Troubled Waters (Montana Rescue Book #4) by Susan May Warren

Book Description:

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.

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You will have to forgive me... I know it has been a while since I last posted; but life has had me too busy! In the midst of the holidays we moved to a new home. It has been crazy, and my ability to read and or the energy to do a post/review almost nonexistent. However, several of my favorite authors have released new books and I am so eager to open them up when I find the time... and I finally found the time for this gem!

What can I say...I love Susan May Warren novels and this one does not disappoint! While it was crammed full of the excitement, angst, action, faith lessons and romantic tension we expect it took a little longer for me to feel the normal tug I do with these characters; but it did come! I was thrilled to see Ian and Sierra work through their own fears and faults, learning to trust God and each other. Plus, I love all of the characters and found several new ones of interest in this novel. Who knows, maybe Dex will eventually get his own novel?

Sigh, Pete and Jess continue through the ups and downs and I am not sure when we will see their HEA ending but I am enjoying the journey to it with them. Meanwhile, Ty's story is coming out this summer - yay!

Happy reading y'all, and while your picking up this novel here are a few others to check out:

-For Love of Liberty (prequel novella) by Julie Lessman ~ 4.5 Stars!

-Christmas at Carnton (novella) by Tamera Alexander  ~ 4.5 Stars!

Smiles,

April

Until I Don't (The Resolutions Series Book 2) by T.I. Lowe

Book Description:

What happens when a brooding soldier by the name of Asher Reid with a penchant for using the phrase I don’t moves into the vacant townhouse beside the inquisitive journalist, Neena Cameron? Exactly what the free-spirited soul vowed she would never do—fall in love. Problem is trying to convince Asher this is a good idea, but with him saying, “I don’t do relationships,” a challenge presents itself and the determined woman sets out to show him he can.

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A solid 5 Stars!!! I loved this novel, and found it incredibly hard to put down. Lowe has a way of sweeping you up in her storytelling, as well as creating rich characters that are both lovable and flawed. Her novels give you a sense of it all being real; not cliche, cheesy or fantasy.

Neena, is awesome! I really love how she puts herself out there and lives fully in each moment. Asher, is one of those characters that you want to figure out; you want to see him open up and like Neena, you want to see his smile. Their interactions, budding friendship and eventually more were so well written.

I cannot say enough good things about this one! I hope you will pick it up and find it as moving and as engaging as I did; let yourself settle in and let it delight you!

***This novel is available with Kindle Unlimited. I would recommend reading Book 1, prior. You certainly don't have to, but there are characters that carryover. (Book 1 was 5 Stars for me as well).

To Wager Her Heart (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel Book 3) by Tamera Alexander

Book Description:

Impeccable historical research woven with heart-gripping fiction from USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander . . .  

    

Set against the real history of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a powerful love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in American history when both were tenuous and hard-won. 

    

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success--General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. 

    

Seeking justice . . . 

   

Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancé--and has shattered her world. 

   

Struggling to restore honor . . . 

   

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family--and Nashville society--do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both.

   

Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor? 

   

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it. 

   

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society's expectations must work together to achieve their dreams - provided the truth doesn't tear them apart first.

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Alexander has once again written a historically rich, beautiful and evocative tale! Fans of historical fiction and of the series will enjoy curling up with this one. Alexander takes readers into the the time, place and experience of those at Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers; really it is but a taste of what they experienced and most likely felt, but worthy reading all the same. While there is a bit of romance to this tale with Sy and Alexandra, really this story reads as more of a historical account of the times and the strides, victories, and tragedies found in it. Well written, with moments of insight and inspiration this is one to add to your read list.

 On another note, I always look forward to reading her Author's note section to learn more about the actual history/people her novel is based upon. I hope to explore these places for myself one day. While this was not my favorite of the series, there is much to recommend it.

His Steadfast Love (Isle of Hope Book 3) by Julie Lessman

Book Description:

She’s bent on fun.
He’s bent on faith.
Till true love bridges the gap.

Cat O’Bryen is the prodigal daughter unhappy with God. First, the father with whom she reconciled dies of cancer and now her twin sister and best friend marries, leaving Cat at home with a newlywed mother, her new husband, and a little brother. But when Cat moves in with a roommate of questionable morals, her family is worried, certain she’s on a path that could damage her faith forever.

Reluctant to get involved with a woman like the one who destroyed his life, ex-Navy SEAL Pastor Chase Griffin steers clear of the attraction he feels for Cat O’Bryen. Until her family begs him to take her under his wing, hoping he can draw her back into the fold. But when the draw she has on him proves too strong to resist, he must rely on the strength of God to offer a friendship as steady and strong as the God whose love is wooing her home.

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Lessman does it again! She masterfully hooks readers in and keeps them engaged throughout the novel. I am not going to lie, I love her books, and as is quiet often the case, I cannot put them down. This was one of those occasions where I had to stay up late to finish this novel, the same day I started it! And it was so worth it! Lessman left me with a grin permanently on my face, and a day later it is still there! 

This novel is both sweet and at times steamy; filled with truth, faith, romance and grace. I had a smile upon my face almost the whole way through and caught myself chuckling out loud a few times too! Lessman amazes me at how well she can craft a novel; fitting all the pieces together so organically, where the faith lessons, the romance and the characters shine. So, all the while lessons on forgiveness, purity, faith, and mercy play out, I am still feeling the chemistry between the characters and it sizzles!

I love that she brings back into play the previous characters and their stories continue to unfold. That is another gift Lessman has, one of creating such strong characters and relationships that we dearly love, and continuing to build upon these relationships between families and friendships throughout the series. They are lively, engaging and make you wish you could often be right there with them! 

One lesson that shined forth in this story was that of battling our fears. Do we let our fears guide our decisions or do we follow God in faith? God did not give us a spirit of fear, He broke our chains and set us free! There are abundant blessings He has for us if we will step out in faith and embrace our freedom in Christ!

As an aside, I will mention that there are some steamy moments included in this novel between some of the married couples. Nothing explicit! Just a lot of sizzle, all the while remaining clean. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this last novel was the icing on the cake! Happy sighs!!! I am eager to see what Lessman has in store for us next! In the mean time, savor this one!

Destroy: (The Blades of Acktar 3.5) and Deliver (The Blades of Acktar Book 4) by Tricia Mingerink

Book Descriptions:
Destroy (Book3.5) -
Before the war, before the Blades, before the Leader…

There was a boy and a scullery maid and a secret shame.
One moonlit night of blood and knives destroyed their country and their lives forever.

The Leader failed to die, but will he also fail to lead?
Deliver (Book 4) -
Can something broken ever heal? 

Martyn is broken. After torturing his best friend, he doesn't belong anywhere in Acktar. No matter how far he runs, he can't lose his guilt. 

Leith is broken. While healing from the torture he received at Nalgar Castle, he struggles to find his new role. But can a Blade ever outrun his past? 

The country is broken. Bitterness divides town against town, neighbor against neighbor. What will it take to deliver Acktar from itself? 

They face their hardest battle yet. 
Peace.

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Destroy: A must read for fans of the series! I really enjoyed getting to see this story through Keevan's eyes. We are taken back to the fall of his father's kingdom and to just past where Book 3 ended. Another wonderful addition to the series. (4.5 Stars)

In Deliver, Mingerink definitely delivered a topnotch novel!  This one left me with a grin upon my face and a happy sigh in my heart! I loved that she added moments of humor and warmth, along with the camaraderie of our cast; as well as the romance, to round off the action, suspense and faith filled moments in the story. I have to say, I believe this one is my favorite of the series! Well done, and most definitely worth the read! (5 Stars)

Defy (The Blades of Acktar Book 3) by Tricia Mingerink

Book Description:

The war for Acktar has begun. 
With his betrayal revealed, former Blade Leith Torren flees into the Sheered Rock Hills, pursued by King Respen’s vengeful Blades. 
Left behind at Nalgar Castle, Renna Faythe tries to find her purpose, yet that purpose isn’t what she expected. 
Brandi Faythe has been torn from her sister, and that isn’t all right. If Leith can’t rescue Renna, Brandi will take matters into her own hands. 
War demands sacrifice. Courage falters. Who will find the strength to defy King Respen?
Acktar rests on one hope: 
The Leader is ready. 

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Brilliantly written & moving in so many ways; Mingerink once again captures her audience and catapults us into an adventure for our souls, as well as our hearts. And what a strong and amazing ending. The suspense, the torture our hero endures, and also the hope that shines through; keeps you on the edge of your seat. Thankfully, I was left with a smile upon my face and an eagerness to see what else lies ahead for this cast of characters.



***Note this novel does contain violence, (fighting and torture). If you are highly sensitive please be aware.

Deny (The Blades of Acktar Book 2) by Tricia Mingerink

Book Description:

All lies have consequences.

Promoted to the top rank among King Respen's assassins, First Blade Leith Torren hides his involvement with the Resistance. How many lies will it take to protect his secret?

Renna Faythe has done nothing but survive for the past four years, but now Leith's courage inspires her to try to be something more. If only she could figure out what that duty might be.

When the unthinkable happens, faith wavers. Friendships tear. What else will they be forced to deny?

But this time, Leith faces his greatest fear.

He can't save everyone.

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Leith and the rest of the Resistance face danger again and again. Leith is caught up in more lies as he continues to play his different roles; spying for the Resistance. This time around our hero and those he cares about will not only face danger, but also loss. For Renna, this is a trying and faith testing time.

At times, Renna frustrated me, but I felt that Mingerink made her struggles honest and real to the circumstances. Towards the end of Deny, things heat up and that is where our characters see what they are really made of. I am happy to say that those characters you are rooting for persevere. However, I will warn you Mingerink leaves us with a cliffhanger; thankfully Book 3 is already available to read!



*** Note- this novel does have more violence than the previous one.