tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36350959239247212462024-03-13T14:43:56.960-07:00Emily's Book RatingsI will be rating books as I read them.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-67789798978787018302013-03-31T05:36:00.000-07:002013-03-31T05:36:07.587-07:00Agent Undercover - Lynette Eason<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7RU1QkL3cI/UVgnwu-90SI/AAAAAAAABJ0/2cCsPWHNojg/s1600/Agent+Undercover.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7RU1QkL3cI/UVgnwu-90SI/AAAAAAAABJ0/2cCsPWHNojg/s320/Agent+Undercover.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Summary:</b><br />
What does little Alex know?<br />
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The traumatized six-year-old boy hasn't said one word since the unsolved murder of his single mother. And now, the killer is after the child and the devoted uncle raising him, Dr. Dylan Seabrook. Working undercover in the boy's school, DEA agent Paige Ashworth is determined to find the murderer. But she can't tell Dylan her real identity, what she knows or just how close to the case she really is. Dylan's strength and fierce love for his nephew soon have Paige longing to join their family. First, though, they must catch a killer who never wants little Alex to speak again.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvXQLAcDaJI/UVgn8izjkpI/AAAAAAAABJ8/SSe6Ip5M-3c/s1600/Lynette+Eason.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvXQLAcDaJI/UVgn8izjkpI/AAAAAAAABJ8/SSe6Ip5M-3c/s320/Lynette+Eason.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>About The Author:</b><br />
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Spartanburg, South Carolina.<br />
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<b>The Review:</b><br />
<br />
I loved reading about the fierce love Dylan had for his nephew. He would do anything for that little boy. Even though he wasn't able to spend a lot of time with him, he's determined to be there for him now. <br />
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I also loved reading about the slow grow of the relationship between Paige and Dylan. The love grew gradually. I really like reading about those kind of stories. I don't much like reading about how all of a sudden their in love. That's unnatural. <br />
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I liked that the story started with suspense, ended with suspense, and there's suspense in the middle! Pretty much suspenseful throughout. I mean it started with Will almost getting run over! <br />
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I can't write about much, or I'll give away a lot! :P <br />
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<b>Rating: </b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiBCiodLXvk/UVgtOXInarI/AAAAAAAABKI/6aEZtChLkCI/s1600/Four-star-rating.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiBCiodLXvk/UVgtOXInarI/AAAAAAAABKI/6aEZtChLkCI/s320/Four-star-rating.gif" /></a><br />
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The next book I'll be reading is <i>Texas Made Match</i> by: Noelle Marchand.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nO94gUEd-Y0/UVgtlz3BOnI/AAAAAAAABKQ/Um9JR8b9lic/s1600/Texas+Made+Match.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nO94gUEd-Y0/UVgtlz3BOnI/AAAAAAAABKQ/Um9JR8b9lic/s320/Texas+Made+Match.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Happy Easter! He is risen!</b>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-29581457889736659622013-03-24T17:22:00.001-07:002013-03-24T17:22:24.465-07:00Petticoat Ranch - Mary Connealy<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVaznKwmLiA/UUskwaF2u_I/AAAAAAAABJA/5QmwFosfL1c/s1600/Petticoat+Ranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVaznKwmLiA/UUskwaF2u_I/AAAAAAAABJA/5QmwFosfL1c/s320/Petticoat+Ranch.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Summary:</b><br />
Sophie Edwards is doing just fine alone, until a strange-yet oddly familiar-man rides into her life, insisting on rescuing her and her four daughters. Can she find a way to love a headstrong mountain man? When Clay McClellen discovers his brother has been murdered, he's bent on finding the killers and seeing them properly hung. But first his Christian duty demands that he marry his sister-in-law. After all, Sophie needs someone to protect her - right? Faith and love help unruly wed newlyweds find common ground and a chance at love on the Texas frontier.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBu3qQv8xZs/UUsuQP3mZxI/AAAAAAAABJM/ghT5J-bT_CI/s1600/Mary+Connealy.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBu3qQv8xZs/UUsuQP3mZxI/AAAAAAAABJM/ghT5J-bT_CI/s320/Mary+Connealy.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><br />
About The Author:</b><br />
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.<br />
<br />
The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.<br />
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The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. <br />
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<b><br />
The Review:</b><br />
I have to say I loved Sophie's character! She's tough and has a lot of spunk! I've noticed I like the strong, tough leading ladies. Maybe because I know I could be never be like that. I mean I'm tough in a different sort of way. But not like Sophie. <br />
<br />
I liked reading Clays point of view on women. It was pretty funny. He stated that women are either crying or giggling. Which is pretty accurate. Except sometimes, we're doing both! Because we cry when we're sad, happy, angry, scared, etc. Any emotion really. :P Then he decided he was going to make some rules. Rule number #1: No crying. Really? A house with five girls. Four of them being under the age of ten. And you're going to make a rule of no crying? Insane! <br />
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Clay was constantly telling Sophie to stop doing "Mans work" and stay in the house with the girls and let him do the work outside. But she was use to having to do everything. Because her first husband Cliff was, pretty much useless. Except for bringing the girls into the world. Then he was quite helpful! ;) <br />
<br />
Here is a scene that I found quite funny. <br />
<i>"Let's get this marriage over and done, Sophie," Clay said as he removed his stetson to whack some trail dust of f his pants. "Parson if you don't want to climb down, you can just do the pronouncing from where you're at."<br />
"Clay!" Sophie hadn't really meant to yell, but her ears hurt just a little from the single word, so she supposed she had. The girls all froze and looked at her. <br />
"I need to talk to you." Sophie started marching toward the house, but she didn't go in. She went around the side of the house and was almost out of sight when Clay grabbed her arm. <br />
"We can talk later, Sophie. The parson needs to get home. Let's get this out of the way." <br />
Sophie wrenched her arm loose and whirled to face him. "We will talk now, Clay McClellen." <br />
"Sophie, there's nothing-"<br />
"Not here," Sophie snapped. "In private!" <br />
Clay narrowed his eyes. They were cold, blue, gunslinger eyes, and if she hadn't been so furious, she might have backed down and married him just to get him to quit looking at her so angrily. But she was furious, and it gave her the courage of a west Texas cougar. <br />
"Back of the house. Now!" she roared. She jerked her arm, and he must have been agreeable to letting her talk, because she got loose, and she knew she never would have if he wasn't willing.<br />
She marched around the house. He was right behind her. When she thought she was out of earshot of the girls, unless she started ranting of course, she turned. "Where did you get the outlandish notion that we were getting married?"<br />
"Outlandish notion?" Clay's brows shot up. "We talked about it. You said yes. What do you think I went to town for?"<br />
"The parson?" Sophie screeched.<br />
"Yes," Clay answered in a sarcastic drawl. "The parson!"<br />
"We have not talked about getting married." Sophie jabbed Clay in the chest with her index finger. "I think I would have remembered a proposal!" <br />
"I asked you if you knew what we had to do."<br />
"Yes, but I can't imagine how you got, 'Yes I'll marry you,' out of that brief exchange."<br />
"I asked you if you were a God-fearing woman." <br />
"And I am one." Sophie crossed her arms.<br />
"Well, we have to get married!" Clay said tersely. "So that's what I meant when I asked you if you knew what we had to do. What did you think I meant?" <br />
"I had not idea! <br />
"Then why did you say you knew what we had to do?" <br />
"I guess I thought you were telling me we had the usual chores to do around the place." She snapped her fingers and said, "That's right. I said, 'Of course I know!"<br />
"And you said you were willing."<br />
"'Of course I'm willing,'" Sophie said with vicious sarcasm, "</i>to do the chores.<i> I thought you had a lot of nerve telling me that since I've been doing all the chores for two years now!"<br />
"Why would I try to tell you to do the chores you'd been doing alone for so long? That would be stupid!" Clay bellowed. "Do I strike you as a stupid man?"<br />
Clay's gunslinger eyes got even more narrower. "We talked about having the same faith."<br />
"Okay, I guess you asked me that." <br />
"And we talked about raising the girls. I know I said something about it being best if we raised the girls in a church-going household." <br />
"Yes you said all of that. But I never imagined you were talking about..."<br />
"It doesn't matter anyway, whether you've been asked proper or not. I guess I've heard of women who want fancy sweet talk and even rings and such, but I didn't take you for a woman who'd need that nonsense."<br />
"Why doesn't it matter?"<br />
Clay shrugged. "'Cuz we're getting married right now, whether you understood what I wanted or not."<br />
Sophie opened her mouth to tell Clay to go try to talk a Texas sidewinder into marrying him, but her throat seemed to swell shut, and she thought for a humiliating moment that she might break down and cry. With a sudden rush of weakness, she wondered what difference it made. Why not marry him?<br />
She shrugged. "All right. Let's get it over and done."<br />
He took her arm and led her back around the house. <br />
"So, what's the verdict?" the parson asked.<br />
Sophie thought "verdict" was right. This was a life sentence. Clay looked to be a man who wouldn't die easily, unlike Cliff, so she was probably stuck with him.<br />
Clay led her up onto the porch and said to the group waiting there, "We're getting married."<br />
In her mind, Sophie heard a prison door slamming shut.</i><br />
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<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2S_oJpalW0U/UU-YLpEda6I/AAAAAAAABJg/2rWIy59FY_c/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2S_oJpalW0U/UU-YLpEda6I/AAAAAAAABJg/2rWIy59FY_c/s320/images.jpg" /></a><br />
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My next book will be Agent Undercover by: Lynette Eason. I decided to take a quick break from historical and go for modern suspense.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6ALYxIUGWY/UU-Yuibb9rI/AAAAAAAABJk/kFdrV3lPZDk/s1600/Agent+Undercover.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6ALYxIUGWY/UU-Yuibb9rI/AAAAAAAABJk/kFdrV3lPZDk/s320/Agent+Undercover.jpg" /></a><br />
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-24639274439677633102013-03-19T14:53:00.003-07:002013-03-19T14:53:59.897-07:00Flora's Wish - Kathleen Y'Barbo <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQlAnRy2PIA/UUi_K3aohmI/AAAAAAAABIM/k9NKF5rDzVw/s1600/Flora's+Wish.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQlAnRy2PIA/UUi_K3aohmI/AAAAAAAABIM/k9NKF5rDzVw/s320/Flora's+Wish.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><br />
Summary:</b><br />
May 1887—Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as “Fatal Flora,” a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family’s estate. She’s confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.<br />
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Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister’s heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?<br />
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And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora’s heart?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h72RXtHc8LQ/UUi_TL7OH4I/AAAAAAAABIU/UXhbv4QGOSw/s1600/Kathleen+Y'Barbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h72RXtHc8LQ/UUi_TL7OH4I/AAAAAAAABIU/UXhbv4QGOSw/s320/Kathleen+Y'Barbo.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>About The Author:</b><br />
Kathleen is a tenth-generation Texan and a mother of three grown sons and a teenage daughter. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University. Kathleen is a former treasurer for the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a member of the Author’s Guild, Inspirational Writers Alive, Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild, and the Fellowship of Christian Authors. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker, and her kids think she’s a pretty cool mom, too…most of the time, anyway.<br />
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<b>Thoughts:</b><br />
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I've read some other books by Kathleen Y'Barbo before and I really liked them. <br />
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This one was the same! <br />
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I LOVED Flora's character. The way she acted was hilarious! She was constantly doing things just because she knew Brimms' just don't so that! She danced in the rain on purpose because Brimms don't that. :D She constantly was defying her grandmother, well and Lucas too! Especially Lucas! But I also liked her sense of responsibility. She really wanted to marry for love. But since her first four fiances died. She thinks the best way to keep the family home, she'll just marry quickly, and quickly produce an heir. That's when she meets Will Tucker, who she thinks is the answer to all her problems. <br />
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Unfortuntely, Will Tuckers not all he says he is. Lucas McMinn is following Will Tucker, trying to get him arrested for his sister's sake. Catching Will Tucker is a personal vendetta for Lucas. Will Tucker was engaged to Lucas's sister, but he never showed up. His sister was so upset about that. I'm not going to say what happens next because it gives away a lot. :P <br />
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This is exerpt from the book that I found funny.<br />
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<i>"Flora Brimm," Lucas said, "you need to turn around slowly and keep your hands where I can see them."<br />
"Don't be ridiculous," she said. <br />
"I've been called a whole lot of things in the commision of my duties as a pinkerton agent, but ridiculous isn't one of them."<br />
"So now you're not just the law, you're a Pinkerton? If that's true, why didn't you admit to it last night?" <br />
"Last night I had no reason to believe I needed to."<br />
The lawman put hand on her shoulder and slowly turned her around to face him. "Get in the buggy. We're going t otake a ride." <br />
"Not until I see a badge."<br />
He regarded her with some measure of amusement. "You'll see a badge when I decide you're not going to take off and run\." One dark brow rose. "Remember, Fatal Flora, you're the one with the most to lose here." <br />
"I demand you either release me or offer proof of your affiliation with the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Mr..."<br />
"McMinn," he said as he peered down at her from uner the brim of his hat. "Lucas McMinn. Under other conditions I'd say I was pleased to make your acquaintance. The best I can do right now is tell you one last time to climb up into the carriage before I put you up there myself. Or I can put handcuffs on you and march you inside. The manager and a few of his employees have all confirmed my identity, and I'm sure they'll be glad to tell you that." He paused. "So will the sheriff for that matter. So do I pick you up and situate you in the buggy? Might cause a scene."<br />
"You wouldn'y dare," she said, even though the expression on the rogue's face told her he would.<br />
"Just like a fine lady like you wouldn't climb out a window to act as lookout for your boyfriend? Oh, excuse me. Your fiance. And you did. Last night. With me tailing you." </i><br />
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<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eb8nLabuqGA/UUjeSTxCl7I/AAAAAAAABIk/nS5Tx7DQFIE/s1600/four-star-rating.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eb8nLabuqGA/UUjeSTxCl7I/AAAAAAAABIk/nS5Tx7DQFIE/s320/four-star-rating.png" /></a><br />
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My next book will be <i>Petticoat Ranch</i> by: Mary Connealy. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N__b1sniQM0/UUjec7rJK5I/AAAAAAAABIs/Xprvnx9SO0w/s1600/Petticoat+Ranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N__b1sniQM0/UUjec7rJK5I/AAAAAAAABIs/Xprvnx9SO0w/s320/Petticoat+Ranch.jpg" /></a><br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-48364531062575230052013-03-15T14:29:00.001-07:002013-03-15T14:29:43.612-07:00Love's Reckoning - Laura Frantz <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_43UWBcPfw/UUONGx8iYBI/AAAAAAAABHc/D0y9dc4gaGA/s1600/Love's+Reckoning.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_43UWBcPfw/UUONGx8iYBI/AAAAAAAABHc/D0y9dc4gaGA/s320/Love's+Reckoning.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the others jealousy destroy their love?<br />
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In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. "Love's Reckoning" is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.<br />
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<b>About The Author:</b><br />
I was born and raised in Kentucky, living first in Ashland, Mammoth Cave, Bowling Green, and then Lexington. But my heart has always been in Berea, Madison County, the place my family has resided since the 18th-century. I came to know Christ there at the age of 12, was baptized, and spent my childhood roaming through the woods and swimming in the rivers of my books.<br />
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My earliest memories are of the public library, standing in front of shelves filled with those little biographies of famous historical figures like Daniel Boone and George Washington and Sacajawea. I began scribbling stories at age 7 and thankfully never stopped. My passion then and now is history and all the wonders of past centuries.<br />
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I attended college at Denison University in Ohio and also in England, living in a manor/castle and studying the American Revolution from the British perspective. Shakespeare and 18th-century literature form the backbone of my English degree. Strangely enough, I only took one creative writing class.<br />
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<br />
Okay let me say this book, the summary makes the book sound SO much better than it actually is! I found myself forcing myself to finish. And that's only because I said I was going to on my blog. <br />
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Also this rating would have been on sooner but my health got in the way, and I was admitted to the hospital the day I was going to write it. <br />
<br />
First of all I never in my life have said I hated a character. But with this book I said I HATED the character Elspeth! Because first she has a child, and she pretends he doesn't even exist. Also she is so selfish. She thinks only of herself and not of her family. She steals a lot of things from her sister Eden. I Also didn't much care for the dad character. He was so overbearing, and stern to Eden. The way he treated her you'd think she was a servant instead of his daughter. <br />
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I wasn't to fond of Eden's character either. I don't know, she just wasn't a character I overly liked. Neither was Silas. I just overly didn't like this book. It took FOREVER to get to the point of the story! Then like in the middle of it, the story jumped to nine years later! Most of the book I stayed confused. I'm pretty weary of starting one of her other books. I pray that her other books are better than this one! <br />
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Also this week I was able to attend my first birth as a doula! Welcome little Liam to the world! <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHUOp6bTosc/UUOSNXu9O8I/AAAAAAAABHk/7AJisxZ6F6k/s1600/Me+and+Liam.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHUOp6bTosc/UUOSNXu9O8I/AAAAAAAABHk/7AJisxZ6F6k/s320/Me+and+Liam.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O33iAITnxo/UUOSdCtydrI/AAAAAAAABH4/dZjub-pDcWc/s1600/3stars-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O33iAITnxo/UUOSdCtydrI/AAAAAAAABH4/dZjub-pDcWc/s320/3stars-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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My next book will be Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxUVi2twgUk/UUOSwI7sweI/AAAAAAAABH8/xjA_SP0Xv-I/s1600/Flora's+Wish.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxUVi2twgUk/UUOSwI7sweI/AAAAAAAABH8/xjA_SP0Xv-I/s320/Flora's+Wish.jpg" /></a><br />
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-87128884786646740232013-03-09T16:43:00.000-08:002013-03-09T16:43:50.475-08:00Over The Edge - Mary Connealy <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCxKpKcq-eI/UTvM6GGTOZI/AAAAAAAABGM/cZUIoeEFWBU/s1600/Over+The+Edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCxKpKcq-eI/UTvM6GGTOZI/AAAAAAAABGM/cZUIoeEFWBU/s320/Over+The+Edge.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Summary:</b><br />
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.<br />
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.<br />
Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.<br />
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46jTVt3b9aw/UTvNPU5ZW8I/AAAAAAAABGk/JoO0C6ebIIY/s1600/Mary+Connealy.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46jTVt3b9aw/UTvNPU5ZW8I/AAAAAAAABGk/JoO0C6ebIIY/s320/Mary+Connealy.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><br />
About The Author:</b><br />
Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita and Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.<br />
She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series: Out of Control, In Too Deep, Over the Edge. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy.<br />
She also wrote Ten Plagues--a romantic thriller, and The Historical Society Murders--three cozy mysteries, under the name Mary Nealy.<br />
Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren.<br />
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<br />
I read the first two books in this series <i>Out Of Control</i> and <i>In Too Deep</i>. I really liked them. But I've other Mary Connealy books and I liked them too. I like her writing style. She mixes romance, mystery, and comedy all in one! <br />
<br />
I have to say my favorite character was Callie. But I've noticed I gravitate towards the strong women. Maybe cause I'm not exactly strong like Callie. I'm strong in another more internal way. She's tough, and she wears it like a dress. I'm the more internally, I can be strong. To most people I look weak, and I act weak a lot. But I've been able to handle a lot more than I myself thought I could. So has Callie. <br />
<br />
She's had a rough life. She didn't have her mom growing up. Her brother decided to fight in the Civil War. Then gets injured. While she was helping in the hospital that her brother was in, she met Seth. Seth was injured as well, and was healing in the same hospital. Even though, Seth was half out of his mind, they had a STRONG chemistry. And they figured before it went any further they would marry. Although they were married only a couple days, and Seth had one of his episodes and he didn't remember where he was, so he just left. She thought her husband left her. That's when she found out she was carrying Connor Seth's son. Callie decided to hunt down her low-down skunk of a husband! (Quote from the book). <br />
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<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaLPdCtGPo4/UTvWxJe-97I/AAAAAAAABGs/d-ob9xnOD0U/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaLPdCtGPo4/UTvWxJe-97I/AAAAAAAABGs/d-ob9xnOD0U/s320/images.jpg" /></a><br />
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My next book will be Love's Reckoning by: Laura Frantz. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvKzdI5bgaY/UTvXQAGmGLI/AAAAAAAABHE/J4gPxII1dxA/s1600/13115556.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvKzdI5bgaY/UTvXQAGmGLI/AAAAAAAABHE/J4gPxII1dxA/s320/13115556.jpg" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-71591002843472491972013-02-28T15:50:00.003-08:002013-02-28T15:50:52.628-08:00Blue Heart Blessed - Susan Meissner<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WXLY964BvAA/US_n-C7f8DI/AAAAAAAABE8/JOLORK6EViQ/s1600/Blue+Heart+Blessed.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WXLY964BvAA/US_n-C7f8DI/AAAAAAAABE8/JOLORK6EViQ/s320/Blue+Heart+Blessed.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
Left standing at the altar, Daisy Murien, a wounded but hopeful romantic, opens a secondhand wedding dress boutique, hoping to soothe her broken heart while giving doomed wedding dresses a second chance at love. Her predictable days take a sharp turn, though, when the retired Episcopal priest who blesses the tiny, blue satin heart she sews into each dress falls ill. When the priest's brooding and recently divorced son arrives with plans to take his ailing father away, a contest of wills begins between two stubborn--and hurting--souls. While fighting to keep Father Laurent close by, Daisy finally begins to understand why she has routinely convinced potential buyers "not" to buy the one gown that started her business--her own: She doesn't want to give up on the dream of a fairytale romance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yM-Ny2V_R_c/US_oGdKzz8I/AAAAAAAABFE/1hHea_4Rn0k/s1600/Susan+Meissner.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yM-Ny2V_R_c/US_oGdKzz8I/AAAAAAAABFE/1hHea_4Rn0k/s320/Susan+Meissner.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>About The Author:</b><br />
Susan Meissner was born in San Diego, California, the second of three. She spent her childhood in just two houses.<br />
Her first writings are a laughable collection of oddly worded poems and predictable stories she wrote when she was eight.<br />
<br />
She attended Point Loma College in San Diego, and married her husband, Bob, who is now an associate pastor and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves, in 1980. When she is not working on a new novel, she is directing the small groups ministries at The Church at Rancho Bernardo. She also enjoy teaching workshops on writing and dream-following, spending time with my family, music, reading great books, and traveling.<br />
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<br />
I have to say first off, this was NOT the book I thought it was going to be. I did not like it! It was SO weird! I found myself hurrying to finish it just because I didn't like it. <br />
<br />
One of the things I didn't like about it and thought was weird, was that she wrote herself letters! No, not the typical read in the future type. Nope, she had like this alter ego thing, that she wrote to telling everything that happened that day. She even named her alter ego Harriet! Then she would answer her OWN letters as Harriet! Is that weird or what? I don't know what this author was on when she wrote it, but geez! <br />
<br />
And Daisy was kinda selfish. When Father Laurent falls ill, and his son wants to take him to live with him, all she can think of is who's going to bless her blue hearts. Really? He's ill, first he had a heart attack, then he's diagnosed with cancer! And all you can think about is who's going to bless you hearts? <br />
<br />
She's also somewhat stupid. She keeps dreaming of her ex-fiance wanting her back! She also tries everything she can to stop people from setting her up on dates. One time she got so mad at her mom for doing that. The entire time she was at the restaurant, she practically ignores the guy. Then when he calls her, she ignores his calls too! <br />
<br />
I can't tell you much about Ramsey, the guy she finally falls for, at the END of the book. Because the book was in first person, so I only know really about Daisy. <br />
<br />
Suffice to say this book is not getting a good rating. <br />
<br />
<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
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My next book will be <i>Over The Edge</i> by: Mary Connealy. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXbwXmbOB9M/US_tUTdF9zI/AAAAAAAABF0/LrO2p9pggPE/s1600/Over+The+Edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXbwXmbOB9M/US_tUTdF9zI/AAAAAAAABF0/LrO2p9pggPE/s320/Over+The+Edge.jpg" /></a><br />
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-11552592926575548272013-02-26T13:44:00.002-08:002013-02-26T13:44:29.407-08:00To Win Her Heart by: Karen Witemeyer<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5ZDW9Edjas/US0hjc4u8DI/AAAAAAAABEE/CD3DiottoQ4/s1600/To+Win+Her+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5ZDW9Edjas/US0hjc4u8DI/AAAAAAAABEE/CD3DiottoQ4/s320/To+Win+Her+Heart.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets... <br />
Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart. <br />
Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections? <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tT6AOoGsi5s/US0htIv3S3I/AAAAAAAABEM/uhTWo4T4blQ/s1600/Karen+Witemeyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tT6AOoGsi5s/US0htIv3S3I/AAAAAAAABEM/uhTWo4T4blQ/s320/Karen+Witemeyer.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>About The Author:</b><br />
<br />
CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. <br />
<br />
I am really in love with Karen's books! <br />
<br />
I liked Levis character. Yes, he was a prizefighter, but he's given that up and gave his life to Christ. He's looking to start over in a town that doesn't know him and his reputation. He found Spencer, Texas. Spencer needed a blacksmith and he learned all the tricks when he was young, watching his father. He wasn't looking to hide his past, he was just waiting till the right moment to tell. <br />
<br />
Eden was hurt by a man years ago, when he wanted money more than her. Her father had tempted the guy with money to see where his heart lay and he took the money and ran. So Eden decided she was going to shy away from men and stay a spinster. She also abhors any type of violence. I have to agree with her there. I hate any type of violence. I shy away from it. I can't stand to hear or see anyone being hurt. But I also forgive people IF they have repented and vowed to never hurt anyone intentionally again. <br />
<br />
I do have a hard time forgiving people who intentionally hurt people for fun, or to gain more appreciation with other people. Doing that is sick and I don't much like people who do. Just because you have such low self esteem doesn't mean you should put others down to help you. I'm sorry about that rant, but I feel very strongly about this topic. <br />
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Back to the book. Eden has a hard time forgiving people, and at times she was a bit of a hypocrite. She was all set against raising money to send Bibles to the prisoners in a jail close by. She thought just because they ruined their life doesn't mean she had to send them her precious money so they can have a change of heart. Then all of a sudden, because she started having feelings for Levi, (This was after she found out about his past.) she was so mad at people for discriminating Levi because of his past. Um? Hello? That's EXACTLY what she was doing for like half of the book! <br />
<br />
I did like Duncan McPherson though! But, I'm biased I like any Scottish guys in books. :P I also liked Chloe. She had a I-don't-care-what-other-people-think attitude. She told you what she thought and you never had to wonder what was on her mind! <br />
<br />
All in all it was a good book. There were parts I didn't particularly like, but that's in any book. <br />
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<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
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My next book will be <i>Blue Heart Blessed</i> by Susan Meissner. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heDjWJi7f1w/US0ssxbRx3I/AAAAAAAABEo/Uad-AUtXKrI/s1600/Blue+Heart+Blessed.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heDjWJi7f1w/US0ssxbRx3I/AAAAAAAABEo/Uad-AUtXKrI/s320/Blue+Heart+Blessed.jpg" /></a><br />
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-35088136692190445282013-02-18T13:33:00.002-08:002013-02-18T13:56:46.465-08:00Short Straw Bride by: Karen Witemeyer <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBQ1ZvlBduE/USKd0emlNqI/AAAAAAAABDM/6-Ob3G4BXfc/s1600/Short+Straw+Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBQ1ZvlBduE/USKd0emlNqI/AAAAAAAABDM/6-Ob3G4BXfc/s320/Short+Straw+Bride.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.<br />
<br />
Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.<br />
<br />
Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride? <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>About The Author:</b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tcMDckEosI/USKd-n3Nt0I/AAAAAAAABDU/oyWNUF0OcBE/s1600/Karen+Witemeyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tcMDckEosI/USKd-n3Nt0I/AAAAAAAABDU/oyWNUF0OcBE/s320/Karen+Witemeyer.jpg" /></a><br />
CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. <br />
<br />
<br />
Okay I gotta say I LOVE Karen Witemeyers books! But so far this is my favorite one! But, I'm biased. I love any convenient marriage story. And this one is one of the best convenient marriage books I've read. <br />
<br />
I loved Meridith's character. She was strong and dependable. And she wouldn't let anyone push her around, even her new husband! Travis was constantly telling her to stay put or stay in the house while he dealt with whatever was out there, but she never listened. She always found herself in the mix of the trouble somehow. Whether it was in the line of fire literally, or being kicked in the head by a mule, trouble always found her. But, Travis was always there to help her and get her out of the way.<br />
<br />
I liked Travis's sense of responsibility. Yes, I do think sometimes he went too far with that, but he was just trying to protect his family. He did everything in his power to keep his family safe. Even if it meant barring up their land and not letting anyone on their land period. Until Meridith stepped over that line and found her way into Travis's heart. Yes, in the beginning, he felt obligated to protect her because she was an Archer now. But during the story his feelings changed from obligation to love. <br />
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I liked reading about Travis's brothers. Crockett was the jokester. Jim was the stoic yet fiercely loyal one. And Neill was the younger one, not yet a man, but when needed he stepped up to the plate. And if you want to keep up with the brothers, she's got Crockett's story <i>Stealing The Preacher</i> on the way! <br />
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<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
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My next book will be <i>To Win Her Heart</i> by Karen Witemeyer.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3X7K-Slgaw/USKjjPyXYnI/AAAAAAAABDo/r4o73q6n7fM/s1600/To+Win+Her+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3X7K-Slgaw/USKjjPyXYnI/AAAAAAAABDo/r4o73q6n7fM/s320/To+Win+Her+Heart.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>God bless!</b>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-75160582513182342302013-02-15T09:12:00.000-08:002013-02-15T09:12:49.147-08:00A Tailored-Made Bride - Karen Witemeyer<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BdnkRgDRX4/UR5bZjiFGxI/AAAAAAAABCQ/XC3Z19OqF50/s1600/A+Tailored-Made+Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BdnkRgDRX4/UR5bZjiFGxI/AAAAAAAABCQ/XC3Z19OqF50/s320/A+Tailored-Made+Bride.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with Coventry, Texas's new dressmaker. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women <br />
more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, this seamstress is not at all what he expected. <br />
Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff <br />
manner while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man? <br />
When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to uproarious consequences for the whole town--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them? <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>About The Author:</b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uB9ZWGvuhMI/UR5brz6adTI/AAAAAAAABCY/GxrTR3eYeSo/s1600/Karen+Witemeyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uB9ZWGvuhMI/UR5brz6adTI/AAAAAAAABCY/GxrTR3eYeSo/s320/Karen+Witemeyer.jpg" /></a><br />
CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. <br />
<br />
Karen is a new author for me. And I LOVE her work! If this book is anything to go on her other books, I will be waiting to read her latest ones. <br />
<br />
First of all, I loved Hannah's character. She's so fun, sweet, and determined. She's as stubborn as a mule! Hannah will not back down, she finally got her dressmaker shop and she is going to put up a fight to keep it. J.T's character, his opinions are a little far fetched. He thinks just cause Hannah is a dressmaker and she likes to wear pretty clothes, she's shallow and a snob. Far from the truth! She believes that women can wear pretty clothes and still be humble and still be nice. Hannah does NOT look down on the women who can't afford the nice clothes, the way J.T thinks she does. <br />
<br />
But mostly he's mean to her because he's attracted to her and he doesn't want to be. He was attracted to her from the beginning, and he tried to hide his infatuation with his gruffness. Even though Hannah could see the true J.T underneath all his gruff and standoffish ways. I liked it when Hannah found out his real name and decided she was going to call him that. Every time she mentioned his real name Jericho, he scowled and glared at her. It was funny! <br />
<br />
There's this one scene in the book that was funny! She was renting a horse from J.T, and his assistant heard her call him Jericho.<br />
<i>'Hannah collected the reins, and the horse stomped the ground in anticipation. "Thank you for your help, Jericho."<br />
"Um..." Tom (his assistant) sidestepped up to the buggy, shooting leery glances at his employer as he moved. He cupped his hand around his mouth as if to tell a secret but forgot to lower his voice. "He don't like that name, ma'am. Nobody calls him that." <br />
"I do." Hannah grinned and flapped the reins. The roan set off down the street, leaving a stunned Tom and a scowling Jericho in its wake.</i>' <br />
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<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouqab6klJLw/UR5sJsumWtI/AAAAAAAABCs/yDgvyJdu9Ik/s1600/5star.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouqab6klJLw/UR5sJsumWtI/AAAAAAAABCs/yDgvyJdu9Ik/s320/5star.jpg" /></a><br />
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My next book will be another of Karen Witemeyers books, Short Straw Bride. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2s9yAKUFVps/UR5sV5yU4aI/AAAAAAAABC0/1v5mIdmGCYE/s1600/Short+Straw+Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2s9yAKUFVps/UR5sV5yU4aI/AAAAAAAABC0/1v5mIdmGCYE/s320/Short+Straw+Bride.jpg" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-15278702951188150072013-02-12T09:42:00.001-08:002013-02-12T09:42:25.342-08:00Menu For Romance and Case For Love by: Kaye Dacus<br />
<br />
Sorry that this will be the last two books in one blog, but some personal problems crept up and I forgot to blog the <i>Menu For Romance</i>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ-Hkatsa84/URp3aedu70I/AAAAAAAABAo/lYilwLTSy7Q/s1600/Menu%2BFor%2BRomance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ-Hkatsa84/URp3aedu70I/AAAAAAAABAo/lYilwLTSy7Q/s320/Menu%2BFor%2BRomance.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
Cater to your craving for fabulous fictional fare with Menu for Romance, where a party planner finds herself torn between the contractor and the cook. After eight years of unrequited love, Meredith Guidry makes a New Year's resolution to find someone new and end her single status before the year's over. And when she meets a handsome contractor on New Year's Day, it seems like her prayers have been answered. Executive Chef Major O'Hara has forsworn relationships, knowing he could never saddle the woman he loves with a family situation like his. But when it seems he's about to lose Meredith Guidry to another man, he realizes he must concoct a menu for romance to win her back. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWduzZ9h7Rw/URp3k6_uTAI/AAAAAAAABA0/n6JczKakfSE/s1600/Kaye%2BDacus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWduzZ9h7Rw/URp3k6_uTAI/AAAAAAAABA0/n6JczKakfSE/s320/Kaye%2BDacus.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>About This Author:</b><br />
Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She is a former Vice President and long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also a founding member of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and writes contemporary and historical romances. Her books are available at most major retailers. <br />
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I'll start with my review of Menu For Romance. <br />
I was not impressed by this book. The entire book you read Meridith complaining that she was in love with Major, but she didn't want to be so she made a New Year's resolution to not be single and get over Major. But that didn't happen. So what did she do throughout the ENTIRE book? Constantly nag that she had feelings for Major but did nothing with them! Then when it was in Majors point of view he complained about having feelings for Meridith but did nothing about them either! For eight years they had feelings for each other but neither of them did anything about it! That was SO annoying. I hate it in a book that they have feelings for someone and does nothing about them. <br />
<br />
I did like Majors mom though. She has schizophrenia and sometimes she just says what shes thinking. I like that in a person. I never have to know what they think about me cause they'll just tell me. :D She also is really into John Wayne. That's also a plus cause hello, old movies especially westerns is where its at! :P <br />
<br />
Over all I can't say I much enjoyed this book. It was not as good as the other one. <br />
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<b>Emily's Rating: </b><br />
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<b>Summary:</b><br />
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TV society reporter Alaine Delacroix feels like David facing Goliath when she takes on the biggest corporation in town to keep them from putting her parents’ garden center out of business. Lawyer Forbes Guidry wants nothing more than to stand up for the endangered local-business owners—but it will mean risking his job and crossing his powerful parents. Can Alaine and Forbes make A Case for Love? <br />
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I did like this book. It was kinda like Alaine was playing hard to get even though she really wasn't. She liked Forbes from the beginning. I mean watching him jog in their neighborhood in the morning? She likes him. And he's liked her from the beginning too. In the second chapter he asks her out. She is a little flirtatious there and plays hard to get and doesn't essentially say yes or no. But after she finds out that it's his family that's trying to buy the place her family's store and house is, she considers him the enemy. Even though he knew nothing about it and when he did find out he tried to get to the bottom of it. He also tries to woo her even though she gives him the cold shoulder. She tries REALLY hard to not like him and not fall for him, but he's persuasive and won't take no for an answer. :D He even gets her to agree to take ballroom dancing lessons with him. <br />
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Even though Forbes is really controlling and tries to be in everybody's business, he means well. He does it cause he wants the best for his family. This book was the best of them all. <br />
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<b>Emily's Rating: </b><br />
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The next book I'll be rating is A Tailored-Made Bride by: Karen Witemeyer.<br />
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<b>God Bless!</b><br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-66436108524250148362013-02-05T12:49:00.000-08:002013-02-05T12:49:18.305-08:00Stand In Groom - Kaye Dacus<br />
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Summary:</b><br />
Get ready to attend the quirkiest wedding ever in this delightful romance by Kaye Dacus, a new voice in women's contemporary fiction. When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne first meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when she discovers he's a client, she knows planning his wedding will be no honeymoon. Can Anne remain professional while falling for the groom? Or will she risk her heart, her values, and her career in the midst of planning the wedding of the century?<br />
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<b>About The Author:</b><br />
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Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She is a former Vice President and long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also a founding member of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and writes contemporary and historical romances. Her books are available at most major retailers.<br />
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I was trying out Kaye Dacus again. I had read one of her other books <i>Ransome's Honor</i>. Unfortunately, it was not the best book I've ever read. So for the longest time I said I was not going to read any of her books. But I came across this book, and it sounded interesting. I mean a wedding planner falling for the groom? Too funny! It wasn't as good as I'd hoped. It was good don't get me wrong. But it wasn't the best. It had some funny parts, mostly with Anne's cousins. I loved that George was British. When the people in the books have an accent, it just makes the book better! I always read what they say in in my head in that accent. ;) I didn't like that George had to lie to Anne almost throughout the entire book. In the beginning, he pretended to be someone he wasn't. Then at the end he had to not tell her who his employer was. That was frustrating! <br />
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Then Anne she does NOT trust well! Someone says something and she's real angry and doesn't talk to them for days! She pouts and doesn't even think that maybe they were doing it for someone's best interest. She overacts then afterwards she feels terrible, and thinks she's a horrible person and the person does not deserve to be in the same room with her! <br />
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I loved Mama Ketty though. She was Georges housekeeper. She was so wise and funny. She was always saying everyone had too much skin and bones they needed some meat on their bones. :D I liked Anne's cousin Jennifer (Jenn). She was funny. She was constantly telling Anne that George was hot and if he had a younger brother for her. :P <br />
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I won't give away much because you really have to read it to know a lot. <br />
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<b> Emily's Rating:</b><br />
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My next book will be the next book in this series <i>Menu For Romance</i>, Meridith's story. <br />
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<b><br />
God Bless!</b><br />
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-53648807571932699572013-02-02T19:50:00.000-08:002013-02-02T19:50:44.971-08:00Finally Getting Back Into It! <br />
I have not blogged in FOREVER!! My life has been CRAZY to say it lightly. ;) I don't think I've blogged since before my first brain surgery. The last book I rated was Unlawfully Wedded Bride by: Noelle Marchand in March of last year. Since I last blogged, I've been in the hospital more than I've been out. I've had two brain surgeries and my count of lumbar punctures is now 20. And on top of that, some personal family issues have sprung up, that are so scary and unbelievable that I've had to stop a lot of things I used to do. Including this blog. It's only recently I realized how long it's been since I last blogged. I am hoping to continue this blog even through all that's going on. Lord willing, I don't go in the hospital again, but if I do, I'll just blog between the times I'm in the hospital. Without further ado here's my first book rating since March of 2012!<br />
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I chose my first book carefully. I just finished reading the last book in the Midwives series by Laurie Alice Eakes. I know I rated the first book <i>A Lady in the Mist</i>. (If you're interested in reading my rating here's the link. http://emilybookratings.blogspot.com/2012/02/lady-in-mist-laurie-alice-eakes.html) I didn't rate the second one <i>Heart's Safe Passage</i>, but just know that I gave that one a five star rating! <br />
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<b>Summary:<br />
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Esther Cherrett comes from a proud line of midwives and was trained by her mother to take over the family calling. But when a scandal threatens all she holds dear, Esther takes a position as a teacher in the western mountains of Virginia instead. There she finds herself in the midst of a deadly family feud and courted by two men on opposite sides of the conflict. When it seems as though her past has followed her all the way into the mountains, all she wants is to run away again. In this gripping story of trust, deception, and bittersweet loss, a young woman learns the true meaning of choices of the heart.<br />
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<b>About The Author: </b><br />
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Laurie Alice Eakes used to lie in bed as a child telling herself stories so she didn’t wake anyone else up. Sometimes she shared her stories with others; thus, when she decided to be a writer, she surprised no one. Family Guardian, her first book, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007. In the past three years, she has sold six books to Baker/Revell, five of which are set during the Regency time period, four books to Barbour Publishing, as well as two novellas to Barbour Publishing and one to Baker/Revell. Seven of her books have been picked up by Thorndike Press for large print publication, and Lady in the Mist, her first book with Revell, was chosen for hardcover publication with Crossings Bookclub. She also teaches on-line writing courses and enjoys a speaking ministry that has taken her from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.<br />
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I LOVED this book! First of all it's Tabitha and Dominick's daughter Esther! Second it's got two guys fighting over her! I don't know about y'all but I love a good storyline that has guys fighting over one girl. I love reading about how the other guy tries to over do the other! It's also got some good mystery, humor, and great facts about herbal remedies. I've always been interested in the herbal medicine. It's fascinating how God knew exactly what we would need and he supplied it here on earth! So, any ailment, God provided a plant, root, bark, to help with it. And this book has a lot of that in it. <br />
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I had a hard time relating to Esther like I did with Tabitha and Phoebe (the other midwife book). She believes running away is the best way to solve her problems. It's SO not, I know I have some pretty hard situations in my life now, and I'd like nothing better than to run away from them and forget them. Maybe to Fiji, or the Bahamas! :P Unfortunately, you can't. Your troubles will just follow you. As Esther found out. She tried running away from the troubles and the whispering behind her back. She did run away from them and got away from them psychically. But, they followed her in her guilt and her head. The only way to really get away from them is to release them to God, and let Him handle it. And she had a hard time doing that. She believed God abandoned her. I understand that feeling. Now I never felt He abandoned me, but I did feel like I did something wrong to get what I'm going through in life. I've since realized that He put it into my life to make me stronger, and really trust in Him, and always go to Him in times of trouble! <br />
Now I won't spoil the book and say who she chooses, but just know the guy she chooses is my favorite! :D <br />
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<b>Emily's Rating:</b><br />
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My next book will be Stand In Groom by Kaye Dacus. I tried one other book of hers but I did not like it. I'm giving her another chance! <br />
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<b><br />
God Bless!<br />
</b>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-45933591631889599302012-03-01T14:29:00.005-08:002012-03-01T19:49:06.979-08:00Unlawfully Wedded Bride - Noelle Marchand<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAT8Iskr-PY/T1A7gEJGrjI/AAAAAAAAA28/G15G_Pk0ie4/s1600/Unlawfully%2BWedded%2BBride.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAT8Iskr-PY/T1A7gEJGrjI/AAAAAAAAA28/G15G_Pk0ie4/s320/Unlawfully%2BWedded%2BBride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715133349186940466" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of The Book:</span><br />Kate O'Brien can't believe her ears. <br />She's been married, by proxy, to a man she's never<br /> met, thanks to her young siblings' meddling Kate <br />offers her "groom" room and board at her farm until <br />the annulment is granted--nothing more. After all, <br />what else could this predicament be but a blunder <br />that needs fixing?<br /><br />Nathan Rutledge arrives on Kate's doorstep, <br />seeking a fresh start--with a family that needs <br />his help more than Kate will admit. The shadows <br />in both their pasts will be no match for a bright <br />new beginning. But first, he has to convince a woman <br />frightened of love to throw caution to the Texas <br />wind...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">About The Author:</span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hS1nshBP2iU/T1A8jE-dHCI/AAAAAAAAA3I/khpCn9ASOQc/s1600/Noelle%2BMarchand.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hS1nshBP2iU/T1A8jE-dHCI/AAAAAAAAA3I/khpCn9ASOQc/s320/Noelle%2BMarchand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715134500461943842" /></a><br /><br />Noelle Marchand's love of literature began as a <br />child when she would spend hours reading beneath <br />the covers long after she was supposed to be asleep.<br />Over the years, God began prompting her to write <br />by placing ideas for stories in her head. Eventually, <br />those stories became like “fire shut up in her <br />bones” leading her to complete her first novel <br />by her sixteenth birthday.<br /><br />Though life as a college student keeps her busy, <br />God continues to use her talent for writing as a <br />way to deepen her spiritual life and draw her <br />closer to Him.<br /><br />This caught my eye when I was cruising Amazon in the Christian Romance section. It looked good so I clicked on it. I read the description and I was like yeah, I'm buying this book! <br />I love the either marriage of convenience or just married by accident stories they always crack me up! <br />I loved Kate's character. She's so strong and she's willing to do anything for her family. Even stay married to Nathan knowing he can help with the farm. Even with all the tragedies she's had in her life she kept her faith through it all. She lost her parents, and then she was fooled by a guy thinking he liked her when in truth all he wanted was her inheritance. And when he found out she didn't have any he left her. So she was left to take care of the farm her parents had. While taking care of her little siblings Sean and Ellie. <br />Until she finds out her siblings order her a mail order groom! They sent out several letters to different guys but didn't like anyone of them except Nathan Rutledge. So imagine Kate's surprise when she finds Nathan at her door step saying their married! Then when she says they need to get an annulment the judge is out of town and won't be back for three months or more. So they decide to stay married till the judge comes back. Nathan helps with the work on the farm and during the three months' time they fall in love with each other! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Heg9Ikovjwo/T1BCQbwCqdI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Skvi3E5Wu9o/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 98px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Heg9Ikovjwo/T1BCQbwCqdI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Skvi3E5Wu9o/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715140777227758034" /></a><br /><br />The next book I'll be reading will be A Convenient Wife by Anna Schmidt. <br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HeDhNLcpIY/T1BDE0uqFnI/AAAAAAAAA3g/uNvyN9d1EPM/s1600/A%2BConvenient%2BWife.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HeDhNLcpIY/T1BDE0uqFnI/AAAAAAAAA3g/uNvyN9d1EPM/s320/A%2BConvenient%2BWife.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715141677286037106" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />God Bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-19608751597861304202012-02-26T10:30:00.005-08:002012-02-26T10:57:44.222-08:00Shades Of Earl Grey - Laura Childs<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYQl4hcLsn0/T0p7U1u9M2I/AAAAAAAAA2M/a3K_MQT6B1g/s1600/Shades%2BOf%2BEarl%2BGrey.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYQl4hcLsn0/T0p7U1u9M2I/AAAAAAAAA2M/a3K_MQT6B1g/s320/Shades%2BOf%2BEarl%2BGrey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713514675224523618" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of This Book: </span><br />Theo is mingling with the cream of Charleston society <br />at the engagement soiree of the season. <br />But as they eagerly await the dazzling young couple's arrival, <br />the groom meets with a freak accident. <br />The exquisite wedding ring a family heirloom from <br />the crown of Marie Antoinette is mysteriously missing, <br />and Theodosia suspects that trouble is brewing. <br />But when she goes to the authorities, they treat her <br />like she's been reading tea leaves -- and that's the <br />surest way to put Theodosia's kettle on the boil . . .<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">About The Author:</span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__-xUl6rcAU/T0qAPkYF0II/AAAAAAAAA2k/D6fdNve9oJ4/s1600/Laura%2BChilds.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__-xUl6rcAU/T0qAPkYF0II/AAAAAAAAA2k/D6fdNve9oJ4/s320/Laura%2BChilds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713520082224009346" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, <br />Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller. </span><br /><br />I've read and reviewed the last two books of this series. I've liked every single one! But I love mysteries and of course tea! I have come up with this kind of rule that when I'm reading one of these books if it's named after a kind of tea, I'm going to drink that tea while reading the book. So... This book is named Shades Of Earl Grey, so that's what I drank, Earl Grey tea! I've gotten quite a collection of tea since hearing of this series. <br /><br />Theodosia Browning has been busily working on a line of tea-based bath products for her growing business, but first she is attending the engagement party for Camille Cantroux, Theodosia's friend Delaine's niece. In the garden room, Camille's wedding ring, dating back to Marie Antoinette, is on display for the guests.<br /><br />Before Theodosia gets a chance to admire the heirloom, the roof of the glass atrium collapses, leaving Camille's fiancé dead and the ring box empty. Theodosia can't imagine one of the party guests walking off with the ring during the crash and promises, with the help of her tea shop assistant Drayton, to search through the glass rubble to locate the ring. Even though Theodosia knows she has more important things to worry about, she knows her friend and fellow merchant Delaine is distraught over the accident and the missing ring.<br /><br />Discreetly, Theodosia begins making inquiries and realizes that someone is stealing personal and often priceless heirlooms from Charleston residents. Theodosia is sure the only way to catch the thief is to set a trap and since the police, including her somewhat partner in crime, Detective Burt Tidwell, aren't inclined to take Theodosia seriously, she and Drayton take matters into their own hands. <br /><br />I loved reading about the different schemes Theodosia comes up with to catch the cat burglar of the Historic Society. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-vnpUqUGTc/T0p99X6iBLI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/AzX2358i5yY/s1600/four-star-rating.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 53px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-vnpUqUGTc/T0p99X6iBLI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/AzX2358i5yY/s320/four-star-rating.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713517570617902258" /></a><br /><br />The next book is Unlawfully Wedded Bride by Noelle Marchand. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wOu5E8Vit4/T0qAfjbq2sI/AAAAAAAAA2w/yt8YQ7chnxI/s1600/Unlawfully%2BWedded%2BBride.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wOu5E8Vit4/T0qAfjbq2sI/AAAAAAAAA2w/yt8YQ7chnxI/s320/Unlawfully%2BWedded%2BBride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713520356848491202" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-70234371151141925342012-02-21T12:38:00.000-08:002012-02-21T13:38:19.229-08:00Lady In The Mist - Laurie Alice Eakes<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyHoomM0-i4/T0QBD2gvKFI/AAAAAAAAA1o/NiIzqxkuyC0/s1600/Lady%2BIn%2BThe%2BMist.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyHoomM0-i4/T0QBD2gvKFI/AAAAAAAAA1o/NiIzqxkuyC0/s320/Lady%2BIn%2BThe%2BMist.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711691393096689746" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary of This Book:</span><br />By virtue of her profession as a midwife, <br />Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: <br />the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the <br />level of love and harmony within many a marriage, <br />and now the identity of a man who may have caused his <br />wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own <br />secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, <br />is doing on American soil working as a bondsman <br />in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman <br />with his eye on a higher office. By chance one morning <br />before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick <br />cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a <br />twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, <br />public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust <br />Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of <br />them find true love in a world that seems set against <br />them?<br /><br />This book caught my notice first cause it's about a midwife. Seeing how that's what I'm working on becoming, I am intrigued by anything dealing with midwives... Also, it's a Christian book. And it's a romance! Also it's a historical, and I am a HUGE history junkie! As I started reading the book, I caught on that it's a mystery too! It had all the things I like in a book! So yeah I was going to read it! <br /><br />I LOVED Tabitha's character. She's very giving, and cares for others before she cares for herself. She learned the trade of being a midwife from her mother who learned it from Tabitha's grandmother and so on. Needless to say the trade of midwifery has been in their family for generations. And they always pass down the skills as soon as their daughter turns sixteen. <br />She's had a very tragic life. First her father dies when she was sixteen, then her mother dies when she's twenty. Right after her mother dies her fiance gets kidnapped and taken aboard a British naval ship. Then her grandmother dies shortly after that. So she takes on the role as midwife for her town. She also takes care of any medical need the town has because she's the only one in the town who knows medical stuff. So she has her plate full. <br />Then comes in Dominick Cherrett. He's British, and is a redemptioner in the town of Seabourne. A redemptioner is someone who has disgraced their family and needs to pay it back by working. Dominick is working off his as butler for the mayor of Seabourne. <br /><br />I LOVE the scene when they first meet. Tabitha has just come back from a birth, and is walking home. The way she goes is on the shoreline of the ocean. She's deep in thought and does not notice Dominick standing there. <br /><br />"What do we have here?" The quiet voice was real and male, deep and unmistakably English. "Are you all right?" He sounded friendly even warm, and not threatening. "Let me help you." Still speaking in an undertone, he stooped before her. She saw no more than a shadowy outline and dark hair tumbling around features pale in the misty gloom. <br />"No, thank you. I can manage myself." She tugged at her skirt and nearly toppled sideways.<br />"You don't look to be doing a very good job of it." Laughter tinged his words. The hand that clasped hers was masculine, strong and too smooth to belong to a fisherman of sailor. "Perhaps you can get to your feet if I help? Do you have feet? There does seem to be something trailing behind you. Perhaps it's a tail. Are you a mermaid?" <br />Tabitha snorted and tried to wrench her hand away. Flirtation would get the stranger nowhere with her. The instant she regained her feet, she would run back to town and warn the sheriff. <br />If the man let her go. At that moment, he gripped her hand with a firmness suggesting he would not. <br />"I'm not certain whether or not that noise you made was human." He closed his other handover hers. "But this lovely hand hasn't any scales on it, which argues on the side of silk." He rubbed the tip of a finger across her knuckles, and the skin along her arms felt as though lightning were about to strike. "What's a human female doing out for early?" <br />"Going home. What's an Englishman doing in Virginia?"<br />"President Madison hasn't managed to rid these shores of all of us yet." <br />"A pity." <br />"Ah, a hostile mermaid." <br />"I'm not hostile. I'm cautious and worn to a thread." Her voice broke.<br />"You must have been swimming against the tide. " Speaking with a tenderness that drew all-to-ready tears to her eyes, despite her contrary efforts, he rose, drawing her to her feet with him. "No, not a swim. Alas, a fatigued female human. That's a cloak, I see, not a tail. Forgive the mistaken identity. But I'd expect to see a mermaid out here before I'd think to fins a... lady." <br />"An understandable error. I wouldn't be out here if I weren't a midwife." <br />"Indeed?" His hand lingered on hers, that errant fingertip tracing the third finger on her left hand. <br />"Indeed." <br />"Then that's the last proof you're a human, since surely mermaids are hatched in the bottom of the ocean." He curved his hand over her forearm. "Then allow me to walk you home, Madam Midwife.".... "Have a care, Madam Mermaid Midwife." <br /><br />I LOVED that scene. It shows the readers first off that Dominick is a 1800's Don Juan. He flirts openly with every woman. Though he does not do anything else besides flirt. He's a charmer, and knows how to use his charms on the women. Until he gets to know Tabitha, does he find that he really liked Tabitha, and when he flirts he means every word he says! <br /><br /><br />On another note, my reviews will be a little slower. I have started my Birthing Doula classes, and will be spending most of my time on the course. I will still do my reviews but they will be less frequent. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aU6ypRw0Ueg/T0QOSHzkmEI/AAAAAAAAA10/TLqdet70eSw/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 98px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aU6ypRw0Ueg/T0QOSHzkmEI/AAAAAAAAA10/TLqdet70eSw/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711705931908421698" /></a><br /><br />My next book will be Shades Of Earl Grey by Laura Childs. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8hF5cibj8A/T0QOsgUoqkI/AAAAAAAAA2A/cLWgVew82MI/s1600/Shades%2BOf%2BEarl%2BGrey.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8hF5cibj8A/T0QOsgUoqkI/AAAAAAAAA2A/cLWgVew82MI/s320/Shades%2BOf%2BEarl%2BGrey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711706385166150210" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-49194603833294926112012-02-13T12:23:00.000-08:002012-02-13T12:42:08.233-08:00An Eye For An Eye - Irene Hannon<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpQs5Ndf3_A/TzlxgfjKilI/AAAAAAAAA1A/E6M_6muuImg/s1600/An%2BEye%2BFor%2BAn%2BEye.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpQs5Ndf3_A/TzlxgfjKilI/AAAAAAAAA1A/E6M_6muuImg/s320/An%2BEye%2BFor%2BAn%2BEye.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708718805707557458" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of This Book:</span><br />Can their relationship survive a killer with vengeance <br />in his heart?<br />After an accidental shooting during a tense standoff, <br />FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Mark Sanders is sent <br />to St. Louis to work as a field agent and get his <br />bearings while the bad press settles. Just weeks away <br />from returning to Quantico, Mark has a chance <br />encounter with his first love, Emily Lawson. <br />But their reunion is cut short by a sniper. <br />Now Mark must find the shooter before he strikes again.<br />But what is his motive--and who was his intended <br />target? Can Mark put the pieces together, keep Emily <br />safe, and rekindle a relationship at the same time? <br /><br />I read the first book in this series <span style="font-style:italic;">Against All Odds</span> and I liked it. So I decided to read the next book in the series An Eye For An Eye. The description of the book got me intrigued. <br />I did like it, but I didn't love it. I got hooked on the first chapter, cause it's in the shooter's perspective. But then it got dull. Then it got interesting. Then it got dull again. Then at the end it got interesting again. It was like a roller coaster. It went up to exciting then down to dull. Up and down. <br />I did LOVE the banter between Cooper, or Coop as he's known and Mark. They've been partners for four years so they know each other pretty well. Coop was assigned bodyguard to Mark, cause they think the shooter is out for Mark. So Coop has to follow Mark wherever he goes. Which is funny cause while their trying to find the shooter, Mark is trying to woo Emily. :D So Coop follows Mark to Emily's condo because Mark wants to spend time with her. <br />I liked Emily's character. She's sweet and compassionate and cares for everyone she can. She even feels sorry for the shooter, when they catch him. <br />But would I say I loved this book, no. But it was a good book. I do LOVE Irene Hannon's work. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book: </span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CSbinlVAik/Tzl02ad2iSI/AAAAAAAAA1M/aXPV85vOwyQ/s1600/3-star-rating-md.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 54px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CSbinlVAik/Tzl02ad2iSI/AAAAAAAAA1M/aXPV85vOwyQ/s320/3-star-rating-md.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708722480835103010" /></a><br /><br />My next book will be Lady In The Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P62nj8gytao/Tzl1iDQOJaI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/-FrHRiDMNE8/s1600/Lady%2BIn%2BThe%2BMist.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P62nj8gytao/Tzl1iDQOJaI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/-FrHRiDMNE8/s320/Lady%2BIn%2BThe%2BMist.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708723230518158754" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God bless! </span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-60178466645713125992012-02-11T09:03:00.000-08:002012-02-11T09:27:48.721-08:00First Impressions - Debra White Smith<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3JHF-Stcos/TzaftA477vI/AAAAAAAAA0c/UI1F8aRER-Q/s1600/First%2BImpressions.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3JHF-Stcos/TzaftA477vI/AAAAAAAAA0c/UI1F8aRER-Q/s320/First%2BImpressions.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707925173420420850" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of This Book: </span><br /><br />Loosely based on the beloved Pride and Prejudice, <br />Debra White Smith's First Impressions weaves a <br />spellbinding, modern-day tale on the challenges <br />and rewards of love.<br /><br />Eddi Boswick has just settled in Texas to establish <br />her law practice. Joining a local theater group, she <br />is thrilled when she is given the role of Elizabeth <br />in Pride and Prejudice.<br /><br />William "Dave" Davidson III amassed a fortune in the <br />computer industry but leads a quiet life on his ranch. <br />On a dare he tries out for the play and lands the <br />role of Darcy.<br /><br />Sparks fly each time the lawyer meets the rancher. <br />When Eddi uncovers Dave's secret will her heart <br />soften? Will Dave's fear of "being tamed" keep him <br />from discovering love?<br /><br />Okay, I LOVE Jane Austen anything, so when I heard this book was based on Jane Austen's <span style="font-style:italic;">Pride & Prejudice</span>, I was all over this book! :D Then I found out Debra did an entire series of books that were based on Jane Austen's classics! I was giddy! <br />I loved reading the book and pointing out certain things that related to P & P. The storyline lined up perfectly with P & P. I loved this book! Sure this is a modern twist on P & P, but the plot was still completely P & P. <br />Eddi was very much Elisabeth Bennet. Her personality and her characteristics were very much like Jane Austen described Elisabeth. And Dave, SO Darcy! I had so much fun reading about Dave, he was Darcy through and through! That's why I liked him so much! When I read P & P, I loved Darcy. Yes he was distant, and sometimes rude but the underneath... He was very sweet and romantic! As with Dave. <br />I loved Dave's friend Calvin! He was based on Darcy's friend Charles Bingley. He was SO funny! I remember one of the conversations Dave and Calvin had about Eddi that was FUNNY! <br /><br />“Oh, so we’re not commenting on the lawyer?” Calvin teased. “Why not?”<br /><br />Dave remained silent. <br /><br />“Whatsa matter?” Calvin blurted. “Are you afraid of her?”<br /><br />A caustic laugh bounced around the porch. “Yeah, right,” Dave retorted.<br /><br />“Or maybe you’re worried she’s too smart for you! Ha!” Calvin laughed. “That’s a good one.”<br /><br />“Oh, shut up, ” Dave groused. “If you must know, Eddi Boswick would have to be way more classy to keep my attention for long.”<br /><br />When in truth, Dave had liked Eddi from the beginning. What intrigued Eddi to Dave was she was the only girl who did not throw herself at him. <br /><br />If you're a Jane Austen fan then you're gonna LOVE this book! I cannot wait to read the other books in this series! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ3szbhu8oQ/TzakauU7UVI/AAAAAAAAA0o/bentr4zjflo/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 98px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ3szbhu8oQ/TzakauU7UVI/AAAAAAAAA0o/bentr4zjflo/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707930356758040914" /></a><br /><br />My next book will be An Eye For An Eye by Irene Hannon. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BS073V8ecso/Tzakqfd8SQI/AAAAAAAAA00/cg_AAwL3v-k/s1600/An%2BEye%2BFor%2BAn%2BEye.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BS073V8ecso/Tzakqfd8SQI/AAAAAAAAA00/cg_AAwL3v-k/s320/An%2BEye%2BFor%2BAn%2BEye.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707930627647228162" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-67351596667249209492012-02-08T15:22:00.000-08:002012-02-08T15:56:49.521-08:00Hometown Hearts - Jillian Hart<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CViYTIO2dWo/TzMEBapOAyI/AAAAAAAAAzI/DNTaM6byyos/s1600/Hometown%2BHearts.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CViYTIO2dWo/TzMEBapOAyI/AAAAAAAAAzI/DNTaM6byyos/s320/Hometown%2BHearts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706909575187137314" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of The Book:</span><br />While summering in Wild Horse, Wyoming, <br />Dr. Adam Stone's young daughters gain an immediate <br />hold on veterinarian Cheyenne Granger's heart. <br />And the tall, handsome newcomer brings with him quiet <br />whispers of fairy-tale endings. But Cheyenne had <br />given up hope of a blissfully-ever-after when her <br />boyfriend walked out on her. And Adam is busy nursing <br />his own broken heart. Yet the girls are determined to <br />draw the two together. Is it possible there's a happy <br />ending—involving a family of four—in their future <br />after all?<br /><br />I have read every one of Jillian Hart's The Granger Family Ranch series. And I love reading about this family! I was just waiting for Cheyenne's story and now I've read it! Cheyenne was by far my favorite character in the whole series. She's sweet, sassy, spunky, and funny! I loved reading about her making fun of Adam because he was from the city and now he's living in the country. He didn't even know how to deal with cows in the middle of the road! LOL <br />I loved Julianne and Jenny! They were SO cute! Julianne especially! She has such a kindred spirit. She wants to save every animal that's in trouble. :D <br />I also loved reading the continuation of all the previous couples in the series. Like Justin Granger and Rori Cornell, Autumn Granger and Ford Sherman, and Tucker Granger and Sierra Baker. And throughout all of those the father of the family Frank Granger and Cady Winslow.I loved reading about how Frank finally found the woman who will be true to him and won't walk out on him. And in this book he finally proposes to Cady! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9f1GEcE3_Y/TzMK_bBkj9I/AAAAAAAAAzU/BJcNUR66sZA/s1600/four-star-rating.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 53px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9f1GEcE3_Y/TzMK_bBkj9I/AAAAAAAAAzU/BJcNUR66sZA/s320/four-star-rating.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706917237510934482" /></a><br /><br />My next book I'll be reading is First Impressions by Debra White Smith. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiTm-4uWlaQ/TzMLpKkcQBI/AAAAAAAAAzg/r37uuE-QjOc/s1600/First%2BImpressions.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiTm-4uWlaQ/TzMLpKkcQBI/AAAAAAAAAzg/r37uuE-QjOc/s320/First%2BImpressions.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706917954648293394" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />God bless! </span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-57899715203099476752012-02-05T06:37:00.000-08:002012-02-05T07:09:49.648-08:00Gunpowder Green - Laura Childs<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnihFD4YHTI/Ty6awZgj_YI/AAAAAAAAAyw/OGUsHTWZdAc/s1600/Gunpowder%2BGreen.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnihFD4YHTI/Ty6awZgj_YI/AAAAAAAAAyw/OGUsHTWZdAc/s320/Gunpowder%2BGreen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705667934196858242" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of This Book:</span><br />The indigo Tea Shop, Charleston's favourite spot of tea, has just come out with its latest flavour: Gunpowder Green. Theodosia Browning cannot wait to hear its praises as it is unveiled at the annual yacht race. But when she hears the crack of an antique gun meant to end the race, a member of Charleston's elite falls dead. Theodosia has a hunch that his demise was no accident - and will go out of her way to prove it. But if she doesn't act fast, Theo will find herself in hot water with some boiling-mad Charlestonians - and more than a little gun-chai . . .<br /><br />I loved the first book of this series! And I LOVE this book! I mean a book with tea and mystery? Oh, yeah! <br />In this book Theodosia's reputation of crime solver has gotten big, since she solved a mystery a couple months ago. Someone comes to Theodosia to help her brother get his named cleared for the murder of Oliver Dixon. So Theodosia puts on her detective hat and gets to work. Theodosia goes to extreme lengths to help this girl. Unfortunately, Theodosia goes a little too far. She is threatened by one of the suspects! Then her tea shop is threatened by another one of the suspects. <br />In this book Drayton does something at the Indigo Tea Shop that sounds SO good! He does a mystery tea! Pretty much you go to the shop and you eat fancy food, drink delicious tea, and solve a mystery! So cool! I want to one! <br />There's not much I can say about this book without giving away something important. Just know it's a good book. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUP7Xtx5s3Q/Ty6aqxJOZ6I/AAAAAAAAAyk/sy6J_lLLsD0/s1600/four-star-rating.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 53px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUP7Xtx5s3Q/Ty6aqxJOZ6I/AAAAAAAAAyk/sy6J_lLLsD0/s320/four-star-rating.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705667837462210466" /></a><br /><br />On another note, my health declined Thursday night. I woke up Thursday night, coughing really bad, and with a MAJOR headache. I have to note I have headaches EVERY SINGLE day, but this headache was NOTHING like those. It was like the one I have every time my Pseudo Tumor Cerebri acts up. I walked out of my room just going to get some cough medicine. But when my mom saw me she said I was really pale (I also get really pale when it acts up). She asked me to check my eyesight, cause that was the deal breaker. If my eyesight is blurry I need to go back to the hospital. I checked my eyesight, and it was blurry, especially my right eye, which was the one that caused me a lot of trouble. I told my mom and she said that's it I'm calling the doctor (Yes we have my special doctor's cell phone number). The doctor called the hospital, and set it into motion. So at 11:30 PM we headed off to the hospital. I was checked in but the hospital was on red alert, so I had to wait. It was not till 3:30 AM that I got a room. So in short I was MISERABLE for five hours till I was able to get some pain medicine. They decided to wait till the morning to do the spinal tap. At about 9 in the morning I was rushed into a surgical spinal tap. Making my total to eight spinal taps, and 35 holes in my back. My opening pressure was 25, which is high, but not as high as the first time. They took off 18 ccs of spinal fluid and made the pressure to 16. So I was sent home, a couple hours after the spinal tap. My back is still swollen and it HURTS but at least I'm home!<br /><br />My next book will be Hometown Hearts by Jillian Harts. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0cm3jN8DnI/Ty6bqKTLCFI/AAAAAAAAAy8/bcdk2XoVkYc/s1600/Hometown%2BHearts.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0cm3jN8DnI/Ty6bqKTLCFI/AAAAAAAAAy8/bcdk2XoVkYc/s320/Hometown%2BHearts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705668926546577490" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God bless! </span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-57835046072047962892012-01-30T15:39:00.000-08:002012-01-30T16:12:31.414-08:00Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25 - Richard Paul Evans<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOyT2f3fRCg/Tycqj6GjedI/AAAAAAAAAyA/CNitWpgQdRg/s1600/Michael%2BVey%2BThe%2BPrisoner%2BOf%2BCell%2B25.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOyT2f3fRCg/Tycqj6GjedI/AAAAAAAAAyA/CNitWpgQdRg/s320/Michael%2BVey%2BThe%2BPrisoner%2BOf%2BCell%2B25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703574249468557778" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of This Book:</span><br />To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old <br />Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has <br />Tourette's syndrome. But in truth, Michael is <br />extremely special--he has electric powers. Michael <br />thinks he is unique until he discovers that a <br />cheerleader named Taylor has the same mysterious <br />powers. With the help of Michael's friend, Ostin, <br />the three of them set out to discover how Michael <br />and Taylor ended up with their abilities, and their <br />investigation soon brings them to the attention of <br />a powerful group who wants to control the electric <br />teens--and through them, the world. With only his <br />powers, his wits, and his friends to protect him, <br />Michael will need all his strength to survive.... <br /><br />I was asked to critique this book on a local radio station! I was over the moon ecstatic! I was personally asked by the person of the radio station! It's a way to use my interest for something! So I was ordered a copy and I set to work reading! <br />This book is SO out of the genre I usually read. But I LOVED it! It got me hooked by the first chapter, and I don't think I was ever unhooked from it! I wasn't sure I would like it, cause it's not the kind of book I would read. <br />I loved that the main character, Michael Vey, wasn't some popular kid like how it usually is. He's picked on and he also has Tourette's syndrome. But what most people don't know about him is he has a super power. He is electrical, and can shock people, or anything metal! And he's not the only one... Taylor Ridley, the most popular girl in school, also has a super power. She can reboot people, making them forget what their doing. She can also read minds as long as she's touching the person. When she finds out Michael's like her, she is determined to find out how they are like they are. She then finds out that they were born in the same hospital, just a couple days apart. <br />Michael and Taylor team up with the help of Michael's super genius friend Ostin, to find out how they became electrical. They find out that there's ten other kids just like them! <br />One of my favorite characters in the book other than Michael and Taylor was Ostin, Michael's friend. He was hilarious! His brain is FILLED with some useless some very interesting facts. If you say one thing he will go into a monologue of that specific thing! A lot of times Michael or Taylor would stop him from rambling on. Ostin kinda reminded me of one of my friends. He is wickedly smart, and knows A LOT of facts! Maybe that's why I liked Ostin so much! :D Also Ostin thinks he's a ladies man, but really he's not. He hits on every girl, including Michael's mom! He was constantly saying to Michael "Dude, your mom's hot!" LOL <br />Even though this book is TOTALLY different than what I usually read I cannot wait for the next book in the series! You can bet I'll be waiting impatiently for August! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating For This Book: </span> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgTEnZi7xVI/TycxAozEwCI/AAAAAAAAAyM/l_8cOD5hTPM/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 98px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgTEnZi7xVI/TycxAozEwCI/AAAAAAAAAyM/l_8cOD5hTPM/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703581340109422626" /></a><br />This rating does not even come close to the awesomeness of this book! But that's as high as my rating goes is five stars, but just know I would give it MUCH higher! <br /><br />My next book is the next book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs, Gunpowder Green.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QHQuWNOpqM/Tycx0aQ-xEI/AAAAAAAAAyY/92Eq03rXj7I/s1600/Gunpowder%2BGreen.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QHQuWNOpqM/Tycx0aQ-xEI/AAAAAAAAAyY/92Eq03rXj7I/s320/Gunpowder%2BGreen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703582229561525314" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-84257650115418041092012-01-29T08:07:00.000-08:002012-01-29T08:45:51.756-08:00The Sheriff's Surrender - Susan Page Davis<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtfqlNUqZh8/TyVu9mVcVjI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Q_tDsEqOMpo/s1600/The%2BSheriff%2527s%2BSurrender.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtfqlNUqZh8/TyVu9mVcVjI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Q_tDsEqOMpo/s320/The%2BSheriff%2527s%2BSurrender.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703086507676161586" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of The Book:</span><br />A murder in Fergus, Idaho, has the town’s women scared.<br />But the men don’t seem able to stop the rash of thefts, <br />assaults, and vandalism that follow. Half a dozen <br />women band together to arm themselves against trouble. <br />The gunsmith's plain sister, the emporium's owner, <br />a couple of rancher's wives and saloon girls take <br />their shooting lessons seriously. The men are <br />skeptical at first and slightly amused. The new <br />minister's wife shocks the town by joining the club, <br />and other women follow her lead. When they show no <br />sign of letting up on their drill, the men beg the <br />sheriff to disband the club and put their women back <br />where they belong. Those are fighting words to the <br />ladies. Domestic rebellion threatens until a new <br />murder grabs everyone's attention. Will the sheriff <br />and his men find the killer and put him away? <br />Or will that honor belong to the Ladies' <br />Shooting Club?<br /><br />Susan Page Davis is a new author for me. The series was recommended to me so I thought I'd give it a try. It sounded really cool! I mean tough women with guns, yeah, that's interesting! <br />Unfortunately, the book did not hold up to my expectations... It was slow going, and I personally did not like that it kept switching to characters who were not the main characters. It kept going to Cyrus Fennel, who by the way was not a character I would choose to keep going to his thoughts. I did not like him from the minute the author introduced him into the story. <br />I did like Gertrude A.K.A Gert, A.K.A Trudy (Just to Ethan though :D)character. She's tough, not the typical woman you'd read of. She's not into all the frippery other women are into, she dresses practical, not trying to show off to anyone. AND she's a crack shot! Which is one of the things I admire in Gert's personality. <br />She also dropped everything to go Idaho, to help her brother who was grieving the loss of his wife. She loves her family, and she's compassionate to others. She was by far the best character in the WHOLE book! But the next best was Ethan Chapman. <br />Ethan DID NOT want to be sheriff, but he stepped up anyway so the town of Fergus would be safe. And on a personal level, he secretly did it because he saw the fear in Gert's eyes, which is hardly in Gert's eyes. He's always secretly admired Gert, and through the book it slowly grows. Has it grown to love? Not yet, but I'm hoping to see that in the next book <span style="font-style:italic;">The Gunsmith's Gallantry.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wtTsdUuG-0/TyVz_8AfYII/AAAAAAAAAxo/ad1s1uKw6Ls/s1600/3-star-rating-md.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 54px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wtTsdUuG-0/TyVz_8AfYII/AAAAAAAAAxo/ad1s1uKw6Ls/s320/3-star-rating-md.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703092045411737730" /></a><br /><br /><br />The next book will be completely different from ANYTHING I've ever read! But I was asked to read it and critique it on a radio station, so that's the next book. It's called Michael Vey: The Prisoner Of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans. <br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRzGpeNSzHE/TyV3gV_XfAI/AAAAAAAAAx0/BBe2TrX1xEY/s1600/Michael%2BVey%2BThe%2BPrisoner%2BOf%2BCell%2B25.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRzGpeNSzHE/TyV3gV_XfAI/AAAAAAAAAx0/BBe2TrX1xEY/s320/Michael%2BVey%2BThe%2BPrisoner%2BOf%2BCell%2B25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703095900677045250" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God Bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-5267355991765215352012-01-27T07:40:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:16:44.881-08:00Snowflake Bride - Jillian Hart<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0zl3zppOq8/TyLFeGudJaI/AAAAAAAAAw0/mqfDpOJJXBA/s1600/Snowflake%2BBride.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0zl3zppOq8/TyLFeGudJaI/AAAAAAAAAw0/mqfDpOJJXBA/s320/Snowflake%2BBride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702337199196677538" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary Of The Book:</span><br />Grateful when she's hired as the Davises' maid, <br />Ruby Ballard vows to help save her family's farm. <br />There's just one problem: the boss's handsome son, <br />Lorenzo. He makes her forget family duty, forget her <br />lowly place, even forget her friends who are in love <br />with him! But his love is a gift that could never be<br />hers—not even for Christmas.<br /><br />Lorenzo knows Ruby is the only woman he could marry. <br />Yet the quiet beauty refuses his courtship. <br />As the holidays approach, he will make both their <br />wishes come true, when he claims her at last as his <br />snowflake bride.<br /><br /><br />I've read all the other books in this series, and I liked them all. Everything about them. Ruby was introduced in Meredeth's story, <span style="font-style:italic;">Patchwork Bride </span>. I liked Ruby from then on. Ruby was the shy new girl just trying to fit in. I can relate to that. I'm terribly shy, and I try SUPER hard to fit in. She also struggled with she thought she was plain and no guy is gonna look at her with adoring eyes. Again I can relate, I don't think I'm pretty, personally, I hear people say I am but I don't believe them. I think all girls struggle with this. It's hard to think that a really handsome guy is gonna turn our way. <br />Ruby struggled with the same thing. She secretly liked Lorenzo, but she figured a guy like that is never gonna like her, the plain shy new girl. <br /> On the other side, Lorenzo said he fell in love with Ruby the minute he saw her. But he thought since she never showed any interest in him she didn't like him. So they both thought the other would never like the other, when in truth they both loved each other. <br />I understood how Ruby was feeling, but I did get frustrated with her when she was constantly saying Lorenzo would never love her. Then she continued to say she shouldn't love him, cause Scarlett and Kate had a crush on him. But you can't help who you love. Especially with he's the one God made for you! <br /><br />"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." - <br />1 John 3:18 <br />I thought Lorenzo showed this in the book. He did things for Ruby not to get noticed, but because he loved Ruby and he wanted the best for her. He would go out of his way just to help Ruby. I thought that was just SO sweet! I definitely want a Lorenzo Davis in my life! :D <br /><br /> <br />Emily's Rating Of This Book:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07f3x-YGcEc/TyL3tURg2OI/AAAAAAAAAxA/TV36wGXQ33k/s1600/four-star-rating.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 53px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07f3x-YGcEc/TyL3tURg2OI/AAAAAAAAAxA/TV36wGXQ33k/s320/four-star-rating.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702392436112808162" /></a><br /><br /><br />My next book is a new series for me. The Ladies' Shooting Club. The first book is The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hr7iYHahfxI/TyL4BlScphI/AAAAAAAAAxM/3a_Goly_AMw/s1600/The%2BSheriff%2527s%2BSurrender.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hr7iYHahfxI/TyL4BlScphI/AAAAAAAAAxM/3a_Goly_AMw/s320/The%2BSheriff%2527s%2BSurrender.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702392784277513746" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />God bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-73182216180838493562012-01-22T14:55:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:58:54.117-08:00Lonestar Angel - Colleen Coble<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bw_UTdc2rU/TxyNmSjLqZI/AAAAAAAAAwE/sQzdN1zm6VY/s1600/Lonestar%2BAngel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bw_UTdc2rU/TxyNmSjLqZI/AAAAAAAAAwE/sQzdN1zm6VY/s320/Lonestar%2BAngel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700586917298153874" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary of the book:</span><br />For Eden, hope is rekindled when her estranged husband <br />delivers the astounding news: that their lost baby girl<br />has been found.<br /><br />Years ago Eden and Clay Larson's baby was stolen. <br />Kidnappers demanded a ransom, but something went <br />horribly wrong at the exchange: the kidnapper's car <br />crashed into the river and was never recovered. Eden <br />blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young <br />and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.<br /><br />Now she's met Kent. He's everything Clay wasn't: funny,<br />stable, and eager to please her. Just as he's about to <br />propose marriage at a romantic dinner, Clay arrives <br />and tells Eden she can't marry Kent. She's still <br />married to him. He never signed the divorce decree. <br />Even more earth-shattering than this news is that he's <br />never stopped looking for Brianna. Based on a tip, he <br />thinks their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a <br />youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right <br />age, but he's not sure which is Brianna.<br /><br />To discover the truth, the couple becomes counselors <br />to the girls at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small <br />quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they <br />try to find out more. As they work together, their <br />love for the children grows and their love for each <br />other is rekindled. But as danger closes in, Eden and <br />Clay realize they've been lured to this remote West <br />Texas location; their lives and the lives of the <br />little girls are in danger. But as Eden learns, <br />"hope does not disappoint."<br /><br /><br />Okay I have to say I LOVE Colleen Coble's writing style. She intertwines romance, suspense, and comedy all in one! Every book I read of hers I love. I read the first three books in this series and I LOVED them. All the books in the series deals with convenient marriages. So this book was different then all the others. But I still liked it. Did I love it? No. But I did like it. It did catch me in the first chapter and had me clinging on till the very end. <br />I felt sorry for Eden for all the trials she went through in her life. From having a bad mother who abandoned her, being in foster care till she was eighteen, losing her daughter, and her marriage falling apart. She finally gets her life turned around after all the tragedy. Until Clay enters her life again and her world is turned upside down with his declaration of their daughter still being alive! And then that their still married! Eden is pulled into Clay's search for their daughter at the Bluebird Ranch, a ranch that takes in foster kids to help them. They find out that their daughter is one of the kids at the ranch. <br />They decide to work as counselors for the ranch. A lot of things happen but I'm not gonna mention them cause I don't want to spoil anything! :P <br />I wish I knew what it was about the book that made me not love it like the other books in the series. I did like it, but I can't say I loved it. But all in all I still LOVE all books by Colleen Coble, and I cannot wait to read future books by her! <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Emily's Rating Of This Book: </span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0sHJ4BXNOA/TxySsMdmGTI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/lkZv1FuW5nw/s1600/four-star-rating.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 53px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0sHJ4BXNOA/TxySsMdmGTI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/lkZv1FuW5nw/s320/four-star-rating.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700592516301461810" /></a><br /><br />My next book will be the next book in the series Buttons and Bobbins by Jillian Hart, Snowflake Bride. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jVxn1gwek4/TxyUnW4RJRI/AAAAAAAAAwc/XgK5YispFq0/s1600/Snowflake%2BBride.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jVxn1gwek4/TxyUnW4RJRI/AAAAAAAAAwc/XgK5YispFq0/s320/Snowflake%2BBride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700594632221598994" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-185938331644252112012-01-21T17:50:00.000-08:002012-01-21T18:30:25.572-08:00Finally A Bride - Vickie McDonough<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z31rELdsQPQ/Txtr5y05F3I/AAAAAAAAAvg/F4UBx8odm3A/s1600/Finally%2BA%2BBride.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z31rELdsQPQ/Txtr5y05F3I/AAAAAAAAAvg/F4UBx8odm3A/s320/Finally%2BA%2BBride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700268394007828338" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Summary of the book:</span><br />Jacqueline 'Jack' Davis is a reporter for the Lookout Ledger bent on discovering the truth and nabbing her story at any cost. When Noah Jeffers comes to Lookout as a temporary pastor, Jack suspects there may be something hidden beneath his shepherding ways. Soon, though, Jack begins to be attracted to the new pastor despite her initial hesitation. But as she uncovers the truth, will this story cost her too much? Will she reveal what she's uncovered or keep it hidden to protect newfound love? Carly Payton returns to Lookout after years in prison, hoping to rebuild her life there. But she soon discovers that new beginnings and second chances are not always easy to find. Garret Corbett is determined to marry--but not to a jailbird like Carly. When Carly is equally repelled by Garret's prank-playing ways, will the two see past their dislike and give each other--and love--a second look?<br /><br />Again I LOVED the other two books in this series and the last one :( did not disappoint. <br />"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." - Ephesians 1:7 <br />With this book this verse stuck out. Carly Payton is out of jail for what she did while she was stuck in her outlaw brother's gang. She could not find a way out of his gang so she was forced to stay in. She spent six years in jail for what she did, and was made new in Jesus Christ. She hopes to be accepted by the town of Lookout, but sadly only a few people accept her. When she gets back to Lookout, people still see her as the outlaw she was when she first came to the town impersonating one of the brides the Corbett brothers had ordered for Luke Davis, their cousin. At first Garrett snubs her, thinking she's not changed. Until he gets to know her more and starts falling for her. Carly is attracted to Garrett as soon as she first laid eyes on him after ten years. They soon fall in love once Garrett see the diamond under Carly's rough exterior. <br />I loved reading about how Jacqueline, 'Jack' has grown up. She's now a reporter for her town's newspaper. She always figured she would never marry. She never really trusted guys, because of what her first father did to her and her mom Rachel. It's taken ten years for Jack to really warm up to Luke, and accept him as a good guy that won't hurt her or her mom. <br />Enter Noah Jeffers the town's new pastor. The verse above fits for Noah's story too. As a kid he did a lot of bad things. Until he accepted Jesus Christ as his savoir then he was made new. He lived in Lookout as a kid and now is back. When he's back he tries to reconcile for what he did as a kid. Jack instantly is attracted to him though she won't admit it. Noah secretly liked Jack when he was just a kid, and when he sees her again he falls head over heels in love with her, pretty quickly. They both slowly come to grips about the feelings they have for each other. Noah makes it pretty clear he likes Jack, but she's weary of him, at first. Jack slowly starts to open up to Noah. Until he tells her who he really is! <br />All in all I love this series and I was sad to see it end. Vickie McDonough know how to write western romances! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Emily's Rating Of This Book:</span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSC3prfR7_U/TxtztMgH-tI/AAAAAAAAAvs/QQpNM2UXuYg/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 98px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSC3prfR7_U/TxtztMgH-tI/AAAAAAAAAvs/QQpNM2UXuYg/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700276973654768338" /></a><br /><br />My next book will be the newest book in the Lonestar series by Colleen Coble, Lonestar Angel. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iHAMNLXtDU/Txt0ls693qI/AAAAAAAAAv4/3CvgTbXmfpM/s1600/Lonestar%2BAngel.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iHAMNLXtDU/Txt0ls693qI/AAAAAAAAAv4/3CvgTbXmfpM/s320/Lonestar%2BAngel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700277944429960866" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God Bless! </span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3635095923924721246.post-32337516288501678752012-01-21T17:15:00.000-08:002012-01-21T17:49:17.285-08:00Second Chance Brides - Vickie McDonough<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odpM0SOPfR0/TxtijWClCwI/AAAAAAAAAu8/PBrXiHAuXU0/s1600/Second%2BChance%2BBrides.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odpM0SOPfR0/TxtijWClCwI/AAAAAAAAAu8/PBrXiHAuXU0/s320/Second%2BChance%2BBrides.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700258112718834434" /></a><br /><br />Summary of the book: <br />After a mail-order bride debacle, both Shannon O'Neil and Leah Bennett find themselves stranded in Texas. There are only two options available to them: get a job or find another man to marry. The Corbett brothers, Garrett and Mark, try to atone for the mess they created when they ordered their cousin three mail-order brides by hosting Saturday socials for the town's eligible singles. Will Shannon, the Irish immigrant, be wooed out of her timidity by the gallant rancher Rand Kesler? Or will Mark Corbett recognize something special in her green eyes? When the livery owner comes to Leah's rescue, will she find a diamond in the rough? Or snub him and seek out a more well-to-do man? The Lookout citizens are in for a wild ride before wedding bells toll again in town.<br /><br /><br />Sorry it so long to upload this review. Since school has started I have less time to blog. Also I started a job babysitting a little girl I even less time. <br /><br />I read The Anonymous Bride months ago and could not wait to read the second book in the series. I loved The Anonymous Bride and fell in love with the characters. I could not help but feel sorry for Shannon and Leah as their stranded in a strange town and alone. Their only option is to either find a job or marry. <br /><br />I loved both Shannon and Leah's characters. Shannon with her quiet personality, but don't get her mad or you'll see her Irish temper come out full swing! And Leah, with her strong-willed take charge personality. <br />Along with the Corbett brothers. Mark with his silent, mature personality until it comes to his brother pulling pranks on him then his temper comes out as well. I like Mark because he's compassionate, and gentle. And Garrett, who never quite grew up, and is a little boy in a grown mans body. I like Garrett because he likes to enjoy life and never take some things to seriously, he likes to live in the moment. <br /><br />I loved that Vickie continued the story with Rachel and Luke as well. I loved reading about their story and I like that I can continue reading about their story with the second book. But I liked that she kept the focus on Leah and Shannon's love stories. <br />"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." - Isaiah 1:18<br />That verse kinda stuck out to me when I was reading this book. Mark felt he was a bad person for something he did in the past. Clearly our sins are made as white as snow because of the grace of God. Mark struggles to remember that he is made new in Jesus Christ. He almost loses Shannon because of his struggle. <br /><br />Emily's Rating For This Book: <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RktZXpQytys/TxtqqYYygVI/AAAAAAAAAvI/V8A99HHqkSQ/s1600/four-star-rating.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 53px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RktZXpQytys/TxtqqYYygVI/AAAAAAAAAvI/V8A99HHqkSQ/s320/four-star-rating.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700267029700968786" /></a><br /><br />My next book is the last book in the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series Finally A Bride. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ4C_Y8vkZc/Txtq7djCfJI/AAAAAAAAAvU/6D9S2lkykrw/s1600/Finally%2BA%2BBride.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ4C_Y8vkZc/Txtq7djCfJI/AAAAAAAAAvU/6D9S2lkykrw/s320/Finally%2BA%2BBride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700267323143912594" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />God Bless!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09005806229418503360noreply@blogger.com0