Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble

About the Book:

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Under Texas Stars, Book 2

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

About the Author:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

My Review:

Colleen Coble has quickly become a favorite author of mine over the various books I have read from her. I love how she writes both historical and contemporary but the one thing she always has in common with all her books is an element of suspense and this book proves that true. This is the second book in her Under Texas Stars book and proves to be just as good as the first. The best thing about this book is it can be read as a stand alone also. I enjoyed following the characters throughout this book , at times they were frustrating and in ways that made the story even more fun. I found myself reading this book quickly as I wanted to know how things will turn out. Overall this is a great book with fun characters and element of suspense that keeps the pages turning.

*I received this book from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review.

Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

About the Book:

She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

With contagious humor and a cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives you crazy bridal-business drama, sweet romance, and a satisfying dose of laughter.

My Review:

4 Stars

Picture Perfect is the first book in Janice Thompson's new series, Wedding by Design, and revisits characters from her Weddings by Bella series. I had not read her other series but found no problem in reading this book. You quickly learn about Bella but she is a secondary character in this book. I found this book to be an enjoyable read and very light hearted.  This is a fun read and great when you want something to make you laugh and smile.

I really enjoyed following Hannah throughout the book. She is a fun character that many can relate to. She constantly feels like she is always almost something, like she just can't come out on top. Many of us can relate to that feeling. She is full of humor, like going to a an interview with two different shoes on that makes you realize we all do silly things at times.

I highly recommend this book to those who love fun, silly at times contemporary romance stories. I look forward to seeing what the next books in this series has in store.

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

Secretly Smitten

About the Book:

Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!

There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?

Join popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

My Review:

4 Stars

Return to Smitten, Vermont in this delightful book. Secretly Smitten follows last years release of Smitten written by four fantastic writers who also are great friends. Each author takes a character and writes a novella about them and how they meet their Mr. Right. What is great about this book is it doesn't require you to read the first one first because it takes on the lives of four new characters. The ones from the first book are there in the shadows though. I loved how through each novella there was a mystery of Grandma Rose's first love and it takes all four stories to fully solve it and find out what happens.

I love how you can tell each story is written by a different author but at the same time similar enough that each story flows into the next well. I highly recommend this book as well as the first to anyone that enjoys a simple romantic story, or four of them in this case. I am beyond thrilled that the authors are teaming up again to bring us back to Smitten next year in a whole new book. Great job ladies!

*I received this book through the publisher and Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You.