UNBREAKABLE by NANCY MEHL

Why would anyone want to bring harm to a group of people that live by God's principles?  The people that live in Kingdom, only want to live their life in peace, adhering to the rules of the Mennonite Church.

Why would someone want to run Hope off the road?  Thankfully, Jonathan Wiese was on his way home and saw the red truck heading back her way again, after already running her off the road and turning her buggy over.  Then later, Avery was run off the same road and he was not so fortunate.  Who is trying to harm the people of Kingdom?  

Hope Kauffman, thought she had her life all together.  She and Ebbie Miller are looking forward to getting married in the near future.  That was until, Jonathan Wiese began to share his feelings the day he rescued her from the red truck and whoever was behind the wheel.  Is Hope drawn to Jonathan just because he would fight to protect her and shares his feelings with her, so unlike Ebbie? 

When  accidents begin to happen, the people of Kingdom begin to question.  Do they carry firearms or do they put their trust in the Lord, as they have been taught all their lives?  Jonathan wants to set up guards to watch over the town and carry guns,  while Ebbie wants to trust the Lord to take care of them.  Who is right and who is wrong?  

If the people of Kingdom were more open to protecting themselves, than relying on God, would things be different?  Doesn't God want them to protect themselves from harm?  When Hope is taken hostage, will Ebbie be able to save her or will it be Jonathan who comes to her rescue?  Which man will Hope decide to give the marriage quilt that she has been working on?


I definitely will recommend this book to others.  I loved the way that the author, Nancy Mehl, took the reader on a journey into the lives and emotions of the people of Kingdom.  Once I started reading the book, I did not want to put it down.  At every chance, I found myself sitting down with my Kindle and reading another chapter or two.

My mother-in-law introduced me to the books about the Amish and Mennonites early in my marriage and I have never gotten tired of reading about them.  I know that I could not live as they do, but I so admire the dedication that they put into everything they do.
  
If I was to rate this book. I would give it a 5 star rating.  

COWBOY AT HEART by LORI COPELAND and VIRGINIA SMITH

Jesse Montgomery has changed his life from being a cowhand and  a drunk.  Staying with some friends, he realizes that he needs to get out and go forward with his life.  He can't continue living off the good graces of his friends.  When Jonas Switzer's land is being taken right from under him, Jesse knows that he needs to help.  The problem is that Jonas is Amish, and they don't believe in fighting.  

Jesse decides that he will go ride the fence line and is shot in the back and left for dead.  Will Jesse heal quick enough  to help Jonas save his land before it is burned to the ground?  Does God have a new life in store for Jesse or will his past keep him from taking a chance at a new life? 

This is the first book that I have read in this series.  If I had realized there were others before, I would have read them first.  I loved this book.  I started reading and did not want to quit.  As soon as I could I would grab my kindle and start reading again.

I was so glad that I was able to enjoy the book as much as I did, having not read the previous ones.  When I started reading, I wondered how an Englisher Cowboy would fit in with the Amish.  The authors, Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith are a great writing team.  I am hoping that there will be another book after this one.  I would love to read how the new community continued.

I would give this book a 5 star rating.  I received this book through Net Gallery as an ebook.  If you love reading about the Amish and their daily lives, this would be the book.  This book is not your typical Amish book that only deals with the Amish community.  It gives the reader a glimpse  of what they have had to go through to build their homes among the English.  You will not be disappointed.  This is a book that can be read alone.  But, how much more fun it would have been to start with the first one.  My daughter, Mandy and I have a thing about starting in the middle of a series, but if you don't have the others ones, you will surely enjoy this one.  Happy reading!

This book will be released in April 2013.

Grandchildren Are So Special

Today has been a lazy Monday.  The grandchildren slept in this morning.  So while they were a sleep, I cleaned-up some around the pool, read a chapter in my book, cleaned alittle and then decided to end up at the computer.

µy new cooker, Love it!

The first of May, Bridgett and I had gone to  the grocery store and found that they had bags of "Chicken Bites".  Earlier in the week, Bridgett had bought a bag and found that they tasted just like the ones that you could get from McDonald's.  So knowing that they would not be getting anymore, since it was a special order, we proceeded to buy all they had (13 bags).  


I realize that this really sounds like over kill.  And, I suppose looking back, perhaps it was.  But the bags were only $5.00 each.   Considering that just for the small order from McDonald's was $1.99, we felt that it was a great buy.


Have I kept  them for myself, no.  I have shared bags with my Bridgett and my sister.

Why would a person buy so many?  To make sure that I have something that all the grandchildren would eat.  I remember growing up and staying at my Grandparents.  My Grandmother would not ask if there was something that we enjoyed eating, we would eat what ever it was she put on the table.  I do believe that Grand parenting has changed.

I do enjoy fixing things that my grandchildren like.  Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, hot dogs, pizza, french fries, mac and cheese, and of course pancakes.  I even make sure to have snacks and sodas that they like.


Being a Grandparent is great.  I am so blessed to have three granddaughters and two grandsons.







So what are the granddaughters doing now?  Well, here are some pictures to show just a moment in their day.

Shelby enjoying her Dr. Pepper, while Louie enjoys resting

Caitlin standing in the kitchen doing her make-up

Both Shelby and Louie resting

Now, that Caitlin has decided to get dressed, it is time that we go somewhere.

NEW HAIR COLOR

Today was set apart to get my hair colored.

My favorite person to color my hair is my daughter, Bridgett.  I could go to the salon and have it done.  But this always give my Bridgett and myself time to share.  It is amazing the topics that we discuss.  From the grandchildren, to politics, to discussion on the Bible, and beyond.

Today, was a variety of topics. We started out talking about the man on the internet that is I believe only 30 and he has 40 children.  So sad, really, they take money out of his pay check and some of the mothers only get $1.49 in child support.  What can a mother do with that amount of money?

Then we discussed the world situation and what my Tommy has been sharing.

Now, I normally use the L'Oreal or Revlon hair color, but I had been reading about the reviews for the new hair color from Avon.  So I decided to purchase 4 boxes of the Light Brown.

The reason I had started using the Revlon, was because this one was listed as the best one to cover gray.  I have used it in the Light Brown and have liked the color.  The only thing that I have not been happy with is when I wash my hair.  My hair feels like straw before putting the conditioner on it.  Is my hair soft after I dry it out, yes.  So, I suppose this is just the way that store bought hair colors do.

I did like the smell of the Avon hair color and the way it felt after I finished styling.  Now, it did not feel as rough wet as with the Revlon brand.  Will I use the Avon brand again, probably.  I was able to get the boxes at under $5.00 a piece.  So this was a good savings, compared to the L'Oreal brand, yet the Revlon one that I use is under $3.00.

Logan's 4th Birthday

I just realized that I have not posted since Easter!

So today, I got to thinking that I needed to get on the ball and start posting about my life and those in it.

Today, was Logan's 4th birthday.  Now this young man is not my grandson, but one of our renter's  children.  His mother, Ramona invited me to attend.   I love having children on the place.  All of our girls have grown up and so I get to enjoy other's little ones.

My husband, Tommy decided that it would be a great day to bring out the tractor.  Yes, the very one that he took our youngest granddaughter, Shelby on last summer. The same one that quit 2 miles from the house and they had to walk all the way back home.  In the heat!  Was our Shelby very angry at Caitlin and her Nana, Yes!!!!!!

 Logan with his daddy

 My hubby, Tommy and his tractor

I decided that today, was the day that I was going to do something different.  I am going to start taking pictures of the things that happen in my day and post them.  Hope that you have enjoyed the pictures.  Have a blessed week.

EASTER

I am so thankful that Jesus loved me so much that He would die on the cross for me.  When I read the Old Testament and read of all the requirements that the children of Israel had to go through to be in right standing with God, I realize just how awesome Calvary was.  No longer do we have to perform all the blood sacrifices to have our sins removed.  Now we can go directly to the Lord and tell Him anything and everything.

I was so fortunate that I had great parents.  Both my Daddy and Mother were people that I knew loved me no matter what.  I was a Daddy's girl and I knew that there was nothing that I could do that would cause him to turn his back on me.  As I have grown into an adult, I know that because I had a Daddy like mine, it was easy to turn to my Heavenly Father.  I knew  there were rules that were to be followed and I also knew that there would be consequences to not following the rules.  Just like there are consequences to not following the Word of God.  I am so glad that that Jesus loves me with all my short comings and He will never turn me away.

Last night, I was thinking about Easter when I was young and how we would always get a new outfit, Easter basket, full of goodies and then after church we would come home and we would have a family dinner.  My Grandmother would always make her famous peach or cherry cobbler.  My mother would also make her famous deviled eggs.  What a fun time it would be.  My Daddy would hide the eggs again that we had gotten and candy eggs that my Mother would have bought.

My Mother and Daddy

My Daddy, my self and my little sister, Tammy

 

My self with a new dress that had a full cancan( for those that don't know, this a slip that has a lot of layers that helps the dress be full), my gloves(all Southern girls needed) and of course our pocketbook(purse).

My wonderful, lovely Mother

This was another Easter, My littlest sister, Karen, Mother and Daddy, myself and on the left side that got chopped would have been my brother, Steve and sister, Tammy.

I remember the fun time that we would have decorating the real eggs.  And the mess that would follow.  Yet, my mother would just let us have fun and worry about the clean-up later.  Growing up in my family was wonderful.  I had an older brother, and two sisters to have fun with.  So when I was thinking back on the past holidays, I knew that I had to find some pictures.

NO LOVE ~LOST~ by LYNN BULOCK

From Back Cover:

THE CASE OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE TURNED CORPSE...

I seem to be gathering quite a collection of murder victims: first my husband, then my contractor.  And now my ex-husband's fiancee has turned up dead.  But I, Grace Lee Harris, am on the job - much to the dismay of my boyfriend, homicide detective Ray Fernandez.  I've enlisted the ladies of the Christian Friends to help me figure out who killed my ex's sweetie not long before their wedding.  My ex is the prime suspect, but his fiancee kept secrets that might have been deadly.  I just pray that her secrets don't get me killed!

My comments:

What a trip!  Not only does Grace  have her own live to take care of, but now her ex is depending on her to clear his name.  Will Grace be able to satisfy all the men in her life at this moment, or will she find herself the object of everyone's attention?  What secrets were her ex's fiancee been hiding, that would have caused someone to kill her?  

This book was a fun read.  It was easy to picture someone in this position in real life.  I could relate to Grace, when she was trying to keep the communication open between her son and his father.  Lynn Bulock, the author, takes the reader on journey of a woman that is trying to keep her own life separate, yet at the same time help those that she loves.

I give this book a 4.5 rating.

TWIN TARGETS by MARTA PERRY

From back Cover:

BREACH OF IDENTITY

The Witness Protection Program was supposed to keep Jade Summer's sister safe.  So why is U.S. Marshall Micah McGraw saying her twin is dead?  Jade doesn't get the chance to ask because their meeting is interrupted  Ruby's killers.  The mob is after Jade...but neither Micah nor Jade know why.  Somehow, its connected to a decades old crime.  Finding the truth could be disastrous, but lives depend on it.  Several women are in danger...and Jade is the first one in the killer's sights.

My comments:

I love watching "In Plain Sight" on television, so when I found this book, I knew that I wanted to read it.

Once, I opened the book to the first page, I was hooked.  It is so refreshing to read a clean mystery, that is full of promise.  Marta Perry takes the reader into the lives of people that have had to give up their own choices and live a life just to be safe.  I am looking forward to reading the other books in the "Protecting the Witnesses" series.

I give this book a 4.5 star rating.

Follow Friday

1.       I loved reading as a kid and still do.

2.       I drive Murano Nissan.

3.       I am currently reading Double Jeopardy by Terri Reed.

4.       I wish I could instantly have a body just like Jillian Michaels.

BOOK REVIEWS

THE LAST BRIDGE HOME

by LINDA GOODNIGHT

From the Back Cover:

Zak To The Rescue

Doing the right thing always came easily to firefighter Zak Ashford.  So he can't refuse taking in the dying wife he thought divorced him long ago - and watching over her three troubled children.  The only person Zak can turn to is his cute neighbor, Jilly Fairmont, who  helps him and the children through their loss.  And not just because she secretly cares for Zak.  Yet it isn't long before Zak realizes what this honest, compassionate woman means to him. too.  Can he convince Jilly that his life would be complete if she agreed to share his future?

My Review:

Zak Ashford just thought his life was in control.  A bachelor, enjoying his work as a firefighter and dreaming of a career in baseball, and a best friend, named Jilly Fairmont.

The day that Crystal drove up in his driveway, with three children and fainted, changed not only his life, but Jilly's.  Crystal, dying with cancer,  has brought her three children in hopes of finding them a home with Zak.  She knows that she only has a small space of time to find someone that will love her children as their own.

Will the friendship that  Zak and Jilly have, be able to weather the changes?  What changes will Crystal's children bring in the next couple of weeks?  Is there a plan that the Lord is trying to show Zak and will he answer the call?

This is the last book in the "Redemption Series" by Linda Goodnight.  I have the privilege of reading all the books in the series.  The last book was as exciting as the first.  I have fallen in love with the characters in each book.  I would give the author a 5 star rating.  Once you start, you won't want to stop.

HER ONLY PROTECTOR

by LISA MONDELLO

From Back Cover:

HER BABY NIECE HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED!

A perilous journey to South America is the only way to retrieve the child.  With her missing brother's daughter back in her arms, Sonny Montgomery finally feels safe.  Until a handsome, cold-eyed bounty hunter stops her moments before boarding a plane to the U.S.

Gill Waite is after her brother.  All he cares about is "finding the fugitive" and collecting his money.  Sonny won't betray her family.  Yet she has no choice but to go with Gil.. A man whose rugged exterior hides the heat of a hero.

My Review:

All Sonny wanted was to get her brother's baby daughter and get out of Colombia.  Just steps away from boarding the plane, she feels someone grab her arm.  Knowing that she cannot afford to make a scene, she goes with him.

Gill has been watching Sonny and knows that she is the link to finding her brother.  Has his desire to find the fugitive clouded his thinking and put not only himself, but his team in harm's way?

With the whole country out looking for the baby, will Gil and his team be able to get Sonny and the baby out before someone finds them?  Or will Gill be so intent on his job that it becomes costly to others?

STORM WARNING 

by LINDA HALL

From Back Cover:

A SAFE HAVEN

The rustic lakeside homestead is supposed to be a refuge for widow Nori Edwards.  However, the moment the single mom arrives, strange and frightening things start happening.  Former police officer Steve Baylor - the only resident who'll step foot on the "cursed" property - vows to protect Nori.  And catch the shadowy someone dead set on terrorizing her.  For the first time, she feels safe.  But danger won't stay hidden forever...and neither will Nori's stalker, who's waiting for a chance to let a deadly storm roll in.

My Review:

Nori knows that she has been under a lot of stress, since her husband died.  Buying the place on Whisper Lake was just the thing that Nori thought would help her to move forward.  With doors and windows being left opened, that she was certain that she had closed, is someone trying to scare Nori from her place of peace?   Will Nori find herself in danger before the culprits are found?

RIVERS OF SECRETS 

by LYNETTE EASON

From Back Cover:

WHERE HAS SHE SEEN HIM BEFORE?

The amnesiac patient in the makeshift Amazon hospital looks familiar to visiting American nurse Amy Graham.  This isn't the first time she's seen those blue-gray eyes, the hard lines of his handsome face.  When Amy sees his birthmark, she knows exactly who he is: Micah McKnight, the presumed-dead Navy SEAL.  Her best friend's brother.  The man her own mother set up to die.

Amy can't bear to tell him the dangerous truth about his hidden past.  But her secrets are about to explode, because now someone is after them both.

My Review:

Amy's own mother is the one that was responsible for the attack on Micah McKnight's team.  Now, here he is in the hospital with amnesiac.  Growing up with Micah, Amy was over at his home visiting with his sister.  The day in the forest, Amy sees the birthmark and is sure that it is Micah.  How can she tell him, when he has begun to trust her.  Will the truth be more than Micah can handle?  What will become of the relationship between Amy and Micah?

FROM THE HEART OF A WOMAN: LOVE LETTERS TO MY LORD

 The author, Sylvia Hensel, states in her book that so many times, she finds herself transported to another place.  She talks about the feeling of being wrapped in God's love.


This was a different style of book I normally review.  As I opened the book, I knew right away, that it was going to be one of richness.  So many times, I get down to pray and my mind is still racing with all the things that need to be done. This book would be a great one to have along side, in that closet of prayer.  Just to open it up and begin reading, caused me to feel like I was reading love letters to my "Heavenly Father".


This is a book that each woman could use at any moment of the day.  I found as I was reading, my heart begin to take on each word, as if it was coming from my own heart.


I received this e-book as a complimentary copy to read and post my honest opinion.  This would be a book that I would give as a gift to my friends.  What a lovely book full of prayers.

WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID?

THE NEXT TARGET by Nikki Arana

Austia Donatelli, never dreamt the paths her life would take the day she watched her husband, David, board the airplane on his way to minister to the Muslims.


Now, with the passing of David's death, Ausita, has felt the Lord leading her to continue his ministry.  Working at the Career Center, she is helping the Muslim women learn the English language. When women begin to come to her, to learn about Jesus, she knows that she is not only putting their lives in danger, but her own.


When one of her students, Sabirah, a Muslim, is found shot, Austia, knows that her family were responsible. Had she been careless in her ministry?


Zaki, a Muslim man, comes in shortly after and applies for a job to be an interpreter for the Muslim men that come to the Center.  Has he been sent to find out if Austia is the one, responsible for Sabirah becoming a Christian?  Could he be the one that not only ends her ministry, but her life?


I first become acquainted with the author, Nikki Arana, when I reviewed her first book, "The Winds of  Sonoma".  This was the first in the series, "Regalo Grande".  I fell in love with this author.  When she asked if I would be interested in reviewing her new book, I absolutely jumped at the chance.


"The Next Target" is completely different that the first three, and I was taken in by the first page.  I started reading it at night and found that it was 4am, when I finished.  This is a book that I will share, but I definitely want back on my shelf.  


In this book, I was given a glimpse of what Muslim women have to go through.  Freedom, that I take for granted.  I highly recommend this book.  Nikki Arana, has written a book that will take the reader on a journey, that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.  Just remember to breathe.


I give this book a 5 star rating and I am looking forward to more books from this talented author.

Book Giveaway: Murder Buys a T-shirt

Glory Martine loves the quaint souvenir shop she inherited from her great-uncle Louis. Not only did she get a shop filled with collectibles and mementos, she also inherited his parrot, Bluebeard. The shop is situated in the small town of Keyhole Bay in Florida, where everyone knows everyone else’s business.

When the town’s football hero, Kevin Stanley, dies in a car accident, Bluebeard becomes uncontrollable. He’s destroying the shop and he begins uttering words that lead Glory to the conclusion that this death was no accident. She’s not about to tell the authorities or her friends that her shop is haunted and her pet parrot says it’s murder, so she has no choice but take matters into her own hands and search for the truth herself.

Glory manages to take some time for herself when she meets the new owner of the bookstore across the street. The attraction is mutual, but obstacles are continually thrown in their path. 

This is the first book in a brand new series, “A Haunted Souvenir Shop Mystery” and it’s off to a delightful start. 


For a chance to win this book, go to:

http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-giveaway-and-review-murder-buys-t.html

ARE YOU HAPPY?

On Sunday, we had a guest speaker, Kim Klaudt.  It was wonderful.  I remember hearing him when the oldest two girls were younger and in high school.  He and his family minister to the Indian Community.  I was not even aware that the Indian men don't live long , mostly due to alcohol and that their young people rate the highest on the suicide rate.


Well, yesterday, his topic was "Are You Happy?"


Most people would answer yes, but when we really think about it are we really?  Would we be happier if we could only look like that other person, have that new car, a bigger home, kinder children?    Americans have been so programed that we need more and more.  You go to Hollywood and all you see are people that are always looking for that next face lift, newer exercise CD.  I could go on, but I think by now, you should have the idea.


Kim gave 4 steps for us to find that happy place, and I would like to share it with my readers.


1.  Realizing that I am created in God's image.
      Genesis 1:26
      Psalm 139 - I so love verse 14  "I will praise You,     
                         for I am fearfully and wonderfully
                         made.  Marvelous are Your works."
                       
      Jeremiah 1:4 -10


2.   God has a plan for you.
       Jeremiah 29: 11 - "For I know the thoughts that I            
                                    think toward you, says the
                                    Lord, thoughts of peace and
                                    not of evil. to give you a
                                    future and a hope.


Now, here, Kim mentioned that although the Lord has a plan for my life, I can rob myself of my 
       DESTINY, by my mouth.


3.    Your sin has separated you from His plan.


4.    God has built a bridge made out of blood - JESUS


Coming home and meditating on the message, I realized that due to some of the choices that I had made,  probably had closed doors that I could have walked down.  Now, does this sadden me, yes, but I can honestly say that God loves me so much, that He didn't just drop me off on the side of the road.  


Today, I might not have the greatest or biggest home, wardrobe, car or loads of material wealth.  But I can say this, I have learnt that my happiness doesn't come from those.  Having a daily walk with the Lord and choosing to do my best to listen to His voice, I am happy.


WHAT DO I THINK OF MYSELF? Blessed going in and Blessed coming out.  I can't go back in time and redo my mistakes, but I can start today to allow the Lord to guide my life in the direction that He has for me.


WHAT ABOUT YOU?  It is never too late to allow God to take over the reigns of your life.

MY SUNROOM

I remember when my parents moved into their new home after I had gotten married.  The kitchen was so large.  The wonderful thing about it, was the bar.  It even had a soda fountain, that had the ice cream, fixings and even the soda pumps.  It really was amazing.  My Daddy owned "ICEE OF WEST TEXAS" at that time.  So he made his own syrup.  At that time, I was sort of jealous.  Why, now?  Why not, when I was living at home?  Oh, well.

Now I know you are probably wondering what this has to do with my title of my blog?  Right!  Well,  you see, my Mother thought that she would love the bar, except as time went by, she began to despise that bar.  WHY?  Well, because everything that came into the house seemed to find it's way to the bar.  She was always fussing about people putting their stuff on the bar instead of putting it where it belonged.

This is exactly what happens to my Sun room!  So the other day, I decided that I was going to take matters into my own hands.  Trust me, when I say this, my family really doesn't appreciate when I do this.  Because, by this time, I figure if it has been setting there for a while, then you really don't need it.  So the back of my car is rather full.  I have noticed that my Tommy, has been checking out the stuff  and has actually taken some things out.  But has it made its way back to the Sun room?  No!

So now I will share some pictures with you of my succulents.  We do have a pool table in the room.  Does it get played often?  NO!  And if I had my way about it, it would be gone.  I really have no use for things that are not used.  That is unless it is books!  I do leave my Tommy's office alone.  In fact, he told me the other day, that the only room that he sneezes in, is his office.  I told him, I wonder why?  It is because you don't clean it.  When I go in and have cleaned, he fusses, because, then he can't find anything.  So the last time, I decided that his office is his domain.

BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING by JENN McKINLAY

From the back:

What is the only word in the English language that ends in -mt?

Answering tricky reference questions like this one is more than enough excitement for recently single librarian Lindsey Norris.  That is, until someone in her cozy new hometown of Briar Creek, Connecticut, commits murder, and the most pressing question is whodunit...

Lindsey is just getting into her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a vacationing New York editor brings a little buzz to the small town.  It's the perfect chance for her friend Beth to sell the children's book she's written.  Unfortunately, Beth's boyfriend, Rick, a famous author and local celebrity, tries to stop her.  When Lindsey and Beth meet the editor, they uncover the real reason for Rick's bad attitude...

They go to confront Rick at his house on the storied and mysterious Thumb Islands, only to find him murdered.  The local chief of police like Beth for the murderer and isn't interested in looking elsewhere.  Now Lindsey has to act fast before they throw the book at the wrong person...

My Review:


Lindsey loves working along side her college friend, Beth, at the Briar Creek Public Library.  Beth has always dreamed of writing children's books, so when Lindsey finds out that a New York editor is vacationing in their town, she pushes Beth to see her.  What a surprise meets them both, when the editor talks with them.


Deciding to go and confront Rick, Beth's boyfriend, a famous author, who has always told Beth that her work was no good, she finds him dead.  Can Lindsey help Beth clear her name, before the chief of police decides that he needs to look further?  Was Rick really who he said he was?  Could Lindsey and Beth possibly be the next victims?


This is my first book to read by Jenn McKinlay and i found it to be a book that I wanted to read until the end.  A small town, cosy library, colorful characters and recipes to be found at the end, what more does a book need.  I am only hoping that there will be more coming from this small town, with its lovely characters.  If you enjoy a great mystery, that is clean reading and leaves you with a smile.  Then you will enjoy this book.  I give a shining 5 star rating.


**And yes, Mandy, this book is in the box, ready to be sent your way!!!

BOOK REVIEWS

FINDING HER WAY HOME by LINDA GOODNIGHT


From the back of book:

Welcome To Redemption, Oklahoma

The idyllic little town Cheyenne Rhodes has chosen for her fresh start is almost too welcoming.  After all, she's come here to hide from her past - not to make new friends.

But singe dad Trace Bowman isn't about to let Cheyenne hide away her heart.  he can't ignore the special way she has with his daughter, Zoey - or how she's reminded him of the power of real love.  Now he needs to convince Cheyenne that Redemption is more than a place to hide - it's also a way to be found...

My Review:

Cheyenne Rhodes is trying to leave her past behind and start a new life.  Finding a box with puppies, she stops in the town of Redemption, Oklahoma, hoping to find someone that she can leave the puppies with. Finding her way to the veterinarian, not only does Cheyenne find a home for the puppies, but a job for herself.

Working along side, Trace Bowman, the doctor, a single dad and not bad on the eyes, Cheyenne finds herself relaxing and enjoying the calm atmosphere of the town and it's people.

When Cheyenne realizes that Trace and his daughter, Zoey are beginning to want more of her in their lives, will she be able to let the past go and allow the Lord to heal her hurts?  Or will Cheyenne leave those that could help in her healing process?

This is the first book in the "Redemption River Series" by Linda Goodnight.  I did not want to put the book down.  The author has taken the reader right into the town of Redemption and you feel like you are walking down the sidewalk with the characters. I give this book a 5 star rating.

THE WEDDING GARDEN by LINDA GOODNIGHT

From the back of the book:

"Are You My Dad?"

The You Boy's question shocks Sloan Hawkins.

Until Sloan realizes he is this child's father.

Years ago, the former bad boy was run out of

Redemption, Oklahoma, where, ironically, he

 was thought unredeemable.  The only people who

believed in him were his beloved aunt and

Annie Markham the girl he loved and left

behind.  Now Sloan is back is back to face his past and

and help his aunt's cherished garden thriving.

But when he discovers his secret child - and that

single mother Annie never stopped loving him -

he's determined that a wedding will take place in

the garden nurtured by faith and love.

My Review:

     

     The night of the senior prom, Annie Markham was all excited to share her secret with the love of her life, Sloan Hawkins. Yet, all she got was stood up.  

  

     Now twelve years later, Sloan has shown up on his aunt's doorstep. His aunt is dying and Annie is not sure if she can keep her continue to keep Sloan at a distance. When all she wants is to feel his arms around her.

     Sloan may have been gone for twelve years, but he has never gotten over his, Annie.  Now that he knows that they have a son together, can the past be mended.  Could there be a chance for them to be a family, even though Annie's father hates him.

    This is just one of the books that are in the "Redemption River Series" by Linda Goodnight. I loved it.  I enjoyed the way that the author brought the characters together not as fiction, but as real life would be.  Life is not always a fairytale, but with the Grace of God, we are able to walk through the valleys and mountain tops that we are faced with in life.

    I would gladly give this book a 5 star rating.  I know that most of the books that I have read lately have been given this rating.  I try to be as honest as I can.  This book was easy to read.  One that you could pick up for the week-end and finish. This is the 2nd book in the series.

A PLACE TO BELONG by LINDA GOODNIGHT

From the back:

She Vowed She'd Never Love Again...

Faith and warm memories have helped widow Kitty Wainwright endure the loss of her husband.

That 's all she's ever needed...until she hires contractor Jace carter to repair her motel.  Kitty has no idea the silent, scarred Jace has admired her since they set eyes on each other.  Although Kitty's wary of letting anyone into her heart, Jace can't ignore his feelings for her.  But with old secrets threatening to ruin his future happiness, Jace has to put his past to rest before he can convince Kitty that she belongs by his side.

My Review:Who

Kitty had always felt satisfied with her life after her husband died.  She had her motel, had been married to the man of her dreams and she felt that she could never love another.  That was, until Jace Carter began coming around helping with the repairs of her motel.

Jace knew that his feelings for Kitty were more than just wanting to help, but he had secrets in his past that made him feel that he could never deserve someone as precious as Kitty.

When a friend from his past comes into town, Jace feels that it is his place to give his friend a second chance.  Even though Jace has turned his life around, has his friend?  Or is it another scam?  When Jace begins to hear things around town, will he be too late to save Kitty from losing what he thinks is so important to her?  Will Kitty and the townspeople find out what Jace has been trying so hard to keep secret? 

Once again, the author Linda Goodnight has written a book that I read in one setting.  I just didn't want to put the book down.  The author has rightly named this series "Redemption"  I was so excited to read this book that as soon as I finished, I ordered the next one.  I give this book a 5 star rating.  I loved it.  This is the 3rd book in the series.

THE CHRISTMAS CHILD by LINDA GOODNIGHT


From the back:

Who Is Little Davey?

In Redemption, Oklahoma, a young boy is found huddled in a Dumpster, clutching a Christmas book.  Scared and refusing to speak, he captures undercover agent Kade McKendrick's guarded heart.  Kade brings the child home until he can track down his family - and his story.  All Kade has is a name, Davey, and the boy's trust of sweet teacher Sophie Bartholomew.  With her kindness and faith, Sophie helps both the boy and the battle-scarred cop to smile again.  And as they uncover the mystery of a very special child, a family is formed - just in time for Christmas.

My Review:

Kade has come to Redemption to stay with his aunt in order to relax from an undercover job, that sent his life in a tailspin.  Never dreaming that he and Sophie, a teacher, he had never met before would be trying to unravel a young boy's life, that could not speak. 

Davey was found in a dumpster holding a tattered Christmas book, with no voice to tell them where he came from or who he belonged to.  As Kade and Sophie begin to search for Davey's family, will Kade allow God to show him the real reason that he is in Redemption?

This is the 4th book in this series and I loved reading it, even though it was past the Christmas season.  I absolutely love the way that Linda Goodnight just takes the reader right into the book and allows you to walk right along side the characters.  You even can feel the emotions as you read.  I am so ready to send these to my daughter, for her to read and then share with others.  I know that I have given each of the above books a 5 star rating, but I feel that these books are just that good.  Thank you Linda, for writing in such a way that I feel like I am walking right along side your characters.

**There is one more book in this series and I can not wait to read it.  I have got it setting by my chair, but I have just started Bible College Classes and I am having a time trying to fit time for reading.  But rest assured, I will be reading it before long and will be posting a review. My Mandy has already requested that I read a number of other books already.  And yes, Mandy, they are setting by my chair also.