Within My Heart

by Tamera Alexander

Bethany House Publishers

"Determined to fulfill her late husband's dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she's forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He's a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks....

Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand's dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient's life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd's stubborn heart."

I am battling a cold right now and stayed in bed most of the day.  Since I was resting I decided to read more of the book I started last night.  I literally could not put it down!  Although I did think it was a sequel to another book because some of my questions were not answered, but they were so few that it did not matter to me and the book was still good as a stand alone.  I was intrigued by the storyline as well as an understanding of the characters and their lives.  My heart broke along with the characters' when tragedy unfolded.  The book made me reflect upon my own life and my relationship with those I love and to realize how much they mean to me.

Price:  $14.99  buy now.

*I was sent a free copy of his book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

Masquerade

by Nancy Moser

Bethany House Publishing

"Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare. 

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?"

I just finished this book!  I loved it!  I felt like I was a part of the story.  I found myself wishing I could give Lottie and Dora advice.  It is a longer book then ones I have been reading, but I read it fairly quickly.  It is a good clean book .  The books talks about social classes in England and how they are in America.  There is some history of immigration to the United States in the book as well. 

I think that those who read this will love it and will learn a little history as well. 

Price: $ 14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my review.

Love's First Bloom

by Delia Parr

Bethany House Publishing

"Life changes drastically for Ruth Livingstone the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her under an assumed name to a small village in New Jersey. There she dutifully awaits his acquittal, certain that her father, Reverend Livingstone, soon will be cleared of the outrageous accusations against him.

When tragic events transpire, Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River—a place where she can find a measure of peace amid her growing heartache. It is also here that she meets Jake Spencer, a man who both frustrates and intrigues her. Fearful of the newspapermen intent on tracking her down and unsure of whom to trust, Ruth knows she must carefully maintain her identity as Widow Malloy. But as love begins to slowly bloom, can the tenuous affection growing between Ruth and Jake withstand the secrets that separate them?"

I really enjoyed this book.  I found myself swept up in the life of Ruth and the fears she was facing.  The story was intriguing and thought provoking.  I thought what I would do if I were her.  I am not sure I could have been as patient as Ruth.

This book was written well and the characters were portrayed in such a manner they were easy to know and love.

Price:  $14.99 buy here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publsiher.  I am not compensated for my review.

The Vigilante's Bride

by Yvonne Harris

Bethany House Publishing

"Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and abducting a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ended up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy.

Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice."

 

This book was a quick and easy read.  I enjoyed it, but it reminded me more of a clean romance then anything deeper.  There was a little bit of Christianity in it, but not more then would be in a normal book- praying to God when in trouble.  It only took me a day or so to read because it was quite short.  I felt the characters could have been more developed.  I would like to have read more about what they were thinking-especially Emily and her feelings about the predicament she came to find herself in.

Price:  $14.99 to purchase click here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

The Waiting

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Revell Publishing

"She was waiting for love--and found it in the most unexpected place.
Jorie King's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.
But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning--until their worlds are turned upside down.
With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengthens, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren't as simple as they seem."

Loved this book!!  I could not put it down.  I have read a number of books based on the Amish and this is one of my favorites.  I liked the fact that it was OK for women to have an opinion.  In most of the Amish books I have read the men have the final say no matter what their wife thinks. 
I am excited to read the next book in the series.  I did read the first book and my review for that one is here. 
I liked this one a lot better then the first one.

Price:  $14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

In Every Heartbeat

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House Publishers

"As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?"

A fresh new book about friendship.  Even though I enjoyed this book, I felt the beginning quite boring.  I usually only take a couple of days to read a book, however this took me over a week, because it took me forever to get in to, but once the first several chapters were done the story became interesting.  I have a feeling there will be a sequel to the book because we do not  find out what happens to one of the friends-his ending per say. Good read.

Price:  $14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

The House on Malcolm Street

by Leisha Kelly
Revell Publishing

"It is the autumn of 1920, and Leah Breckenridge is desperate to find a way to provide for her young daughter. After losing her husband and infant son, she is angry at God and fearful about the days ahead. Finding refuge in a boardinghouse run by her late husband's aunt, Leah begins the slow process of mending her heart.
Is it the people who surround her--or perhaps this very house--that reach into her heart with healing? As Leah finds peace tending to an abandoned garden, can she find a way to trust God with her future?"

I found the storyline intriguing, however as I read I was disappointed to find the story lacking- in all areas.  The author got you interested in the characters only to touch the surface with each of them.  The story lacked deeper meaning. I felt I really did not get to know any of the characters really well.  As I read on I hoped that the story would have some deeper message and that it would delve deeper into the characters- however I was sorely disappointed. When I read a book I like to get to know the character and feel as if I am understand their perspective in the story.  I was unable to read this book and feel any connection with any of the characters.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Price:  $14.99 to purchase click here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.