The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter

About the Book:

Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.

Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.

Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.

Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.

The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.

When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.

My Review: 

4 Stars


The Trouble with Cowboys, is book three in Denise Hunter's Big Sky Romance series and while characters do overlap between the books, they can be easily read on their own. I have read book 2 also and have the first book setting on my shelf waiting to be read, which I will hopefully soon. This book is so much fun to read and is a nice break from some of the deeper books out there. Denise writes very humorously and many times I was laughing out loud but she also has the emotional side to where you cheer the characters on and get mad at them too.

I really enjoyed Annie's character and her passion to help her sister through college and life. She is a strong person that is willing to put her life on the side to help others. I am thankful though that she does learn to live her own life and allow someone to love her as she deserves.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, clean romance. This is a great beach or vacation read. Great job Denise on writing a great book.

* I received this book from Thomas Nelson through Litfuse Publicity. Thank You!

Party and Giveaway Info:


To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She'll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes - including a Kindle Fire! 
Save the Date for October 11th!

Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)

During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!

RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!

Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson

About the Book:

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?

My Review:

3 Stars

Over the last few years I have read several of Tracie Peterson's historical series and contemporary fiction books. Many of them I have really enjoyed and a few have fallen short in my own opinion.  Sadly this book was just not my favorite, I read book 1 in the series, Chasing the Sun, and found it to be slow moving and just could not get into it. I did not have the time to read the second, but was hoping things would get better with book 3. I will say that I found it a little more interesting, but it took a bit to get into the book. I am sure there are many people out there that would enjoy this book as well as the series, since the great thing about being human is to have our own opinions and interest. Part of it might have been the setting for me, since it is not my most favorite setting, but I know people that love that setting so I hope they will also enjoy the book. With all this said, I thoroughly look forward to reading future books from Tracie as well as some of her older ones I have not read yet, since for the most part I find that she is a great author with a talent to write in many settings, both historical and contemporary.

*I received this book through Bethany House and Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review.

 Enter Today - 9/6-9/26! 

 

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?

Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing--and true love.

My Review:

5 Stars

WOW, I loved this book from the very first page to the last page. I didn't want it to end and I can't wait to read the next two books in the series and get to know to of the minor characters from this one. With Every Letter is the first book from Sarah Sundin that I have read and now I can't wait to go back and read her other books. I loved having a romance set during WWII and seeing a happy story develop in the midst of war. Many stories set during war times can be so sad, and they forget there were many happy things going on during that time too. I was swept into the romance of this story and couldn't wait to see how they would find out who each other is and where it would go from there. In the end, I really can't say enough good things about this book and recommend it to everyone.

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review. Thank you Revell!!!!!

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davie

About the Book:

What would cause an eighteen-year-old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disobey and disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because they think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person and didn’t even speak the language?

A passion to follow Jesus.

Katie Davis left over Christmas break of her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved by the people of Uganda and the needs she saw that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, is in the process of adopting thirteen children in Uganda and has established a ministry, Amazima, that feeds and sends hundreds more to school while teaching them the Word of Jesus Christ.

Kisses from Katie invites readers on a journey of radical love down the red dirt roads of Uganda. You’ll laugh and cry with Katie as she follows Jesus into the impossible and finds joy and beauty beneath the dust. Katie and her children delight in saying yes to the people God places in front of them and challenge readers to do the same, changing the world one person at a time.

My Review:

5 Stars

What an inspiration this book is! From the very first page it makes you think of others out there and how fortunate we are to live in such comforts. The way she she talks about the joy and cheerfulness the children have despite living in filth and with so little makes you really think about all the things we complain about here. The things we complain about are so trivial to them. I loved how Katie presented her journey, struggles and plan without being preachy and making you think that if you don't do what she is doing then you aren't being a good Christian. I loved how she taught the fact that we are all called to be missionaries whether it be overseas or in our own backyard.

I just loved the stories of the different children she has adopted or worked with and her love and passion for the country. She is a great example of how when we follow God's will contentment and peace will be there even when conditions are harsh. She does share her struggles and shows it is not an easy life but it is the one that is meant for her.

Overall I recommend this book for anyone that want to encouraged and loves stories of mission works.

*I received this book from Howard Books for the purpose of this review.

The Reunion by Dan Walsh

About the book:

Everything lost can be found.

Aaron Miller knows a thing or two about loss. He's lost love. Dignity. Second, and even third, chances. Once honored for his heroism, he now lives in near obscurity, working as a handyman in a humble trailer park.

But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Unbeknownst to Aaron, someone is searching for him.

With deep insight into the human heart, consummate storyteller Dan Walsh gently weaves a tale of a life spent in the shadows but meant for the light. Through tense scenes of war and tender moments of romance, The Reunion will make you believe that everyone can get a second chance at life and love.

My Review:

4.5 Stars

The Reunion by Dan Walsh is the third book I have read from him and I find myself loving every book so far. I will admit that his spring 2010 release, The Discovery, was definitely my favorite but this on is a close second. I just loved the romance part of this story, it was so sweet, gentle and showed that love can happen anywhere at any time. Dan Walsh did a great job at weaving a love story, war story and story of healing and reunion. At times it was said to see all that Aaron lost but what was even sadder was seeing what he had that he didn't see. We as humans so often don't see what others see and what God is trying to show us. This is a great story of honoring heros, opening closed doors and finding new love. Great job, Dan and I can't wait to read more from you in the future.

* I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review. Thank you Revell.

To Write A Wrong by Robin Caroll

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Robin Caroll

and the book:

To Write a Wrong

B&H Books (September 15, 2012)

***Special thanks to Shannon Kozee of B&H Fiction for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Caroll has authored twelve previous books including the Holt Medallion Award of Merit winner, Deliver Us From Evil. She gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for American Christian Fiction Writers. A proud southerner, Robin lives with her husband, three daughters, and two precious grandsons in Arkansas.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In Angola State Penitentiary, a man is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Riley Baxter is an eager reporter desperate for a story to make a name for herself. When she stumbles upon the daughter of the incarcerated man, Riley sees a little too much of herself in the teen, and vows to help prove her father’s innocence.

At the same time, Hayden Simpson has his hands full with keeping his little sister in line, worrying about his job as Police Commissioner, and dealing with his past emotional baggage. The last thing he needs is someone blowing the lid off his emotional bucket. But when Riley Baxter storms into his life, struggling to understand why God would let bad things happen to good people, Hayden has no choice but to follow his heart.

Now, Riley and Hayden must work together to uncover the truth of the past . . . before someone shuts Riley up for good.

Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: B&H Books
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433672138
ISBN-13: 9781433672132

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Search inside this book

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

About the Book:

On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a superb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master's beautiful daughters.

Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas's heart--and will he agree to Liege's arrangement?

In this sweeping family saga, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

My Review:

5 Star

Love's Reckoning is the first book I have read from Laura Frantz and I know with out a shadow of a doubt I will be reading more from. I know many people who love her books and now I know why. This book is wonderful and I enjoyed every minute of it. Laura Frantz writes with a different style then many other authors out there and I felt like it read more like classic books. That is just my own opinion. The characters, setting and such are described in great detail and she takes her time in developing the characters. By the end of the story they feel real and multidimensional. The characters of Eden and Elspeth are both fun and different and I came to like them for different reasons. I am greatly looking forward to following their story in the future. The only downside I found with the book is that I have to wait a year for book 2 to release. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romances and family sagas, which to me makes a great combination. Way to go Laura Frantz on an excellent book!

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review. Thank you Revell!

Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson