Morris is the first book I have ever read by this gentleman and frankly I was blown away for several reasons.

The first reason is because I always steered away from Mr. Morris books thinking that he couldn't possibly write a decent romance that I would like, but now I am seriously rethinking that for I just so completely enjoyed this book. I am going to look into a few other of his books just to see if I was completely wrong or if this book just hit a home run with me.

The second reason is that honestly I felt that this book was an absolutely wonderful fictional book with a great deal of imagination, after all that imagination is what it would take for this story to have come to life. This story as I read it, seemed magical while not having a shred of reality to it, but yet there was this element where even the die hard romantic couldn't help but wish that it was. I couldn't see this actually happening in real life (yes I enjoy stories that seem like they could really happen) but there was aspect to the story that I just enjoyed more than anything else. I then read the Note to the Reader from Mr. Morris at the end of the book, and I just couldn't help but sigh to see that maybe I was wrong.

Ketura is a woman whose faith is so strong that at first I wondered if maybe it was just an exaggeration but the more I read about Ketura the more I started second guessing my first impression. Yes her faith is strong, and has made me wonder if I would be so courageous as she was, if I was given the same task, but yet I found her questions to be so real for I know I would have been the same way. Here is a woman who has her own flaws as well that we see fairly early on, which makes her seem more down to earth as well.

I have to say that I found that the story was mostly told from the point of view of one of the characters, in the third person, with the other character's point of view when it was needed. I found this way of telling the story to be interesting and compelling at the same time for though I believed this to be completely fiction, it gave it more of a feel of a friend telling you their story with the added input from another character who didn't want to take away too much from the story-teller. Then it was the way that the story-teller was speaking that made it hard to stop reading.

If anyone is able to get their hands on this book, it is really worth reading it. I am so glad that I rescued this book from a yard sale, for this is certainly a keeper.