Bethany House Review- Steadfast Heart By Tracie Peterson

Evening y'all!! I must say, I was skeptical on this one. I LOVE Tracie Peterson. I do. Unfortunately, her penchant for cliff hangers is going to make me crazy! Not that I'm not already but you know. ;)

*About the Author*

*Book Description*

Lenore Fulcher is happy in her state of life. Unfortunately, her father is not and has decided to take things into his own hands in regards to his daughter's love life. When her father tries to set her up with someone closer to his age then hers-and closer to his heart too-she realizes she needs to take action quickly. And then Kolbein appears and Lenore has an idea. As she gets to know Kolbein bit by bit, she starts to wish he could be more then just a solution to her problem. Could he? 

Kolbein came to Seattle to find his wayward sister. She's bound and determined to get married but she's only 18 and in Kolbein's eyes, that's too young. She's looked for her everywhere and his last lead is a Bridal school led by 3 woman who could probably be his grandmother. When he arrives with a mission to find his sister he never expected to find two lovely young woman...make that one lovely woman and one chatty woman. When the lovely lady, Lenore Fulcher, begins to consume his mind and his heart, he struggles to keep his mind on the task. Will he ever have his sister back? Is it possible to have Lenore as well?

Abrianna is Lenore's tender-hearted, determined best friend with red hair and a vibrancy of life to match. Only Wade doesn't see his best friend as just determined...he sees her as stubborn. She doesn't understand the danger that lurks in the streets of Seattle but he does and will do anything to protect her. Is it just an innocent friendship instinct? Or is it more?

*What I liked*

Personally, although I loved the Lone Star series, I liked this book better. I like that though her father wanted her to marry for stability, he was supportive of Lenore's wants and hopes instead of crushing them like some books. I also liked Kolbein's protectiveness over his sister though his worries were perhaps a bit misplaced. Even after all of this though, I lived for the moments with bright, stubborn Abrianna and her best friend, Wade. I know that they're "just friends" in this book but I can't help but think that they've earned a spot of their own...come on book two!

*What I didn't like*

The main things, only things actually, that I didn't like was the fact that Wade and Abrianna's story seemed much more developed then Kolbein and Lenore's and it was their story. I also didn't like how rushed Kolbein and Lenore's relationship was. They met once and they're in love. I get that Tracie was going for love at first sight but I can't help but think maybe it was a bit too rushed. Don't worry, that probably makes me want to read book 2 even more!

*My Rating*

I give Steadfast Heart... 4 stars!

*Why my rating is what it is*

My rating is 4 stars because although it was better then her Lone Star series, this one was another cliff hanger because of Wade and Abrianna's unfinished story. I also rated it 4 stars because of the lack of depth in Lenore and Kolbein's story.

 *Where to buy it*

Deepershopping

Christianbook

Barnes & Noble

                                                                                               




Thanks for stopping by friends! Have an awesome day!


Happy Reading,
Nicki

A Bethany House/NetGalley Review-A Matter of Heart by Tracie Peterson

Hi everyone!! Unfortunately, I have been so busy lately, the amount of time spent on here with you guys has not been where it should be..Fortunately, that's because I have been busy reading some fantastic new books that you all are going to LOVE! One of which being...

*About The Author*

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 100 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.

Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer.

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max..

                                                 *Book Description*

Jessica Atherton has always been...well, privileged, in life, and maybe just a tad bit too upity and dependent on money she now realizes.  Deciding to try to fix her problem, she sets out to think about herself as little as possible. While that proves to be a bit harder then she thought it would be, the arrival of two men makes it a bit easier on her. At least easier to not think about herself. Trying not to think about the two handsome men that are complete opposites proves to be harder. With Harrison Gable, the sweet, seemingly friendly man that makes her feel special and Austin Todd, the ruggedly handsome cattle inspector drawing her in with the pain in his eyes... Will Jessica choose safe and sweet, a man who can always give her just what she wants, or is Austin's closed down attitude, protective spirit, and selflessness exactly what she needs? And when she finally figures out what she wants, will it be too late?

Austin Todd thought he'd left his Secret Service life behind. He had...until missing certificates and a beautiful girl intrigued him. Wishing to help as much as possible while still being withdrawn due to the pain he's endured, he doesn't know anymore about why he's here then when he first came. When an unruly man pays unwanted attentions toward a woman who has caught his eye, he's torn between staying away so he doesn't get hurt, and jumping in so she doesn't. When a dangerous situation goes from bad to worse, will he keep the people he loves safe? Or will everything once again be taken away?

                                       *What I liked*

Throughout the book Jessica experienced real change. Not, 'Oh yeah, I have a problem with my character, I'm going to stay this way the entire book'. No. Peterson did a fantastic job of transforming Jessica into someone she could really be proud of. The difference is astounding and really does make the characters fabulous and real. The story line is also really good even though it carries out through the whole series instead of just one book.

                                              *What I didn't like*

The only thing some people may not like about the book is how Jessica is all about me for awhile. Fortunately, she is not like this the entire book and Tracie uses that for something that a lot of us love.  The only other thing is, Tracie Peterson is an awesome writer, she really is. I think anyone who reads her would like her. IF they bought the whole series. For those of you who just got really intrigued with the book and now not so intrigued, I'm sorry but it's true. I got her wonderful book 'A Sensible Arrangement' for Christmas before I started reviewing, so naturally I was thrilled when this one came up for review. Talk about a CLIFF HANGER! I'm not saying this isn't a 'well worth the money' book. I'm saying the series is. DO it!

                                                     *My Rating*

           I give A Matter Of Heart...

4 1/2 stars.

*Why my rating is what it is*

My rating honestly would have been 5 stars if it could be a stand alone and also because this book wouldn't necessarily be something young adults would like to read because there is some violence. Besides that this is a five star novel so if I am posting this review on a website that doesn't do halves and I have to choose 4 or 5 stars, it will be a 5. SO sad to see the series go but I am sure Tracie will have more fantastic books for us Lord willing!!

*Where to buy it*

Amazon

Christianbook

Barnes & Noble

Walmart

Baker Publishing Group

Wherever Christian books are sold!

Thanks so much to Bethany House and to NetGalley for allowing me to review this awesome book and thanks to all of you for coming to read my reviews!! It means a lot to me. I hope that if you have a Christian book coming out that you think looks good that you will suggest it to me to review. If you have a review blog you want me to check out, let me know in an email or in the comments! I'd love to know you!!

Blessings,
Nicki