Review of Bagpipes, Brides and Homicides

Title: Bagpipes, Brides and Homicides

Author: Kaitlyn Dunnett

Series: A Liss MacCrimmon mystery

 

Genre: Mystery

Rating: 4 ½ stars

Enjoyable read 

Review of Love Reunited

Title: Love Reunited

Author: Renee Andrews

Series: Love Inspired

 

Chapters: 15 plus epilogue  

Pages: 217

Genre: Christian Romance, Love inspired

Rating: 5 stars

     Landon Cutter comes back to his home town after eight years in the army. To find that his high school crush is also back in their hometown. But she is not the same person she used to be. Georgiana Sanders is a divorce single mother and blind. She tries to push Landon away a second time because she doesn’t want pity. However what Landon feels is not pity.

     I enjoyed reading Love Reunited it was nice to return to the small Alabama town that I fell in love with in Renee’s first book.  Her characters are easy to fall in love with and Landon and Georgiana were no different.  Landon quickly became a favorite hero of mine.  Who would have thought that there were cowboys in Alabama? Landon is the perfect hero. Will Landon and Georgiana be able to let go of the past and have a chance at the future? 

Review of The Corpse Wore Tartan

Title: The Corpse Wore Tartan

Author: Kaitlyn Dunnett

Series: A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery

 

Chapters: 19

Pages: 310

Genre: Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

                The Corpse Worn Tartan is the fourth Liss Mystery. This one involves the hotel that Liss’s boyfriend’s family owns and a Burns night supper. It basically is a murder mystery play. I am pretty sure that this one was my favorite so far.

     I enjoy the A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mysteries. That’s because it is a cozy mystery that even though there’s murder and crimes in them it doesn’t describe the crime or murder. 

Review of The Soldier's Wife

Title: The Soldier’s Wife

Author: Cheryl Reavis

Series: Love Inspired Historical

 

Chapters: 12 plus epilogue

Pages: 283

Genre: Christian Historical fiction Christian historical romance

Rating: 4 ½ stars

     Jeremiah “Jack” Murphy made a promise to dying Rebel soldier to tell the soldier’s wife what happened to him and to take the letters that he wrote to her. After the war he travels to North Carolina to deliver the letters and the news. Even though he is running from something from his home town.

     Sayer Garth is trying to work her husband’s homestead and look after his two younger sisters. She wonders what happened to her husband till Jeremiah shows up with the news she had been dreading.

     I enjoyed reading The Soldier’s Wife, but it was not my favorite Love inspired Historical. It was however a quick and relaxing read.  

Review of Into the Fire

Title: Into the Fire

Author: Dakota Meyer with Bing West

Series: no

 

Chapters: 18 plus epilogue

Pages: 239

Genre: Nonfiction memoir

Rating: 4 ½ stars

                Into the fire is the first hand account of Meyer’s time in the middle with his unit. Into the fire also tells about how he went back in to a fire zone in order to bring back his fallen brothers. Dakota goes on to say that they only regret he had was that he could not bring them back alive. As a Marine he chose not to leave any man behind.

     The memoir was a very informative read, but Into the Fire was also a sad read. However you got to see that in a combat zone the man in your unit become like your brothers.

     Into the Fire was a good read however I would say that it is for adult readers because there are scenes that are graphic. 

Review of Blue Moon Promise

Title: Blue Moon Promise

Author: Colleen Coble

Series: Under Texas Stars

 

Chapters: 31 plus epilogue

Pages: 304

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Historical fiction, Christian western

Rating:5 stars  

                Lucy Marsh in order to protect her younger brother and sister takes Henry Stanton up on his offer to marry his son Nate Stanton. Nate Stanton just wants to run his ranch. He doesn't have time to think about a wife.

     Blue Moon Promise is the first book in the Under Texas Stars it is also not your typical mail order bride story. There’s a few twist and turns for it to be typical. To Nate Lucy is not the proper rancher’s wife she’s too tiny. Lucy is bound and determined to prove him wrong. Early in the book Nate discovers that Lucy is great at something he didn't expect of a city girl.

     At first I didn't think that I would like Blue Moon Promise because to be completely honest I haven't liked any of Colleen Coble’s early historical fiction. I am a more of a fan of her modern novels. However I fell in love with the book and characters pretty much from the first page. I loved Lucy’s spunk and determined nature. I also loved Nate’s willingness to protect his “new family.”

     All in all it was a great read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Review of Love's Reckoning

Title: Love’s Reckoning

Author: Laura Frantz

Series: The Ballantyne Legacy  

Chapters: 44 plus epilogue

Pages: 424

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

     What can I say to do Love’s Reckoning justice? Laura has done it again; she has hit another home run. It took me a while to read Love’s Reckoning for many different reasons; I didn’t want to book to end, also the book brought out all kinds of different emotions in me.

    

     I feel in love with many of the characters as soon as I met them especially Eden and Silas. I laughed with Eden, I cried with Eden, and I hurt when Eden hurt. I loved Eden’s quiet and gentle spirit, and Silas has been come one of my all time favorite literary heroes. To me Silas is the perfect hero He has everything that I love in a hero, hard working, loyal, honest, caring, loves unconditionally, a godly man, and as a extra treat he is Scottish.  My favorite quotes from the book is where Silas basically says that nothing another character can do or say will keep him from loving them.

    

     I love how Silas kept the promise he made in chapter 36. Making him a man of his word, who always keeps his promises to the ones he loves.

     Love’s Reckoning is different from Laura’s first three novels but in a good way. Though I was sad to see my beloved Kentucky go, I love Pennsylvania. This novel has shown how Laura has grown as a writer. For a while I didn't feel like the book was going to end happy, because of all the twist and turns Laura had the characters going on. However all those twists and turns kept this reader guessing, but it was a good thing.

     Love’s Reckoning was different that Laura’s first three novels, because of the twist and turns, but I also loved how it was different from most love stories. In her first three novels I was able to figure out quite quickly who the bad guys or the villains are, but not in Love’s Reckoning. The first two villains so to speak are easy to figure out, but the third one wasn’t. The third villain was not someone you'd would  think was a villain which made it all the more interesting.

     Love’s Reckoning was an awesome read a great start to a new series, which I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The only con is that we have to wait till next year for the next book. 

Review of Identical Differences

Title: Identical Differences

Author: Erynn Mangum

Genre: Christian Romance, comedy

Rating: 5 stars

     Identical Differences is short novella by Erynn Mangum. Just like with other books and novella’s that she writes you are laughing from the very beginning of the book. I enjoy Erynn’s novels. They are what I pick up when I need a good laugh and pick me up. Identical Differences is no different. I can’t wait till May 2013 when Erynn’s new book comes out. It’s the first book in a new series. Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum 

Review of Accused

Title: Accused

Author: Janice Cantore

Series: Pacific Coast Justice

 

Chapters: 41

Pages: 399

Genre:  Mystery, Suspense, Christian Suspense,

Rating: 4 ½ stars

Accused is the first book the Pacific Coast Justice Detective Carly Edwards is a cop who has been removed from patrol and put in Juvenile. All she wants to do is get back to patrol when a murder rocks the small community.

I enjoyed the suspense and mystery of the novel with just a little bit of romance, cannot wait to read the second book in this series. As a Criminal Justice major I just love mysteries and suspense that involve law enforcement. Even though Accused is a suspense novel it does have a little bit of everything for everyone.

Review of Over the edge

Title: Over the Edge

Author: Mary Connealy

Series: The Kincaid Brides Book 3

 

Chapters: 32

Pages: 332

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Western, a little bit or Romance

Rating: 5 stars

     I believe that Over the Edge is my favorite book in the Kincaid Brides series. Out of the three Kincaid brothers Seth is my favorite. Seth is not a picture perfect hero, he is a flawed hero.  Callie is also my favorite heroine from the series. Callie starts out as tough.  As the third book in the Kincaid Brides series it sums up the series nicely.

     With the Kincaid Brides series it is best to read them in order, in order for the story to make since. I am looking forward to Mary Connealy’s next book coming out next year, I can’t wait. 

Review of Alaskan Hearts

Title: Alaskan Hearts

Author: Teri Wilson

Series: Love Inspired

 

Chapters:  17plus epilogue

Genre: Christian Romance

Rating: 4 ½ stars

Alaskan Heart’s is a cute Love Inspired Romance set in the heart of Alaska during the yearly dog sled race. Ben Grayson has given up dog sledding it hurts him too much to remember the past. Clementine Phillips is in Alaska on assignment for the magainzine that she works for.

It was a quick read that I enjoyed I mean what’s not to love about a story about love and dogs. You also know that the dogs are going to be loveable with names like Nugget, Kodiak, and Moose. 

Review of A Texan's Honor

Title: A Texan’s Honor

Author: Shelley Gray

Series: The Heart of hero

 

Chapters: 39

Pages: 326

Genre: Christian Historical

Rating: 5 stars

A Texan’s Honor is the second book in The Heart of Hero series. It is Will’s story; Will McMillan fought in the Civil War with Clayton Proffitt. Now Will is an U.S. Marshall. While working undercover our hero meets Jamie Ellis a different kind of heroine. She is not really a damsel in distress per say, but she is also not one of those strong western women either.

I enjoyed A Texan’s Honor more than I thought I would. Will has become a hero that was realistic because he was flawed. He was real but, he felt like he was a tarnish hero that didn’t feel like anyone could love him.  There was a nice balance of action, and romance neither over powered the other. Even though it is the second book in the series it can be read on its own without ruining the first book. 

Review of The Wild Queen

Title: The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary Queen of Scots

Author: Carolyn Meyer  

Series: Young Royals

 

Chapters: 50 plus Epilogue

Pages: 420

Genre: Teen Historical Fiction

Rating: 4stars

                Even though history tells us how Mary Queen Scot’s tell ends it is nice to read a fictional account that doesn’t completely paint her as the villain. I enjoyed The Wild Queen just like I did other Young Royals by Carolyn Meyer. However I have to give a warning it should be for older teens and maybe adults because of some of the scenes and what it does with.

     The Wild Queen gave voice to what I have always thought about Mary Queen of Scots a woman who made some mistakes do not some much with the choices of her heart, but listening to the wrong people and have advisors who wanted to see her  fail. All in all I enjoyed the book, even though I cannot say I loved it. 

Review of Second Chance Summer

Title: Second Chance Summer

Author: Morgan Matson

Series: 

 

Chapters: 40

Pages: 468

Genre: teen Chick Lit

Rating: 4 ½ stars

     Taylor’s family is going through a very difficult summer. Will it be a summer that the family grows closer or farther apart? This book was a different type of teen book than I have read before. Even though it is a sad book, and a tear jerker, I love this one. I liked it better than Morgan’s first book which was also a good read.

     Second Chance Summer reminded me a little bit of the Lurlene McDaniel’s books that I read as a teen. I will admit that Second Chance Summer was a bitter sweet read. So if you want to read it I recommend a few tissues. For it to be mainstream teen fiction I don’t remember any cuss words and it is clean fiction.

Review of Addison Blakely: Confessions of A PK

Title: Addison Blakely: Confessions of A PK

Author: Betsy St. Amant

Series: no

 

Chapters: 36

Pages: 362

Genre: Teen Christian fiction

Rating: 5 stars

                Addison Blakely: Confessions of A PK, is a laugh out, cry out loud, relating to what you’re going through as a teenage or remembering your teenage years.  Addison is a preacher’s or Pastor’s daughter in some circles known as a PK. The book goes through the ups and downs of teenage life.

     Addison Blakely: Confessions of A PK, is the first young adult novel that Betsy St. Amant. I have loved every book that she has written for Love Inspired, and Addison Blakely was also a favorite. Even though it was a book written for teens I found I could relate to some of what Addison was going through.

     For me it was a walk down memory lane. Without the PK part, however one of my best friends growing up was a PK. Some of what Addison did reminded me of what I did in high school.

      Addison Blakely: Confessions of A PK is the perfect book for teens and even their moms. As a college student I have to say I loved it as well.

I won the book from a contest on the Author’s website I was not required to write a review. The thoughts and reactions were my own.

Review of Short Straw Bride

Title: Short-Straw Bride

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Series: N/A

 

Chapters: 40

Pages: 363

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical romance, Christian western

Rating: 5 stars

     With four brothers each named after a hero from the Alamo, you know you’re in for a book full of cowboys. Throw in a young woman, who in order to save her reputation has to marry one of the brothers.  How do you decide who marries her you draw straws.

     I enjoyed Karen Whitemeyer’s newest novel. I love Meredith’s spunk and Travis has become one of my newest favorite heroes. Short-Straw Bride has the right balance of romance, action, and humor.  When I started reading Short-Straw Bride I was drawn into the story. I didn’t want the story to end. I laughed and I even cried at times.  Short-Straw Bride was an awesome read and I cannot wait till Karen’s next book.

     If you love Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Western mixed with romance, then you will love Short-Straw Bride. 

Review of Courageous (Book)

Title: Courageous

Author: Randy Alcorn a novelization based on the screenplay by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick

Series: no

 

Chapters: 46

Pages: 375

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 5 stars

     I really enjoyed reading Courageous which is a novelization of the Movie of same name. I know I am a little late to read it. Courageous is very similar to Fireproof. In Courageous after tradgey strikes Adam Mitchell and his fellow Sheriff’s deputies decide that they want to be better fathers. Through this they meet Jarvy, and Nathan gets a chance to influence a follow officer’s and help that officer make the best descion of his life.

     Very seldom do I give books 5 stars, but I have to give Courageous 5 stars and then some. This book made a difference not only in my life but my dad’s as well.

Review of The Last Song

Title: The last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Series: no

 

Chapters: 37 Plus Epilogue

Pages: 390

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 4 stars

     I believe that The Last Song has become one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books. It is one of the cleanest of his novels. The Last Song is tied with The Lucky One, but my favorite novel is still A Walk to Remember. One of the reasons I picked up The Last Song was because I finally wanted to watch the movie, and I am the type of person who cannot watch a movie based on book without reading the book first. The second reason is I am trying to read all of the Nicholas Sparks books and watch the movies that some of his books where turned into.

     Veronica (Ronnie) Miller is supposed to spend the summer with her dad and brother in North Carolina. Well as a New Yorker she hate’s it. Till she meets Will Blakelee and discovers a sea turtle nest. Things start to look up.

     The Last Song is a coming of age novel. About a teenage girl finding her place and what she wants out of life. It is also a story of a father and daughter reconnecting. I really enjoyed this novel and I hope the movie is half as good as the book. 

Reading This week

Finished

The Bull Rider’s Baby by Brenda Minton

Her Fmaily Wish by Betsy St. Amant

Her small-town Sheriff by Lissa Manley

Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks

Between the Lines by  Jodi Picoult

Hometown Family by Mia Ross

The Petite Advantage by Jim Karas

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Currently reading

Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK by Betsy St. Amant

The Queen’s Vow by C.W. Gortner

A Texans’s Honor by Shelley Gray

Non-fiction reading

 need to find something to read

Getting ready to read

Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

A Long way from you by Gwendolyn Heasley

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

Wildflower Bride in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

Leah’s Choice by Emma Miller

Short-straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

The Homesteader’s sweetheart Lacy Williams

For school 

On My Kindle

Reviewing

Devotional reading

The Book of James from the Bible

Discovering the Treasure of a Godly Woman: Proverbs 31 by Elizabeth George

Lifegroup- reading through John

Reviews Posted this week 

Review of Sweetheart Reunion

Review of Remembrance

While He was away

Downton Abbey Meets the Luxe series

Downton Abbey meets the The Luxe Series

Title: Wentworth Hall

Author: Abby Grahame

Series: N/A

 

Chapters: 22 plus epilogue

Pages: 276

Genre: Teen Historical fiction

Rating: 4 stars (I don’t remember any bad language).

     The best way to sum up Wentworth Hall is simply this Downton Abbey meets The Luxe series. It is basically a Downton Abbey for teens, and it combines elements from The Luxe series. I remember picking up the novel at Barnes and Noble because I liked the cover. Then when I picked it up I discovered that it was set during the time period of Downton Abbey and about ten years after the The Luxe series ended and I was hooked.

     Maggie comes back from France different than the care free girl that she was before she left. Maggie also comes back with a secret that could change the whole family. For a first novel Wentworth Hall was a good read even though I felt that the ending was rushed. What I liked most was that the novel was a clean teen read. 


I just felt like reviewing a book from my own bookshelf