Where Courage Calls

We are introduced to Beth Thatcher in "Where Courage Calls".  Beth has lived her whole life in a safe place and has been well-provided for by her family.  She wanted for nothing.

A teaching opportunity arises in Coal Valley.  Coal Valley is a mining town where most of the men died in a mining accident.  The women and children left behind are grieving and struggle daily for their daily needs.  Beth finds ways to not only teach the children in the town, but to reach beyond herself and find ways to help the people in the town.   One thing is very apparent, Beth has a huge heart.

Beth also finds herself in deep thought about two different men.  One she has known her whole life, the other she met in her new journey.  They are both very respectable men.  What will Beth decide?

This is the first book that I have read authored by both Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan.  I found the tone of the book brought back the same warm feeling that accompanied Janette Oke's earlier books.  If you are a fan of Janette Oke... don't miss this great book.

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House Publishers.  This review is strictly my own opinions and views.  I was not paid for this review.

Get Your Teenager Talking

"Get Your Teenager Talking" by Jonathan McKee is a great book! It gives parents 180 Conversation Starters. I love how just asking one of these questions can lead to much more dialogue. I have a 13 year old and 11 year old. I think it will be perfect for them. The Conversation Starters can be adapted to fit your family and whatever ages your children are. You can always omit some questions, or add additional ones.

If you are like me, it is almost impossible to get a DETAILED answer to questions. Sometimes I long to have dialogue with my often closed-off son. I can see that these questions will be so beneficial. It is asking his OPINION on topics. If your kids are anything like mine, they won't mind giving their opinion at all. I have had to learn that it's ok for my children to have different opinions on me on world topics. I can't wait to start this book with my two tonight!

I was sent a complimentary of this book by Bethany House Publishers. I was in no way paid for this review. This review reflects my own opinions.

Unspoken

We are introduced to Charlotte Graham in Unspoken. We also get to know Bryce Bishop very well too. Charlotte has a very hard and painful past. She was the center of a highly publicized kidnapping scandal. She has never spoken very much about the specifics of what occurred during those four years she was in captivity. One thing for sure is that she will never marry.

Bryce Bishop is a very successful coin seller who has been asking God for direction as he is bored in his life. God had some amazing plans for Bryce that were anything but boring!

Due to her painful past, Charlotte has many questions about God. She is a self proclaimed struggling believer. Bryce so adequately leans on the guiding of the spirit of God to help Charlotte deal with these questions.

I could not put this book down. It is the first time I have been privileged to read a book authored by Dee Henderson. The entire time I was reading the book I was amazed at the intelligence of the writer. I believe that Henderson is not only an interesting author, but brilliant! I would love to see this book made into a movie. I'm so sad the book is over. I'm yearning to know more about Charlotte, as well as, Bryce. I would have immediately bought the sequel had there been one available.

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House in exchange for this review. I was in no way paid. The above are strictly my own opinions

Made To Last

Miranda Woodruff is the star of the TV show "From The Ground Up". The network is considering making some changes and Miranda's manager knows they must step up their game.

Miranda has talked about her husband in each episode. There is one problem... she is NOT married! The idea of having someone pretend to be her husband comes into play. This is a tough act to pull off as Miranda now has a reporter (Matthew) following her and documenting and blogging about her life. There's also the fact that this is all a lie!

Not unlike a lot of us, Miranda has a lot of pain that she hasn't faced buried within her. When you add that pain along with the fact that Miranda is living a lie and the stress of the future of her show, you have a great story! Melissa Tagg pulled me into her book. This is the first time I have read a book authored by Tagg. I like how she held my attention and wrote an interesting story in a modern era.

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this review. This review is strictly my own and I was in no way paid for this review.

Fired Up

"Fired Up Trouble In Texas" (book 2) by Mary Connealy was a fun read. We get to know Dare Riker, a "doctor" in the town where Glynna Greer now lives. Glynna is a twice-widowed mother of two children. She has faced some extreme hardships in her life.

Glynna decides to open up a diner so that she is able to support her and her children. The first day her diner opened, it was discovered that Glynna was a terrible cook! The men in town would still come to eat at the diner though because they loved just getting a view of the beautiful Glynna in this limited of women town.

Dare feels a pull toward Glynna and feels the need to help and protect her. Dare is dealing with his own insecurities as a doctor. He keeps saying that he is going to quit and become a rancher, but it seems that every time a doctor is needed, Dare runs to help. He cannot help himself.

I found this read to be light and easy, yet interesting. There was someone out to kill Dare and the author kept me guessing as to who it was. This was one of those books where I was disappointed it was over!

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House. This review is my own and I have not been paid for this review.

Rules of Murder

Julianna Deering brings us to the 1930's era in England in her book "Rules of Murder". Drew Farthering returns home to his estate to find an unwanted visitor. He quickly takes care of the situation.

During a big party at his estate, Drew and Madeline (the visiting niece of his step-father discover a dead body. This is when things turn interesting! There was more than just one victim! Who is the killer? Drew is determined to help solve the mystery of who murdered the victims. His best friend Nick (son of the butler) and Madeline are alongside Drew helping him to figure out who the murderer is!

I liked how this book kept me guessing. There were times I was sure I knew who had committed the murders, however there would be a twist that brought doubt to my mind. I would then think someone else was the killer. After, I got past the difference in the style of speaking from the 1930's, I was hooked. This was a very fast and enjoyable read for me.

This is a very different type of book for me. It is the first murder mystery I have ever read. It definitely has caused me to want to read more! I would be very delighted to read more of Julianna Deering's book.

I received a copy of Rules of Murder from the Bethany House Book Reviewers program. This fact in no way influenced, nor sought to influence, my opinion of the novel.

A Place To Belong

I was blessed to read "A Place To Belong" authored by Lauraine Snelling. Cassie Lockwood is a young woman who has seemingly lost everything. She has found a home with the Engstrom's on their ranch. Lucas Engstrom pledges to make Cassie love him. Cassie looks upon Lucas like a brother, not romantically. Many events follow that in the end lead Cassie to God's perfect will for her life.

Mavis, Lucas' mother proves to be just like a mother to Cassie. I love the way that Mavis is always remembering to ask the Lord for His guidance in all she does. The part of the book that stood out to me was how Mavis begins to praise the Lord when she has a heavy heart. I appreciate the author conveying this important act to her readers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the Biblical references included between the covers. Snelling thoughtfully and purposefully brought Christ as a big focal point in this book.

I received this complementary book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not paid for this review. These opinions are strictly my own.