Harlequin Love Inspired review-Engaged to the Single Mom by Lee Tobin McClain

Good morning everyone!! Hope you're all having a fantastic Thursday...it's all downhill from here!! Then we can slide right into the weekend and maybe, if we're lucky, into a good book!

Speaking of...I was on facebook the other day and came across and author who wanted her Love Inspired book reviewed. Of course I couldn't let her down! Of course I couldn't let a Love Inspired book go!...so I decided to review it. She sent it to me last night and I didn't stop reading until I was finished with the book...

*About the Author*

Lee Tobin McClain read Gone With The Wind in the third grade and has been an incurable romantic ever since. When she’s not writing emotional, faith-infused love stories with happy endings, she’s probably driving around a carload of snarky teen girls, playing with her rescue dog and cat, or teaching aspiring writers in Seton Hill University’s MFA program. She is probably not cleaning her house.

*Book Description*

Angelica Camden does NOT want to do this. To ask the man she loved, and lef,t without warning 7 years ago, for a job as his assistant...but it wasn't about her. It was about making her 6 year old little boy happy and if he wanted her to work at the kennel, she'd do everything in her power to make his dreams and requests come true. Though her grandfather is against the idea, Angelica gets the job as Troy Hinton's newest assistant. She thinks it'll work...until a crazy suggestion makes her head and her heart spin. Can they ever trust one another again? Will her little boy get the daddy he deserves?

Troy Hinton can't believe he gave the job of assistant to his former fiance...the same fiance that ran off and apparently cheated on him. Trying to get over the attraction between them, and get around with a broken leg, he's more confused then ever. Then he goes and asks her to marry him! Can he be the father that Xavier needs? Can he ever trust the woman that left him with no explanation?

*What I liked*

I really loved "Zavey Davey" as Angelica affectionately called little Xavier. I also loved that Lee focused on the "rough, tough, no one wants them" dogs to be the focus of Troy's rescue. It shows people, and animals, aren't always as they seem..and neither are situations. 

*What I didn't like*

Troy jumped to a lot of conclusions throughout the book.  I don't know what I would do in his place but at times it was aggravating. In the end though, the book was really good and I wouldn't have changed anything. If you're looking for a romance, I should tell you that there was only one kiss throughout the book. So you know. ;)

*My Rating*

My rating for Engaged  to the Single Mom is...

4 1/2 stars!!

*My overall opinion*

                                                                   

Engaged to the Single Mom by Lee Tobin Mcclaire is a heart wrenching, sweet story on trust, hope, and second chances. Worth it's 4 1/2 stars!

 *Where to buy it*

Deepershopping

Barnes & Noble

Christianbook

Walmart

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Engaged to the Single Mom!! Come back again soon for more reviews!

Happy Reading,

Nicki

The Yuletide Bride by Michelle Ule

Good Morning everyone!! Wow! God surely has given me some truly wonderful new author friends and that is the reason I am back here today...to share a book that I've been blessed with by Michelle Ule with....

*About the Author*

A retired Navy wife, Michelle has a terrific husband, four brilliant children, two perfect daughter-in-laws and four adorable grandchildren. She and her family have lived in all four corners of the United States and Hawai’i. They currently reside in northern California.

*Book Description*

 Nineteen year old Ewan Murray knew his life would be hard when his parents died and he has a plan for his life. He just never dreamed it would be so impossibly hard to execute with so many people putting him and his parents down for their love in helping others, Indians or not. Now he's asked his true love's father, Mr McDougal, for his daughter's hand and he agreed.  Except there's a catch...he must earn $70 by Kate's Christmas birthday. Can he do it? And will Kate's enthusiasm, faith, and love in him inspire him to try?

Kate McDougal has always been in love with Ewan Murray and the beautiful music they make together. Now, he's asked her to make music with him forever...him and the pompous banker. Both men fighting for her heart, only one succeeding, who will make up the music of their lives? She knows her father loves her and wishes a full life for her but will he ever realize that Ewan is what she wants and not money? Will they make it together in time for a yuletide miracle?

*What I liked*

 I loved multiple things about this book...things unique to it. Like Ewan's hard working attitude and refusal to surrender their deal, Mr. McDougal's loyalty to Kate's well being, and Kate's faith in Ewan. All these wonderful qualities in her characters make Michelle's book really special and enjoyable. Michelle will have readers jumping up and cheering for Ewan as he struggles for the one he loves.

*What I didn't like*

 This was a beautiful book. Some may say that they don't like the father's attitude in not granting permission to Ewan right away.I'm one of those 'get angry with them' people but even though I was sad with Ewan and Kate for awhile, I thought her father noble in his choice and respected him for that.

*My Rating*

I give 'The Yuletide Bride'...

5 stars!

*Why my rating is what it is*

My rating is five stars because of Michelle's special characters and their attitudes through whatever life threw at them. It made reading truly wonderful and her writing was fantastic throughout the book!

 *Where to buy it*

Amazon

Christianbook

Barnes & Noble

Thanks so much to Michelle Ule for giving me a chance to review another book out of this wonderful series!

Blessings,

Nicki

The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer

Evening everyone!! This is going to be a quick post because I'm getting ready to go to a concert with my family....who's singing? Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, and Brandon Heath!! So excited to get into the Christmas spirit (Like I'm not already!) at my first EVER concert!! First, I have to show you what else has gotten me in the spirit:

*About the Author*

When the handsome, dark-eyed cowboy sauntered into Davalynn Spencer’s life, the gate to adventure swung wide. So began her journey as a bullfighter’s wife and an award-winning national rodeo journalist. 

Her passion for words has also taken her from the city crime beat of a mid-size daily newspaper to inspirational publication with David C. Cook, Standard, Chicken Soup for the Soul and others. When she’s not writing western romance, she teaches at Pueblo Community College and writes a slice-of-life column for her local newspaper.

Davalynn’s romantic fiction stirs faith and fresh hope. From Heartsong Presents: The Rancher's Second Chance,The Cowboy Takes a Wife , Branding the Wrangler’s Heart, and coming soon, Romancing the Widow. Her Christmas novella with Barbour, The Snowbound Bride, releases Dec. 15 but is currently available for pre-order.

Davalynn and her handsome cowboy have three children and four grandchildren and make their home on Colorado’s Front Range with a Queensland heeler named Blue. 

*Book Description*

Arabella Taube is on a mission...one to take her safely far away from her Uncle. So it comes as a bit of a shock when she ends up in the back of an unfamiliar man's wagon bed with a dog. Even more of a shock is the bitter cold...both outside in the cold air when she's found out and in the man's stare as he contemplates what to do with her. Does the man despise her? Does she, should she care?

Nathan 'Nate' Horne had one plan. Or at least he did until a tiny distraction alerted him to a not welcome but not unwelcome passenger. A woman no less. Unsure of who she is or where she comes from, Nate is understandably angry. At least until the tall, shivering, slender woman glances at him with fear in her gaze and tells him her name. Ara. Now after staying with him and his mother, can he get her to stay? Does he want her to?

Lilly Horne has known from the beginning that Nate and Ara were right for each other. The problem is, with growing danger and misunderstandings, will they ever see it for themselves?

*What I liked*

This was a wonderfully different book...it wasn't too rushed or too slow and the characters were really sweet. I love the names the author chose and the special relationship between mother and son as well. Their little romp with the snowballs was my favorite part. A wonderful addition to the collection!

*What I didn't like*

 I don't even know how to explain it. I'm pretty sure it's just me but I blinked and it was like I had turned too many pages. I went from her first day being there to a week or 2 passing and it surprised me.

*My Rating*

I give "The Snowbound Bride"...

 4 stars!

*Why my rating is what it is*

I give The Snowbound Bride 4 out of 5 stars because it is such a quick book...which with such a delightful series of 12 (Yes 12 books!) is to be expected. All in all it was a wonderful experience reading and reviewing for Davalynn Spencer and I won't hesitate to look for her books again!

 *Where to buy it*

Amazon

Christianbook

Barnes & Noble

Thanks so much for stopping by to see me and come again soon!! I hope to possibly have some author interviews and maybe some giveaways in the new year so be sure to stick around!

Blessings,

Nicki

Barbour Review-The Festive Bride By Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Afternoon y'all! I was just browsing my facebook when I came across a post on Christian Reviewers from Diana Brandmeyer. While the author herself wasn't as significant at getting my attention, the book certainly was...

*About the Author*

Diana Lesire Brandmeyer has a background in education and psychology.  Her credits include My Devotions, The Metro East Family Gazette, Little Visits Family Devotions and The Lutheran Witness.  She received her degree from Webster University.  She is the author of, A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee (Barbour 5/2012), We're Not Blended, We're Pureed:  a Survivor's Guide to Blended Families (Concordia Publishing House), Hearts on the Road (Barbour), and A Time to Dance (Awe-struck E-publisher).  She lives in Southern Illinois where the corn grows at a rapid rate behinde her home.  She's married and has 3 grown sons all on their own now, each of them bringing someone special to join the family. Yay! Daughter-in-laws!

 *Book Description*

 As Roy Gibbons wiped up oatmeal off the Kitchen floor, he realized for the umpteenth time, he needs a wife. His oldest daughter even asked for a new mother for Christmas. He thinks he finally found one and thinks it will be a piece of cake to marry her. Was he wrong? Is he in deeper water then he imagined?

Alma Pickens cannot believe that no matter how many discussions her father had with her, he still offered her hand in marriage to someone she barely knows. And her father has plans of his own! Worse yet, Roy does not even want a wife, but a mother for his children. Will this plan ever work? This is her first and Lord willing, last wedding she'll ever have and she plans to do it right. Does he? Does he have a clue what he's gotten into?

*What I liked*

 I really liked the special moments between Roy and Alma. Really cute scenes and cute kids almost always make for a good story! Love!

*What I didn't like*

The only thing I didn't like is that being such a short, short book, the end was really rushed. This will not hinder my opinion on Diana Brandmeyer however! Love her writing!

*My Rating*

*Why my rating is what it is*

I have 4 1/2 stars out of five on my blog and 5 stars on websites because it really is a great book, just really rushed and their isn't really a description of what the characters look like either. Since this doesn't bother many people, my reviews will be 5 stars on consumer sites. :)

 *Where to buy it*

Amazon

Christianbook

Barnes & Noble

Come back tomorrow for another new author, this time a young adults book!

Blessings,

Nicki

The Long Road Home Romance Collection by Judi Ann Ehresman and Naomi Mitchum

Okay, I promise. This is a fiction book and something a little more my style. Maybe yours too? :) 

                                          *About The Author(s)*

Judi Ann Ehresman:

As I sit here pondering what to write about me, I wonder what in the world anyone would want to know.  I, personally, am no one interesting or exciting, but by the grace of God I’ve been married to a wonderful man for over 39 years and have been blessed with two wonderful sons who have given me two wonderful daughters (in-law) and four of the most adorable grandchildren anyone could wish to have!

I have had a number of careers, but motherhood has been my favorite of all.  I was born wanting to be a mother.  Our children were truly gifts from God and arrived against all odds, but blessed my heart from the very first moment and have brought more joy than I could have imagined.  I have heard all my life that being a grandmother is even better than being a mother, but in my estimation it is not.  I love my grandchildren dearly—don’t get me wrong, but I don’t love being a GRANDMOTHER because I have to go home and leave those precious babies behind with their parents!  There is nothing in the world as wondrous as watching a child learn and helping to shape a young mind.  That is the greatest blessing of all.

One of my hobbies is gardening.  I love flowers and I love growing them.  I love growing vegetables and herbs, but nothing compares with the beauty of flowers.  I love to create gardens that are full of perennials that begin blooming in the early spring with the crocuses and keep something blooming until the last of the mums at frost.  I love creating beautiful settings surrounded by gardens.  How close I feel to God as I work the soil and care for my flowers!

My other great hobby is writing.  I love putting my thoughts onto paper and I love giving vent to my imagination by writing fiction as well.  I’ve always enjoyed a good story, and I love creating them also.  And I enjoy writing my thoughts and feelings as well.  But most of all, I love to write down my worship.

So…who am I?  My name is Judi Ann Ehresman and I’m a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a gardener, a writer, but most of all, by the grace of God I’m a child of the King!  No, not Elvis, but God Almighty.  But you can call me Judi…

Naomi Mitchum:

I live in Houston, Texas with my geologist and bird-watching husband, Bob, and we work together with the Circle of Friends students each week at Chapelwood United Methodist, where I just retired as volunteer director of special needs ministry, but continue to help out. Their philosophy is that every meeting of persons is a gift exchange, and gifts are exchanged in our many programs designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities and their parents. I am also a Houston Symphony buff and would go without food just to hear a good string quartet at Chamber Music Houston.

With a degree in Christian education, I set out to do something important with my life. I’m still working on it. The trip has been fun and the future exciting. I worked as director of Christian education in Coffeyville, Kansas then Director of youth work at Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Along the way I wrote curriculum for the United Methodist Church and other works and served as chair of the Texas Conference Committee on Disability Concerns of the United Methodist Church. I like starting new things from a youth choir, conference committee to the Circle of Friends programs. I recently founded Ramps’nthings Press, a not for profit DBA publisher doing disability books and materials.

                                                                                  

                                                          *Book Description*

   Story One:

Ethan and Mandy Evanston have been happy in their marriage. At least Mandy thought so until Ethan told her he planned to work for the railroad for a few months. Not expecting Ethan to bring her out here into the middle of nowhere to leave her alone, especially not with her secret...Now alone in the wilderness, she discovers new friends that help her wait for her dear husband...but when something happens...

 Ethan feels trapped. With what he's done, he can't go back to his wife Mandy so he makes something up. Knowing it will be devastating to her, he just can't see her face again...and Bess...

Will they ever find the true reason for living? And will they ever be reunited?

Story Two:

Bess wants nothing more then to be know as who she is. Bess. Not a prostitute who grew up in a brothel and has no morals. She wants to be held and loved by a man who cares about her for who she is. She thought she'd found that person but now...he's gone. Just like everyone else. Will she ever find the one person that will see to the person inside?

Story Three:

Deidre still can't believe the blessing she has found in being able to stay with Mandy and just can't stop thanking God for everything. Even though she loves her son, God, and has a warm home and food, something's missing. Her beloved husband  who was torn away from her. She still believes she can find him but with each passing day hope fades. Will she ever see him again?

Story Four:

The last thing Fredrika wants to do is leave her beloved Germany for what the Americans call "Texas". She just wants to stay right where she is and go to Music school. Outnumbered, they leave for America and 'Rika' needs to see her sister and mother through things she never expected. Will she let her frustrations consume her? Or will she get over leaving Germany and find love in the process?

                                                                               *What I liked*

The first thing I LOVE about this book is...the book. The cover is gorgeous and glossy and the pages are torn and antique looking on the edges that gives it a really cool texture. The writing was sweet...I loved the first 3 stories from Judi Ann...I loved the story from Naomi as well, don't get me wrong, especially since I am part German, but I really liked Judi's stories and that she tied them all together. They both had wonderful characters and since this is a novellas collection, it was quick to read.  The main thing I loved is the Christian values. Judi Ann especially had some really good Christian witness material in her books and made her characters live it out.                                                                   

                                                                           *What I didn't like*

I really feel this should have been 2 separate books.Not because one reader is better then the other or anything like that, just that the first three books don't fit with the last at all. They should have been published like what they are: A trilogy and a novella. At the least they should really tell the readers that they don't go together. This is a great book if you want some quick reading but not if you aren't good about finishing a book. I'm one of those people that has to finish a book right away. So if you hand me four different novellas it is hard for me to keep my focus.

                                                                                                      *My Rating*

           I give The Long Road Home Romance Collection...

4 stars!

                              *Why my rating is what it is*

My rating is four stars because of the books being in the same collection and also because sometimes it is a bit hard for it to hold your attention. Other then that, this book is great!! You should read it! 

*I received this book from Barbour publishing and Bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

                  

                                                   *Where to buy it*

                                                                                     Amazon

                                                           Barnes & Noble

                                                           Deepershopping

                                                            ChristianBook

Thanks for visiting me again!! I am currently trying to get my followers up so I can review for more places like Zondervan and Thomas Nelson but unfortunately I can't do so until I hit at least 30 followers...I am almost halfway there!

Blessings,

Nicki

A Christmas Gift By Kathi Macias

Hey y'all!! This is another of last month's books for bookfun.org and let me tell you it was different!!

                                           *About The Author*

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. She has recently taken the position of Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for Elk Lake Publishing.  Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.

                                                                                  

                                  *Book Description*

Julie Bennington has felt the need to get out of self pity and do something greater ever since her husband died of a heart attack two years ago. Her kids are in college and no longer truly need her even though they try make it look as if they do. When her mother mentions a teaching position outside a little town in Mexico, Julie thinks it is the perfect answer to her dream...her mother just wishes she had kept her mouth shut. Her children do everything in their power to get her to stay but Julie feels she must do this. Once she gets there, not only is the danger real but she'll encounter something she never expected. Will her kids ever forgive her for putting herself in danger? And in the loneliest places in the forest, will she find someone she never expected to find again? 

Widowed Padre Ramon grieves for his wife ever time he thinks of that tragic day in the jungle. Now, with just him and his daughter left to live on their own, he doesn't question God's sovereignty, he simply wonders what could have happened if he had been there. When Julie arrives in the little town and his daughter loves her new teacher, he has to wonder if this is God's way of helping them move on or just his own loneliness taking the forefront. Will he ever truly get over his beloved wife's death and embrace the future? And when it seems God has given him a new chance at love, can he get her to stay?                                                            

                                                            *What I liked*

This story was so different from the beautiful cover...wow! The cover depicts maybe a western town with a cowboy or something...Definitely not what I expected but a great story just the same! Julie suffers from depression: her husband dying, children starting their own life...she just doesn't understand where she fits until her mother brings up the teaching job. She struggles with not wanting to leave her distraught parents and upset children but decides this is the right thing to do. Then the author leads us into the jungle with Julie and you get gangs, a Mexican pastor, children that hardly speak english, and wild animals. Kathi does a wonderful job of making the area come to life...maybe too wonderful!! Add in some amazing Christian testimonies, new found faith she thought she'd lost, worried parents, and children finally starting to get it...unique and a great story!!

                                                                              *What I didn't like*

Wow. Remember I told you "maybe too wonderful"? Yeah...this story is not for the faint at heart and probably not for younger teens either. This book pictures the very scary side of Mexico, not siestas and enchiladas that is for sure! The other thing you may not like is the price. The book is about 220 pages long so it is a smaller book but is still $13.78 on Amazon. Maybe not what you want to spend. $7.38 for the kindle is a bit more realistic but maybe not all of you read ebooks. Don't let the price stop you from reading the book though! It has what I think is great Christian morals and a definitely unique story line and look into a missionary life.

                                                                                                      *My Rating*

           I give The Christmas Gift...

4 stars!

                         *Why my rating is what it is*

My rating is 4 stars because although this is a fantastic book with great Christian content in it, it also is packed with some pretty realistic, scary stuff! Not something you would want kids under at least 13 to read, unless they are overly mature. 

                                      *Where to buy it*

                                                                             Amazon

                                                      ChristianBook

                                                     Barnes & Noble

                                                     

(The book cover on Barnes and Noble is much more accurate to the story)

                                             Thanks to Bookfun.org for another great book!!

Blessings,

Nicki