Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson
Land of the Lone Star Book 3

BACK COVER:

A YOUNG WIDOW nursing the wounds of her past...a COWBOY with demons of his own...

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.
Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she's living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow's. And Carissa's daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.
Challenged by mounting hardships  can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
This turned out to be a really good book!!! At first, I was thinking it wouldn't be that good, because the first chapter or two was a little slow for me...but don't give up on it!!! It turns out beautifully! I loved it!!!! Carissa had a bad experience of marriage, and Tyler just wants to love her and her daughter. Well he got Gloria on his side...now just for the hurting momma. One moment she is warming up to him the next moment she's as cold as ice. Until he has to save her life...which ladies, we all know means she's going to be thinking about the most important people in her life....and he just wants to make sure she is ok. and to tell her how he feels.

PICK UP THIS BOOK, it's worth it!!!

To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book bethany house publishing. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by bethany house to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

BACK COVER:
Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she hasn't found since.
 Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville after a broken engagement and several years on the road touring with a country music duo. He can still hear Molly's voice encouraging him to follow hiw dreams; Molly, whose memory stays with him. At least he can visit The Bridge- and remember the hours he and Molly once spent there.
For Thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books-even through dismal book sales and the rise of digital books. Then in May, the hundred-year flood swept through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.
Now the bank is pulling the lease on The Bridge. Despondent and without answers, Charlie considers the unthinkable. Then tragedy strikes, and suddenly, everything changes. In the face of desperate brokenness and lost opportunities, could the miracle of a second chance actually unfold?
 The Bridge is a love story set against the struggle of the American Bookstore, a love story you will never forget.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
 I think it's really hard to say anything better than the back cover for this book. At least with out giving away the story. This is a great book, I think the love could of unfolded a little sooner, I feel like it was a bit rushed at the end, but all in all this is a great Christmas Book...especially for all of us that love having the book in our hand not on our electronics. I love how the romance takes place in a book store, and how at the end it re-takes place in the book store. It's a great story on how you can not assume anything in life...I highly suggest picking up this book!!!!

To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book Howard Publishing Company. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by Howard to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

Sugar Fork by Walt Larimore

BACK COVER:
This Captivating Story  takes place in the Sugar Fork Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness during 1925-1926. Nate Randolph and his five unique daughters wrestle to survive after the death of Callie (his wife and their mother) as well as to maintain their farm, forests, family, and faith against an evil lumber company manager seeking to clear-cut their virgin woodland.
 A cast of delightful characters, including gypsy siblings, Cherokee Indians, a granny midwife, a world famous writer, and even a flesh-and-blood Haint, join our heroine, a sixteen-year-old Abbie Randolph, in her life-and-death struggle. Abbie falls in love for the first time, helps run the farm, and mothers her independent sisters while battling to preserve her faith when senseless murders threaten to destroy her family and her way of life.
Will the Randolph family survive intact? Will the farm be saved? Only a miracle could make it happen.
With the march of industrial age, especially industrial lumbering, the roaring twenties  Prohibition, the increasing momentum for a national park, and the onslaught of a modern world, trains, and radio communication  the traditional life and ways of our Southern High-landers were about to change forever.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
 I have to admit, this was  an ok book. I think it could have been written better. But I do think it has a good story thought line. I just think it could of had I don't know...something more....
 I love how this takes place in the Great Smokey Mountains, and that he writes in their accents. He also puts in the every day struggles that the had at the time.
 Right off from the bat, he makes you feel bad for Abbie and her siblings, they have a father that is often gone, to make extra money for them. And Abbie is left to raise the rest of the family. But she has help from some immigrants that her family took in. Abbie is trying to be a mother and a child at the same time. She is being courted by a young man, and she's falling in love with him. And everyone wants to her marry him, and live close by to help with the family.
 The lumber company start going to extreme lengths to get the Randolphs land, to the point that Abbie's life is turned upside down, along with her siblings. Now she is forced to come up with everything to keep the farm going. BUt will she be able to continue with it? Or will everyone be shipped off to who knows where?

To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book Howard Publishing Company. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by Howard to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy
The Kincaid Brides Book 3

Back Cover:

Seth Kincaid Remembers almost everything. . . except getting married!

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he hasn't been the same since. Then he fought in the Civil War and returned to Colorado crazier than ever.
Somewhere along the line, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he has a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't too happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. When Seth disappeared, she searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come west to wrangle her long-lost husband.
Seth is willing to make amends. Callie is more interested in shooting him. Can they rekindle their love before one of them goes over the edge?

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
  A great end to the Kincaid Bride Trilogy! It's amazing to go through Seth's story, and learn just who he is, and how far he has come. I love being able to see the other Kincaids in the book, and how their life is getting along.
 Now Callie Kincaid is a pistol, she isn't sure if she wants to blow a whole through Seth's middle or whether to kiss him. And there is a war going on inside of her. She doesn't want to get re-attached just to loose him agian. But she's glad she has him.
 Seth isn't sure what to do, all he knows is that this woman has his name, and he needs to do right by her. So he's willing to make this work, take her out to his house, and get to living. But Callie keeps him at arms length until he remembers her. But he isn't sure he wants to remember everything that's happened to him, and it seems to be the only way to remember her...
 A new wife isn't the only surprise on the Kincaid Ranch...There are a few other people that show up on the ranch claiming part ownership...What are the Kincaid's going to do?

Great book, I highly recommend the entire series!!!!




To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book from Bethany House Publisher, and given the freedom by Bethany House to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall
To read an except just go to my post announcing the coming of Veil of Pearls, and clink on the link there. 


Back Cover:

She thought she could outrun her past...

It is 1811, and the prosperous port city of Charleston is bustling with plantation owners, slaves, and immigrants. Immigrants such as the raven-haired Adalia Winston. But Adalia has a secret: her light skin belies that she is part black and a runaway slave from Barbados. Skilled in herbal remedies, Adalia finds employment with a local doctor and settles into a quiet life, thankful for her freedom  but still fearful that her owner will find her.
Born into one of Charleston's prominent families, Morgan Rutledge is handsome, bored-and enamored of the beautiful Adalia, who spurns his advances. Morgan's persistence, however, finally wins, and Adalia is swept into the glamorous world of Charleston high society.
But Adalia's new life comes at a high price-that of denying her heritage and her zeal for God. How far is she willing to go to win the heart of the man she loves? And when her secret is revealed, will that love be enough, or will the truth ruin Morgan and send Adalia back into slavery?

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
 I love how this is set just a year before the war of 1812, where one of my favorite women in history shows what she's made of. But this story is not about Dolly Madison or even the en-pending war with Britain. It's about the inner struggle with slavery and with one's own conscience and one's own beliefs. Being from the South, it isn't uncommon to know and hear the history of how the south once was with the slavery. But what I love about this book is that MaryLu shows, that when push comes to shove we are able to make the right decisions.
 Morgan can have any woman he wants in Charleston, and he practically has, that is until this woman who is caring for his father's slaves comes stomping into his life. She doesn't treat him like the other women do. She doesn't fawn, bat her eyelashes, talk all sweet and gentle, she just tells it like it is, and is unaffected by his advances. Which like any other male, makes him try even harder!
 Adalia, just wants to help other's while hiding from her owner. But this society brat won't leave her alone. He is arrogant, self-centered, and a goody-to-shoes. But there is just something about him, that makes her take pity on him, and say yes to one thing...at least she thought it was just one thing.
But when her secret is let out of the corner, can Morgan swallow his pride, and be willing to loose everything he holds dear, family, connections, society, fortune, in order to have the love of his life? And is Adalia willing to let him give it up for her. And become the wife of a penniless merchant?
 It's a great book, and I was able to finish it in 4 hours because I just couldn't put it down. I was sooo disappointed to find out that it was a stand-alone book. I was hoping to hear a little more about this Charleston society, but I'll just have to leave that up to my imagination. Which when reading MaryLu's books, that is a great pleasure I love to do.
 So grab your favorite Caffeine addiction and curl up with this great book!



To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book from MaryLu Tyndall. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by MaryLu to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
To "look inside" click title above

Back Cover:
 Four Brothers. Four Straws. One Bride.
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.
Years of constant vigilance harden a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.
Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
    Karen has always been one of my 'go-to' Writers. I love reading her books, and seeing what kind of story she will come up with next. And this was no disappointment. I have been looking forward to this book since I got to read the back cover last year. A tale of young infatuation that will eventually lead to love. Meredith and Travis meet once in the woods, and 12 years later she comes waltzing back into his life.
 Travis made a promise to his father to never leave the ranch...and this included his 3 brothers. So for over 12 years the Archer men stay holed up on their land, threatening anyone and everything that comes on their land.
 Meredith is an Orphan living with her Uncle who has control of all of her inheritances until she is married. And when her Uncle wants to 'force' her into marriage to help secure his business, she overhears a plot to destroy the Archers. Remembering a heroic act 12 years ago pushes Meredith to do something she had always wanted to do, but was always scared to try. Return to Archer land and warn The handsome boy that helped her all those years ago.
  When the Archer men use 'Drawing Straws' to decide her fate...She suddenly feel's like the "Short-Straw". Will she ever feel apart of their family and community? Will she be the one to finally bring the Archer's "out of the woodwork?"
 I suggest picking up this book, and enjoy the story...It only took me 3 hours since I couldn't put it down :)


To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book Bethany House Publisher. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by Bethany House to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

Hi y'all!
I just wanted to drop a note and let you all in on something. Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall is being released soon, and it's going to be a great read (Look inside!)!!!! It's going to have adventure, romance, and of course a lesson to be learned in it. So prepare to set sail for a Adventure at Sea and pre-order your copy today!!!!! You can order it on any online book stores. CBD, Amazon (for just $10.39), or Barnes & Noble are just a couple of options!


Thanks for supporting a friend of mine!!! :)

The Secret Keeper A Novel of Kateryn Parr by Sandra Byrd

Back Cover:
Mistress Juliana St.John is the lovely, forthright daughter of a prosperous knight's family. Though all expect her to marry the son of her late father's business partner, time and chance interrupt, sending her to the sumptuous but deceptive court of Henry VIII.
 Sire Thomas Seymour, brother of the late Queen Jane, returns to Wiltshire to conclude his affairs with Juliana's father's estate and chances upon her reading as lector in the local church. He sees instantly that she would fit into the household of the woman he loves and wants most to please, Kateryn Parr. Juliana's mother agrees to have her placed with Parr for a season and Juliana goes, though reluctantly.
For she keeps a secret.
Juliana has been given the gift of prophecy, and in one vibrant vision she has seen Sir Thomas shredding the dress of a highly born young woman, while it was still on her body, to perilous consequence.
As Juliana accompanies Kateryn Parr to court, Henry's devout sixth queen raises the stakes for all reformers. Support of the firebrand Anne Askew puts the queen and her Ladies in life-threatening jeopardy, as does the queen's desire to influence her husband's -and the realm's- direction and beliefs. Later, without Henry's strong arm, the court devolves to competition, duplicity, and betrayal. The risks could not be higher as Juliana must choose between love and honor, personal fulfillment and sacrifice. Ultimately, her course is driven by a final kept secret, one that undoes everything she thought she knew.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
At first, I thought I would not like this book. I figured it would be boring, and I wouldn't "find" the time to read it...I was sooo wrong. Once I got started I couldn't put it down!!! It has sooo many twists and turns. Plus great secrets :) lol. Juliana has a beau, but as far as she knows, he doesn't think of her that way. So she heads to court to help Kateryn Parr. Once there King Henry has decided that he has to have Kateryn for his bride. This sends the story a whole new direction. One horrible night, Juliana's life is turned upside down, and all her hopes for the future seem unattainable, but are they? In the end Juliana must keep the biggest secret of her life, and that of another's...
 This is a great book, you feel apart of the history, and the story. Sandra takes a whole new twist on a part of British History that is to this day, uncertain. I suggest you pick up a copy of The Secret Keeper, get in your reading nook with your Iced Coffee or Tea :)




To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book Howard Books. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by the publisher to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

Out of Control by Mary ConnealyThe Kincaid Brides Book 1

Click on the book to look inside :)

BACK COVER:

Rafe Kincaid controls everything in his life...until he meets Julia.

Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys studying the fossils and formations in the magnificent cave near her father's house. The cave seems plenty safe-until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to climb out.

Rafe Kincaid is a man used to being in control-of himself, his brothers, and his family's ranch. The last thing he expects is to find a woman trapped in the cavern on his land-or to be forced to kiss her!

Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known. But when their developing relationship threatens a reconciliation with his brothers, will Rafe have to choose between his family and this new love that could heal his troubled heart and secure his happiness?

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
 The book opens with Julia being trapped in a cave, with some madman on the loose.
As Rafe is riding past the beginning of all his problems, he hears this distressed voice asking for help...Little did he know, that his life would never be the same from that point on! As he tries to conquer his fears, he climbs down into the deep dark whole, all for a 'damsel in distress'.
Julia knows that she's been rescued, but by who? With it being so dark, she had no idea...Once out of the cave, Rafe takes her back to his house, before taking her home. And that's when it goes for a new turn!
As Rafe tries to take control of Julia and her stepmother's lives, he learns that maybe he shouldn't be in charge of everything...like a woman giving birth? :)
Can the two who have to have everything their way, learn to put their wants aside and just love each other?

Great Book!!! I know I reviewed this series out of order :) but It was really good! And they are literally like days between the two books, so that makes it super fun to read in one sitting :). I highly suggest getting this book and snuggling up with some Sweet Tea (since it's summer) and enjoying this book out in the sun :)

Happy Reading! 


To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I bought this book with my own money.

To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book Bethany House Publishing. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by Bethany to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?

At first I wasn't sure about this book, the back was ok, the cover is gorgeous, but I didn't know of the author. So I was hesitant at first. Once I was introduced to the characters of Winslow Street, I slowly became attached :) . Michael is Romanian, along with his 2 men, 2 sons, and his sister. They have just arrived from a warring Romania, where they long to leave behind tragic happenings. Only to come to American and have to 'fight' for the house that rightfully belongs to them.

Libby has grown up in the house on Winslow street all of her life, and have been told about how her father fixed the house up with his own two hands. Her father purchased it, when it was in shambles in Michael's relative had died. She is furious with this 'Gypsy' taking over her house and everything she holds dear. But despite her misgivings, she still decides to befriend them. She brings them food, and most importantly companionship....Only things is, she may have given more than she bargain for...Or Michael had ever thought possible.

But will these two find love and friendship even with the court decision coming? Will they be able to over look it? I personally really liked the book, and would recommend it, The only thing would be, there is a scene from Romania, about what happened to Michael's sister, that you may want to be forewarned about. Other than this, it is a good book!






To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book Bethany House Publishing. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by Bethany House to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.