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.

God Gave us Easter

About the Book:

"God loved us so much he wanted us to always be with him too. That’s why God knew he’d need to give us Easter.”

As Little Cub celebrates Easter with Papa, Mama, and her brother and sister, she begins to ask her papa questions about this very special day of the year. Papa lovingly explains God’s plans for his children, while taking Little Cub on a memorable walk through her stunning Arctic world, and he shares how Easter came about in clear, simple terms that even the littlest cubs can understand.

My Review:

5 Stars

God Gave Us Easter is just a beautiful book. From the cover to the back every illustration is just breathtaking and a book that many children are going to love for years to come. This is a great book to share the story of Easter to your children, grandchildren and children in general. This is the first book I have read in Lisa Tawn Bergren's God Gave Us series and I can't wait to pick up others to read to my baby girl. I loved how she told the story and made something that can be confusing to kids a lot more understandable.

This book is really excellent and will be a beautiful addition to any child's library. Make sure you grab this book for that special child in your life, it would also make a great addition to any Easter basket.

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

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport

About the Book:

The whole world is coming to Chicago. Charlotte’s whole world is coming down around her.

While the rest of Chicago focuses on the enormous spectacle of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Charlotte Farrow’s attentions are entirely on one small boy-her boy-whom she has kept a secret from her wealthy employers for nearly a year.

When the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him to the opulent Banning home, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child’s fate. Can she face the truth of her past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life’s struggles determine her path?

This compelling story of courage, strength, and tender romance captures the tension between the glittering wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable.

My Review:

4.5 Stars

Wow, I loved this book. After finishing the first book in the series, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, I could not wait to read this book. I just loved Charlotte from the first book and wanted to read more about her and see where her story would take me. I found this to be a fast read and once I started the pages kept turning till the very end. I really liked Charlotte as a character I found her determined to make the right decisions while being torn on what to do at the same time. She was bold yet scared and my heart broke a few times with the situation she was faced with. 

I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys historical romance. While you could read this book on its own, I believe that reading them in order will enhance this story that much more. Overall, great job Olivia Newport. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and any other future book from Olivia Newport.

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

Waiting For Spring by Amanda Cabot

About the Book:

A new identity may protect her family-but can it protect her heart?

After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But she can find no rest from the ghosts of the past and flees to Cheyenne to put the pieces of her life back together.

Wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry must make a sensible match if he is to be elected senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming. He needs someone with connections. Someone without a past. Yet he can’t shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.

Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?

My Review:

4.5 Stars

After finishing Summer of Promise, book one in Amanda Cabot's Westward Winds series I could not wait to read the next book in the series and get to follow on with Charlotte's story. Well, after a years wait I will have to say it was worth waiting for and now I must wait till next spring to finish out the trilogy.

This book picks up where the last book left off, which means I highly recommend reading them in order, and goes forward with what is going on with Charlotte. I personally really liked Charlotte in the first book and found her fascinating and I was so happy to see her get her happy ending. I loved everything about this book and enjoyed the new characters introduced. I will say Charlotte did frustrate me at times and I felt so bad for her friend and the situation she got put in. In the end this is an excellent book from an author I am happy to call one of my favorites. 

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

Still Lolo by Lauren Scruggs

About the Book:

In December 2011, Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now? In Still LoLo, Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren’s life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It’s a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are—no matter what.

My Review:

4 Stars

What an inspiring story that is written from the heart. I found this to be a fast read that was uplifting and encouraging without being preachy. I absolutely loved how it is written from not only the view point of Lauren but also from her family and it doesn't just deal with the accident and how she handled it, it also told the story of her and her twin growing up and how it shaped her to be who she is today. Without her past, the way she handled the accident may have been totally different. I loved how the message is that Lauren is still the same person even if physically she has some scars and challenges to overcome. At the end of the day what makes Lauren Lauren is still the same.

This is a short, a little over 200 pages read that so many people could love and be inspired by. This book will make you want to meet her and hear her story right from her own mouth. I highly recommend this book to everyone who like a good memoir/biography type book and wants to be encouraged that God uses you just as you are and He uses your trials to help others. 

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

More info on the book:

Click here for access to the first chapter!