Ben-Hur by Carol Wallace ~ Reviewe

Editor Note: I get so many books, far more than I can read and review, or pass on to others to read and review for me. So every once in awhile, I borrow great reviews on great books. Today Nora St Laurent shares her review link with us. 

Ben Hur by Carol Wallace

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Mti edition (July 19, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496411064

Book Description: 

As one of the bestselling stories of all time, Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ has captivated and enthralled millions around the world―both in print and on the big screen. Now Lew’s great-great-granddaughter has taken the old-fashioned prose of this classic novel and breathed new life into it for today’s audience.

Coming to theaters in August 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path.

Rediscover the intrigue, romance, and tragedy in this thrilling adventure.

Also included: the inspiring story-behind-the-story of Lew Wallace―Indiana lawyer, author, and Civil War general.

Review: 

http://psalm516.blogspot.com/2016/07/ben-hur-by-carol-wallace-reviewed.html

Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer ~ Reviewed

Out of the Frying Pan

Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer

Paperback: 276

Publisher: Bling!

Language: English

USBN-10: 1938499131

When the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village ends up dead, life for sisters Fern and Zula Hopkins is whipped into a froth. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective Jared Flynn. Should he be concerned about their safety or the criminal's?

But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters' niece KC arrives on the scene.

Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters uncover a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.

Review:

For whenever you need a literal laugh-out-loud moment …

Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a delightful cozy mystery with a bit of a sweet romance. The characters presented, from zany Zula and her roommate, Focused Fern to the handsome cop and niece caught between them, provide a perfect balance of humor and pragmatism, blending for an intriguing plot line that keeps one guessing on numerous levels.

Zula, the dumpster diving, flower saving sister-in-law/aunt is the Lucy Ricardo of the 21st century. Oh, the messes she gets herself in, from sneaking “stolen,” discarded plastic foliage into rusted old cars to stumbling upon a dead body. It’s no wonder her sister-in-law Fern lives in a perpetual state of exasperation. Zula was by far my favorite character, though Fern made her all the more delightful.

This is a fun story that will make you laugh on even your most melancholy of days, and the mystery was so skillfully presented, it will keep even the most skilled sleuths guessing.

Highly recommended.   

Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery

Bonus Thoughts from Amazon Reviewers:

"A laugh out loud mystery with quirky, lovable characters who find themselves in all sorts of trouble. The storyline is believable and comes with descriptions of mouth-watering food, which makes for a delicious plot! A cohesive and fast-moving novel." 4-Stars! RT Book Reviews

“Out of the Frying Pan is a delicious cozy mystery! I loved the humor, the villain surprised me, and the main characters, Fern and Zula, are so richly drawn, they step off the pages and lead you on a merry chase. Masterfully written, it has all the elements of a great read: romance, murder, a dog, and humor. Did I mention the humor?” Ane Mulligan

“I loved this book. The authors, Michelle and Kelly, each writings from one of the two main character's viewpoint, developed a story line that was laugh out loud funny and entertaining. There are many minor characters, and together with the two main characters, they keep the pace moving quite fast while being believable. Scenes are well thought out and the setting, in a senior citizens neighborhood, gives a lot of twists and turns. There's murder, intrigue, romance, love, family relationships -- all written in a fun style. I can't wait for the next book in this series.” John Vonhof

“Who knew life in a seniors community could be so wild, suspenseful, and hilarious? Sisters-in-law Fern and Zula Hopkins are opposite in every way except age. How they keep from killing one another is a mystery, but that's not the mystery of this book. Their zany antics to solve the murder of the cook keeps detective Jared Flynn on his toes. Cozy mysteries are my favorite, and this one is good, with a twist ending that caught me by surprise (the best kind).”  Debra Butterfield

“Absolutely loved every word of Out of the Frying Pan! Having read other of Michelle Griep's work, I knew I was in store for a great story and Out of the Frying Pan did not disappoint. Quirky characters, high adventure. Can't ask for much more. I highly recommend this cozy little romance with a side of murder!” Deanne Davis

Susan May Warren's Wild Montana Skies ~ Reviewed

WILD MONTANA SKIES 

Susan May Warren

Series: Montana Rescue (Book 1)

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 18, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800727436

Description: 

Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.

Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.

With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future?

Review: 

Wild Montana Skies revolves around the home coming of Kacey Fairing and Ben King. They were high school sweethearts, who got pregnant at a young age and planned to get married. Due to unfortunate events and misunderstanding, Ben left right after the baby was born, and Kacey was left as a young, unwed mother. Kacey ended up joining the Air Force as a pilot and served several tours in Iraq, while Ben went on to Nashville to become a big Country Music Star. When horrible flash floods threaten their home town, they are both called home by Ben's dad, who runs PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park. Not only does he hope to get their help, but he's hoping to reconnect them again.

I really enjoyed this book, and had a hard time putting it down. At first, I felt sorry for Kacey, thinking she'd been wronged by Ben, a young man scared of commitment. But then, after hearing Ben's side of the story, I felt bad for him as well, and the whole misunderstanding that kept them separated for so many years made me sad. But I enjoyed seeing how their faith was rekindled, as well as their love for each other. Great book, and I hope to be able to read the next one in the series.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Beth Vogt's Crazy Little Thing Called Love ~ Reviewed

CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE 
Beth K. Vogt

• Series: Destination Wedding
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (June 30, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1476789789

Description:
Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.”

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

Review: 

Crazy Little Thing Called Love is part of The Destination Wedding Series. In this book, we follow Vanessa Hollister, a paramedic, and Logan Hollister, a professional storm chaser. They were high school sweethearts who married each other during their senior year of high school. However, after only two years of marriage, they divorced and never saw each other again. Here we are, eight years later, and Vanessa's current fiance, Ted, wants to plan a destination wedding in Destin, Florida, so he can attend a work conference at the same time. Vanessa has no desire to go back to the place where she met Logan, but Ted's practicality wins out. A freak accident on the beach brings her and Logan back together briefly. But when a major hurricane forces them to work together to save a life, they find that they fall back into their old patterns and habits, and struggle with the fact that they still care for each other.

This was a great book. I found myself getting upset with Vanessa for staying with a guy like Ted when there was a guy like Logan around that still loved her, even after all they had been through. You'll find yourself rooting for them from the moment they see each other again, despite the circumstances that tore them apart.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Rachelle Dekker's The Returning ~ Reviewed

Nora from The Book Club Network is sharing her review with us today. 

THE BOOK CLUB NETWORK BLOG : LIKE FUTURISTIC DYSTOPIAN FICTION? CHECK THIS OUT...: The Returning By Rachelle Dekker Published by Tyndale ISBN#978-1-4964-0229-5 405 pages ABOUT BOOK: Twenty years have passed ...

Becky Wade's Her One and Only ~ Reviewed

HER ONE AND ONLY 
Becky Wade

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 3, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764211102

Description: 

Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?

But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?

Review
Her One and Only is about an NFL Superstar, Gary Fowler, and Dru Porter, a former Marine who has been assigned as a bodyguard for Gary. Gary has been receiving death threats from a stalker, but hasn't taken the threats seriously. Dru is the youngest in a family of boys and has tried very hard her whole life to compete and be on an even keel with them. Gary doesn't appreciate having a woman as his bodyguard, but can't help being attracted to her. Despite his life of being a playboy, and despite her independent nature, they begin to develop feelings for each other, though Dru refuses to cross the line of a relationship with a client. She is determined to find his stalker and keep him safe before their relationship can continue. However, when they finally cross that client/employee line, she realizes she can no longer work for him. While this allows for them to try out a real relationship, it also exposes other problems and issues they each need to work on before they can commit to each other. 

This book was so good! I had a hard time putting it down! I really had no idea what was going to happen regarding the stalker situation, and had no idea of who the actual stalker was! The author did a wonderful job of keeping the suspense going, and keeping me engaged. This was a great book, and I hope to read more by this author!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Travis Thrasher's Awe ~ Reviewed

AWE

By Travis Thrasher

2016

Lucas Lane Publishers

 0996474714

BACK COVER:

THE MYSTERY ONLY DEEPENS. After his best friend disappears and his girlfriend abandons him, Brandon finds himself alone with few answers about what's happening in the small town of Appleton. Nobody knows the whereabouts of Devon, so Brandon decides to get the help of a private investigator who warns him of bad things ahead. At every possible turn, Brandon seems to meet a roadblock. With Marvel's dangerous uncle, Carlos. With the mysterious Otis Sykes. Even with Marvel herself. What darkness awaits them as the story unfolds? The third in The Books of Marvella series after Marvelous and Wonder. Watch for the final book, Glory.

MY REVIEW:

Gah! Be forewarned: this one leaves you hanging in a beautiful yet must-have-the-next-book kind of way.

In usual Thrasher style, the writing of Awe is quick-paced yet connects you to the characters so much, you feel like you're one of them. Brandon and Marvel's relationship is so right and so wrong at the same time. Without giving any spoilers, there are a lot of answers in this 3rd installment of the Marvella series, but not all -- and even leaves you with a few new what-the-heck's by the time you close the book.

God's love is clearly portrayed through story in this dynamic sequel to Marvel and Wonder. If you haven't read the first 2 books, don't start here. Snatch those up and then grab this one.

And then join me with my nose pressed against the glass door of the bookstore while waiting for the next one!

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep 

Johnnie Alexander's When Love Arrives ~ Reviewed

WHEN LOVE ARRIVES
Johnnie Alexander

• Series: Misty Willow (Book 2)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 20, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800726413

Description: 

An Unlikely Couple Struggles to Reconcile the Burdens of Their Past
Dani Prescott came to the children's hospital to spy on Brett Somers--so how did she end up on a date with him? Weeks earlier she'd seen an interview in which he blamed her mother for the plane crash that had killed his parents. But the crash had killed her mother as well, so Dani can't believe the story Brett's trying to sell to the media.

Vowing to find a way to discredit the privileged--and maddeningly handsome--Brett, Dani has been following him and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use against him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself offering up a fake name and agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something--but he's got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is? Will Dani and Brett look beyond their own heartaches to discover a love that could heal their deepest pain?

Fresh, flirty, and fast-paced, When Love Arrives is an engaging story that will have readers falling in love with the characters as they navigate the tricky waters between romance and revenge.

Review:

When Love Arrives is book number two in the Misty Willow Series. We learned about Brett Somers in Where She Belongs, and the story continues in this book. At the end of the last book, Brett discovers he has a young son who was in a terrible accident, and it is questionable as to whether he will live. Brett's life has taken quite a turn. He's gone from being a selfish womanizer, to a person who realizes he isn't the only one that exists! In the mean time, a young woman named Dani, has sought him out, initially to hurt him for things he said about her mother. But a chance meeting between Brett and Dani takes a turn for the unexpected, and tensions build for Dani as she begins to develop feelings for Brett.

I was really excited to get his book to see how Brett's character developed. He was a bit annoying in the first book, but became more likable as it went on. You can really see the change in him in this book. Dani's was a great character as well. She was originally out for some sort of vengeance, but was able to allow her feelings to change her attitude. This was a great follow up to the first book. Can't wait for the next one.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Chawna Schroeder's Beast ~ Reviewed

Beast

by Chawna Schroeder

October 2016

Gilead Publishing

1683700260

BACK COVER:

I am Beast. I serve the master.

For as long as Beast can remember, she has lived among her master's dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold she dreams of one day becoming her master's favorite, earning bones with meat and a place beside the fire.

When her pack scatters after a surprise raid, Beast must defend herself against slavers, hunting down the loners.

They are so strong, and she is only a beast . . . or is she?

For anyone who has found a monster within, Beast is a tale of truth and transformation.

MY REVIEW:

Ever doubt God loves you? Ever struggle with a lower than low self esteem? This story wrestles with those issues and is told from the perspective of an unlikely protagonist . . . a beast. But is it really a beast -- or is it you? I know, intriguing questions, right?

And a very intriguing story.

Just like life, the beast's circumstances go from bad to dire, yet has moments of kindness and seasons of love. Yet it's harder for her (yes, the beast is a female) to accept the good times instead of the bad because she feels like she is worthless. Through the efforts of a patient King and compassionate Princess, she eventually comes to see herself for what she is - a priceless creation. It's a beautiful parable of our own lives.

Chawna Schroeder's writing is fresh and well-crafted. I look forward to whatever her next book will be!

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep 

Christine Johnson's Honor Redeemed ~ Reviewed

Honor Redeemed
Christine Johnson
Series: Keys of Promise (Book 2)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (July 5, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800723511


Description:

Two Men Vie for Her Affection--Survival Will Depend on Choosing the Right One

Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life. Arriving penniless in the South, Prosperity is dismayed to find David married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, she gains the friendship--and the affection--of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?

With a deft hand, Christine Johnson fills the reader's senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of Key West in this heartwarming story of honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.

Review:

Honor Redeemed is book two in “The Keys of Promise” series. In this book, we follow Prosperity Jones. Her fiance left two years ago, as the army sent him to the Key West for eight years. In the meantime, both of her parents have died. Since she has nothing to hold her to Nantucket, she decides to sail to Key West to be with David. What she doesn't realize is that David has gotten himself into a compromising position, with no memory of the incident, and is forced to marry a woman of ill repute as she claims she is expecting his child. Prosperity does not get the message in time, so when she arrives at David's door, she finds he is married and soon to be a father. Since she has no where to go, she stays with some new friends and gets a job at the hospital in town. But through different events, David and Prosperity's paths keep crossing, making it hard for them to forget each other.

It had been a while since I had read book one in this series, but it didn't take too long to put things together again. The main character from book one, Elizabeth, has a decent role in this storyline, and I love how she is involved in Prosperity's life. This was such a good book, and I so admired David, even though he made a mistake, or so he thinks, he is willing to step up and make things right, even if it means giving up the love of his life. 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Sarah Sundin's Anchor in the Storm ~ Reviewed

ANCHOR IN THE STORM
Sarah Sundin
Series: Waves of Freedom (Book 2)
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Revell (May 3, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800723430

Description:

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger

For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War Ii means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Sarah Sundin brings World War Ii to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.



Review: 

Anchor in the Storm takes place during World War II. Lillian Avery is a young woman who has studied to be a pharmacist and has persevered through many ordeals, including the loss of a leg at a young age, resulting in wearing a prosthesis. This has caused her to keep to herself and not trust any man, after a bad experience she had in college. Arch Vandenberg is best friends with Lillian's brother, Jim. He is an Ensign in the Navy, and the heir to the Vandenberg fortune, which he is trying to get away from. He has an immediate attraction to Lillian, but soon realizes that not only is she not interested in him, but the lure of his fortune means nothing to her. That is refreshing to Arch, who is used to women wanting him just for his money. Through his experiences on a Navy destroyer and Lillian's observations in the pharmacy she is working at, they discover a drug ring and attempt to work together to bring it down.

I loved this book. The storyline flowed well, the characters were great, and I loved the time period. There were some twists and turns I didn't expect that made it even more interesting, and, of course, the budding romance between Lillian and Arch. This is a great book. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Michelle Griep's The Captive Heart ~ Reviewed

The Captive Heart
Michelle Griep
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (October 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634097831


Description: 

Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a brute of an employer. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer.


Review: 

Michelle Griep knows how to get a reader's attention from page one. We open the page to find Eleanor panicked over the worst of scenarios. She has stepped well over her position and is going to pay a consequence she cannot afford. The lesser of two evils is thrown at her like a rope to a drowning woman and she grasps hold. This rope takes her to an unknown land across a foreboding body of water and a journey through a near hell in the belly of a ship. 

When she arrives her placement evaporates and she is quickly joined in marriage to a frightening man. An angry half-wild man who is looking for a mother for his child, nothing more. Bound by societal rules she has no choice but to go with him to the virtual wilderness. Only trained to be a governess she has no training in cooking, or even the proper clothing. 

As the plot thickens, Samuel's truth is slowly revealed, as are his enemies. Eleanor is forced to protect Samuel's child from new-to-Eleanor terrors and she has to face the possibility that this little one might need protection from her own father. 

Griep can write a beast of a bad guy. Whew. And she always manages to torture her heroes. I'm not even kidding you. Every one of her novels there is a secondary character who gets a royal beating at best, or a tragic death at worst. This one is no different. People die in Griep's novels, yet it is impossible for me not to finish one. 

I loved a couple of story line's that were nice little teasers and sure hope their stories end up being shared in future books. If you love historical romance this little gem is right up your alley. Especially if you don't mind a dead character or two. Shoot. Maybe I don't want her to write the other stories, more people will die, and the townsfolk are pretty charming. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer 

Jolina Petersheim's The Alliance ~ Reviewed

The Alliance

Molina Petersheim

Series: The Alliance
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Author Signed edition (June 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496402219

Description: 

When Leora Ebersole sees the small plane crash in her Old Order Mennonite community, she has no idea it's a foreshadowing of things to come. Soon after the young pilot, Moses Hughes, regains consciousness, they realize his instruments were destroyed by the same power outage that killed the electricity at the community store, where Englischers are stranded with dead cell phones and cars that won't start.

Moses offers a sobering theory, but no one can know how drastically life is about to change. With the only self-sustaining food supply in the region, the Pacifist community is forced to forge an alliance with the handful of stranded Englischers in an effort to protect not only the food but their very lives.

In the weeks that follow, Leora, Moses, and the community will be tested as never before, requiring them to make decisions they never thought possible. Whom will they help and whom will they turn away? When the community receives news of a new threat, everyone must decide how far they're willing to go to protect their beliefs and way of life.

Review: 

The Alliance takes place in an Old Order Mennonite Community. Leora Ebersole is taken aback when a small plane crashes in her community. The pilot, Moses Hughes, regains concsiousness, and realizes his plane crashed because his instruments were destroyed by a strange power outage the took out the electricity and power in all of the local stores. Not only that, the cars and cell phones of the Englishers in town were not working either. Moses, theory is that there was an EMP attack, causing the loss of all power and electricity, and that it will not come back. This results in the town and the Englischers coming together to ration food and protect their families and belongings from anyone who might come along from the cities. This ordeal tests both Leora and Moses, not only in their faith, but the struggle they have with the growing attraction they feel towards each other.

This was a very interesting storyline that I did not expect when I started the story. I guess the thing that hits home is that this is something that could realistically happen today, and it makes you wonder what will happen, how the world will react, and how we as believers are to conduct ourselves. Of course, God is sovereign over all, and we can trust him if something like this happens. However, it is a bit scary to think about. I'm hoping there is a sequel to this book as I felt like the ending was abrupt.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

BONUS REVIEW: 

Nora St Laurent shares her thoughts here: http://psalm516.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-alliance-by-jolina-petersheim.html

Suzanne Woods Fisher's The Quieting ~ Reviewed

The Quieting
Suzanne Woods Fisher

• Series: The Bishop's Family (Book 2)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 3, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080072321X

Description: 

Bestselling Author Delivers the Intrigue and Romance Fans Crave

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.


Review: 

The Quieting is book two in the series, “The Bishop's Family.” This book picks up where book number one leaves off. It has come out that the Bishop has been dishonest, but he refuses to acknowledge his sin, so David is at odds with how to handle the situation, as he is not a confrontational person. In the meantime, his overbearing mother decides to come help him get his life and family together. David's niece, Abigail, and her sister, Laura, also come to help. Abigail's main reason for being there is to help her father with some genealogical records of a prominent family in the district. She ends up getting help from one of the family members, Dane, and in the process, begins to have feelings for him as well. But her no nonsense logic threatens to seclude from everyone she cares about and is beginning to care about.

I was SO excited to get this book to see what happens next. I like how it picks up immediately where the other book left off, and while we began to follow some different characters, we also got to learn more about the characters from the last book and how their lives are progressing. Abigail's character was intriguing to me. She saw everything as black and white and was brutally honest in what she said, but had no tact. As the story progressed, I think she began to see that she needed to learn to think a bit before she said what she was really thinking. Can't wait to read the next one.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Beth Vogt's Almost Like Being in Love ~ Reviewed

ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE
Beth K. Vogt
Series: Destination Wedding
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Howard Books (June 28, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1476789800

Description: 

From the author of Somebody Like You, a RITA finalist, and one of Publishers Weekly’s top ten books of 2014, comes the story of a woman who has everything for a perfect wedding—except the groom!

Winning an all-expenses paid Colorado destination wedding might seem like a dream come true for some people—but Caron Hollister and her boyfriend Alex Madison aren’t even engaged. How is she supposed to tell him she’s won their wedding and honeymoon when he hasn’t asked her to marry him? Being “perfect for one another” seems like the absolute best reason to get married. But what if their supposedly faultless relationship is merely a safe place to protect his secrets and a way to keep their families happy? After quitting her job, Caron accepts her best friend’s offer to visit Colorado. She needs to catch her breath. Who knows, maybe visiting the destination wedding site will make a future with Alex seem like a reality.

Kade Webster just landed the biggest deal of his life with his company, Webster Select Realty, participating in the Colorado Springs Tour of Homes. He never imagined he would run into the woman who broke his heart—Caron Hollister—right when his career is taking off. Seeing her again, Kade can’t help but wonder why Caron walked away from him years ago, leaving him with no explanation. When Kade learns his home stager won’t be able to help with the Tour of Homes, he vaults past all the reasons he should stay away from Caron, and offers her a temporary job helping him on the project. This time, their relationship is purely business.

Spending time with Kade has Caron questioning everything. The man intrigues her—at times infuriates her—and reminds her of what she lost. Has she been settling for what everyone expects of her? Just because others believe she and Alex are an ideal couple, does that mean they should get married? And how can Caron say “I do” to one man when she’s wondering “what if?” about another?

Review: 

Almost Like Being In Love is the next book in The Destination Wedding Series. This time, we follow Logan Hollister's sister, Caron. Everything she's done in her life up to this point has been to please her father and win his praises – even dating Alex, the son of family friends. Even to the point of breaking up with the one man she loved, Kade Webster. Kade worked for her father in Real Estate, but when he decided to branch out on his own, Caron's father wanted nothing to do with him, so Caron choose pleasing her father over Kade. But after recent decisions in his Real Estate business, Caron has quit her job with him and decides to go visit a friend in Colorado. While there, she happens to run into Kade again. After returning home to sort out her life, Kade calls to offer her a temporary job, which she decides to take. The story then follows them trying to fight their feelings for each other, and, not surprisingly, doing a poor job at it.

I really liked this story. More than Crazy Little Thing Called Love, I think. I don't know what it was about it. Maybe seeing Caron finally break free and make a decision for herself rather than trying to please someone else. This was a great story!


Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Deb Richardson-Moore's The Cantaloupe Thief ~ Reviewed

The Cantaloupe Thief (A Branigan Powers Mystery)
by Deb Richardson-Moore 

Paperback – June 27, 2016

Language: English
ISBN-10: 1782641920

Book Description: 

A murder mystery set in NE Georgia, USA, and featuring a reporter, Branigan Powers, who is commissioned to investigate a cold case, an unsolved murder of a wealthy widow ten years previously. She enlists the help of Malachi Ezekiel Martin, a homeless man who is both a possible suspect and a possible sleuth: the idea being that homeless people get overlooked, and hence see things that are concealed from the rest of the population.  This is the first in an intended series of novels featuring Branigan, Malachi, and Branigan's friend Liam, who runs a shelter for the homeless.

Review: 

First can I say that this book description is painfully dry? 

I received this novel randomly from the publisher and picked it up to decide whether or not to read and review it or send it on down the road. I get books I don't ask for and review maybe ten percent. Fortunately, I have others near me who love to read and some who review so that's where most of them go. 

I kept The Cantaloupe Thief after opening it and getting hooked early on. I'm really glad I did. There are two solid mysteries in the novel, and many, many possibilities for the culprit or culprits. I like that, there is not much more disappointing then figuring out whodunnit in chapter two. I did not and was leaning a whole different direction for much of the story. Definitely a win in the mystery department. I also liked the characters, setting and overall feel of the story. A great, solid four-star read for sure. Since this is book one of a series I'll look forward to more. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer  

Irene Hannon's Sea Rose Lane ~ Reviewed

SEA ROSE LANE
Irene Hannon
Series: Hope Harbor
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 7, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800727541

Three-Time RITA Winner Invites Readers Back to the Captivating Coastal Town of Hope Harbor 
After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to the town where he grew up--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed & breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect and construction chief who's invaded the house with her motley crew.

As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces to create a program for Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?

Three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon takes readers back to Hope Harbor for a new season of charm, romance, and second chances.

Review:

Sea Rose Lane is another book in the Hope Harbor Novel Series. This one involves Eric Nash, who is returning home to Hope Harbor after having been let go from the law firm he was working for. He had been working for most of his adult life to move up in a law firm, so he's at a loss as to what direction he is supposed to go in now. BJ Stevens owns her own construction company and is remodeling Eric's father's home into a bed and breakfast. She left the big city life after a bad relationship, and has enjoyed her time in Hope Harbor, using her talents to help those in need, and enjoying a quieter life. Their first meeting involves a car accident, so they leave with bad impressions of each other, but as they continue to “bump” into each other, they find qualities about the other that are admirable and attractive. However, Eric is unsure if he wants to leave the big city life and stay in Hope Harbor, and BJ is not willing to give her heart away to someone who is going to leave.

I enjoyed reading another book in this series. Hope Harbor sounds like a place I would like to visit or live. I enjoyed watching Eric's perspective change as he adjusted to a slower paced life. The life he had led before, working 60 plus hour weeks and living only for his job, sounds miserable. I think he began to realize that as the story unfolded. This was a great read.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers