A Love Forbidden

All Shiloh Wainright has dreamed of is teaching the Ute Indians, and when she gets the opportunity to move to Northwestern Colorado to teach at the White River Indian Agency, she jumps at the chance. Little does she know, her past will catch up with her as she meets Jesse Blackwater, a young man who once worked on her family’s ranch. As Shiloh and Jesse become closer to one another, tensions arise between the US Government and the Ute Indians. Jesse is caught between his loyalty to the Ute Indians and Shiloh, while Shiloh is torn between her love for Jesse and the U.S. Soldiers who are battling the Indians. Shiloh is a very likable character. She is strong in her faith and feels great connection to her family, yet she does not let their desires run her life. When she felt it was her place to teach the Ute Indians, she followed her heart. I really liked the relationship between her and Jesse. Although they came from two entirely different backgrounds, they were still able to make their relationship work. You can tell through the book that Jesse really cares for Shiloh and only wants what is best for her. I also liked the focus on forgiveness in this book. Shiloh must forgive the Indians for their treatment of her, while Jesse must forgive himself for his actions in the past and also the US Government for their treatment of the Indians. I am really glad I read the second book in the Heart of the Rockies Series by Kathleen Morgan. I read the first book in the series, and I was excited to read about another Wainright sibling. A Love Forbidden can easily be enjoyed by someone who has not read the first book in the series. I cannot wait to learn more about the Wainrights in future books!! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." “Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.” Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning

Olivia Newport’s most recent book, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, is the first in the Avenue of Dreams series. Lucy Banning is lucky enough to live on Prairie Avenue in Chicago, where some of the most wealthy families from Chicago have their homes. Lucy is engaged to be married to banker Daniel, whom she has known her whole life. Having grown up together, their families had their engagement planned before they were even old enough to understand what spending their lives together would mean. After taking a course at college and volunteering at a local orphanage, Lucy decides she wants more than a marriage to Daniel, who she does not really love. With the entrance of her brother’s friend Will, even more complications arise. As Lucy’s life becomes more complicated, and she must hide some very serious secrets, Daniel’s life also changes from what he expected. With these changes come some very strange circumstances, and Lucy finds herself questioning who Daniel really is. Set amid the backdrop of the World’s Fair, this book was not at all what I expected. Lucy and Daniel’s relationship was more than just a typical love triangle, as Daniel truly meant something to Lucy and her family. I found myself not believing that he could do anything to hurt Lucy, and the end of the book helped clear up the reasons he acted in the behavior he did. I really liked the characters of both Lucy and Will. Although Lucy was keeping secrets from her new friend, he never once pressured her to reveal what she was hiding. This was especially interesting for the story as women during that time were not given much ability to keep their lives to themselves. I did not find myself particularly liking Lucy’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Banning. Although they were supposed to be caring parents, they seemed to be more worried about how others viewed them than how they should treat one another. Mrs. Banning was always criticizing the clothing choices of her daughter, and she was not at all understanding of her desires to attend college. Although there were some characters I didn’t care for, the characters of Lucy, Will, Leo (Lucy’s brother), and Charlotte (Lucy’s maid) helped me become invested in the book and its’ cast of characters. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." “Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Wildflowers from Winter

Since I have recently been reading a lot of historical fiction books, I decided to make a change and read a book set in the current time. So I set out to find a book in my LARGE stack of unread books, and I decided my next book to read would be my advance copy of Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert. I have to say I was not at all disappointed with my choice of books. Bethany Quinn has the perfect life; she has made her way out from the trailer park she was raised in and now lives in Chicago and workes for an arcitecture firm. Although everything in her life seems perfect, she finds herself traveling back to her hometown in Iowa after learning that her grandfather is having health problems. Upon inheriting land, she begins to face all of the things she was running from when she left her home: a preacher who tainted her view of Christianity, her best friend, and her family. In addition to coming to terms with her past, Bethany finds herself falling for the man who maintains her family farm, Evan Price. I was very glad I chose this book to read, and although I was looking for a light romance read, I got so much more than that. Bethany lived a difficult life, and she must begin to come to terms with what happened to her in the past. Throughout the book, I felt I could empathize with her, and I understood how a past like hers could cause someone to stray away from religion. I think the cast of characters who were placed in her life were perfect for leading her back to God. From what I read on Katie Ganshert’s website, it looks like a second book will be released in the year 2013. I am very excited to learn more about Bethany and the other characters who were brought into her life as she travelled back home. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Discovery

I was so excited when I got the book The Discovery by Dan Walsh in the mail, and I started to read as soon as it was delivered. Book told the story of the aspiring writer Michael Warner. When his grandfather dies, they inherit his home and actually get so much more than just the house in Charleston. The Warner family never knew about their grandfather’s life before getting married, and the history behind his past becomes more intriguing as Michael finds an old manuscript. As Michael reads the book, he reads about Nazi spies, secret identities, and romance.

I don’t want to tell too much about the story, since I think everyone will love to read this book and read the hidden manuscript for themselves. I really enjoyed this book, as I did the first book I read by Dan Walsh. The characters in the story all care deeply about one another, and I loved the fact that Michael’s grandfather was reaching out to his family even after his death. He truly had deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. Although this book wasn’t a true story, I liked the fact that the history behind German Spies entering the US was true. I am going to be giving this book to others to read, and I would recommend it to everyone!

Available April 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Shadows in the Sand

Shadows in the Sand: A Seaside Mystery, by Gayle Roper has all of the elements a good book should have: mystery, romance, a great setting, and compelling characters. The story takes place in “Carrie’s Cafe” which sisters Carrie and Lindsey own. There is a great cast of characters who weave themselves in and out of the story in the idyllic beach town of Seaside. Some strange situations start taking place at the cafe when a dishwasher is found dead and a server is missing. Carrie begins to wonder if her past, which she tried so hard to escape, is finally catching up with her. Mix in some romance between Carrie and local town resident Greg, and you have the perfect romantic mystery.

I really enjoyed this book, and I found myself reading late into the night to learn about all of the residents of Seaside and find out what was in Carrie’s past that she did not want to revisit. I also liked the Christian elements of this book. All of the characters relied heavily upon God to help them get through some of the toughest moments in their life, and I found that faith very refreshing.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review of my own words and freely expressed opinions.

Atracted to Fire

Since I love anything that has to do with Politics and Presidential figures, I was very excited to read Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills. The book follows Agent Meghan Connors’ and her desire to protect the president of the United States. Meghan is assigned to the vice president’s daughter, who is a drug and alcohol addict. Meghan is less than thrilled to be working with the Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders, who reads as a little sexist since he does not want to have a female agent working with him. The book reads like a mystery as deaths begin to occur as the remote ranch faces a security breach. In addition to the mystery element, a romance begins to grow between Meghan and Ash, despite their differences.

I really enjoyed this book, and I liked reading about a woman in a man’s field. Meghan was very hard-working and had a set of goals in her life. I also liked the relationship between Meghan and Ash. Although they seemed like opposites, this books shows that some of the best romantic relationships are those between people who don’t seem to connect at first. I also liked the mystery behind the book. There were twists that I wasn’t expecting which kept me enthralled from page 1 until the last.

I received this book from the publisher, Tyndale House, in return for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Love's Sacred Song

Love’s Sacred Song is the second book I have read by Mesu Andrews, and it told the story which is found in the Song of Solomon’s. Arielah and King Solomon, the son of David, have their lives are laid out in this book, and I found It very informative and an interesting telling of this story from the Bible. The Shephardess, Arielah, knows from the young age of seven that she is supposed to marry King Solomon. Her father decides that the tribes of Isreal could be united if she were to be given to Solomon as a wife, and so she begins her relationship with Solomon. The book tells about the story of how Arielah’s life was spent, just one of the many women in King Solomon’s harem.

I enjoyed this book, just as I did Mesu Andrews’ other book I read. Arielah was brave, and was sure of the plans God had for her even at a very young age. I think that is something most people struggle with, and I found it refreshing that she was willing to follow God’s plans for her life. She was also a forgiving and understanding character. Overall, I think this is a good book for women to read if they are looking for a role-model for how they can follow God’s will in their lives and not become bitter when dealing with hardships.

Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received my free copy from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255