Honor's Reward (Rocky Mountain Legacy, Book 5) by Kristen Heitzmann

 

 

     I am sad to say farewell to this wonderful and engaging series, not to mention it's characters!  I just finished Book 5 and I am left with a happy, content and peaceful feeling.  A wonderful conclusion! This is a series I will not only recommend, but one I plan to read again in the future. 

 

    Book 5 is filled with all the drama, action, romance and good truths that have been scattered all throughout this series.  This was another page turner!  Sorry, I am just in such a happy and mellow place after finishing this book, that I am at a loss for all the right words.  But suffice it to say, that yes, there are hardships; yes, there are losses and gains; yes, there is love and sacrifice; and yes, there is a good ending, but also, so much more!  Read this series and fly through many emotions, truths and come away as I did well pleased and thoughtful. Bravo, Kristen Heitzmann on a well done book and series! Many thanks!



Honor's Disguise (Rocky Mountain Legacy, Book 4) by Kristen Heitzmann

     One things for sure, life with Abbie is never dull!  Book 4 packed in more adventure, suspense, drama and romance topped off with some life lessons on faith.  This isn't my favorite book in the series, but it is a REALLY good read.  Obviously, since I zoomed through it in a matter of hours today! I can't wait to see what happens next in Book 5!

 

Honor's Quest (Rocky Mountain Legacy, Book 3) by Kristen Heitzmann

         Another great novel, not only in this series but in general! While the first part of this book is not as action packed as book 2 it adds more depth and interest to our story and the characters/relationships. A little over half way through however you are sure to encounter a pivotal point in the story and one that will cause pain and upheaval for our characters, and hopefully will bring a growth in faith. When tragedy strikes who do we look to? Do we trust in God, His love and goodness or do we become angry and bitter? As much as we think we can take care of ourselves and handle things we are desperately in need of The Lord. Will we allow pride and fear to rule us? These are issues that are faced in book 3.

    This is one of those books that has you thinking about it long after you set it down or finish it.  It lingers with you and excites you for the next book. If you are searching for a humorous and light read, in which life is idyllically perfect, then this is not the book for you. However, if you are looking for a novel filled with drama and surprises that leave you devouring the pages then pick this one up. I like that Heitzmann isn't afraid to risk offending some by taking some risk with her stories and doing the unexpected. Her characters, their love, struggles and ultimately their faith make her novels ones I could read over and over again. These stories and characters come to life, and take root in your heart and mind. I can't wait to read book 4! 

   

Honor's Price (Rocky Mountain Legacy, Book 2) by Kristen Heitzmann

 

 

     I have to say that I enjoyed Book 2 in this series just as much as Book 1.  The drama and suspense are upped in this one, and you can't help but fly through the pages!  I can't imagine how on edge those who first read this series must have been, as the following books in the series hadn't been released yet.  I am so glad I have the books handy and don't have to wait to see how things will play out, while waiting on a release date! 

 

    I could tell in this one that Heitzmann was already laying down some ground work for the next few books in relation to Cole.  That said, she had plenty of excitement laid out in this book.  Between relational issues, threats, danger and more you never have a dull moment!  Another great read... I'm so ready for Book 3!

 

 



Honor's Pledge (Rocky Mountain Legacy, Book 1) by Kristen Heitzmann

 

 

    I just finished this wonderful novel by Heitzmann and it left me thrilled!  Drama, faith, love, honor and so much more play out in this well written novel, that leaves me eager for Book 2.

 

    Seriously, this book has so much to recommended it!   Our heroine, Abbie, is sure to capture your heart.  She is a free spirit, honest, loving and she just shines.  There is a wonderful ensemble of characters in this book and plenty of drama going about to keep you eagerly devouring the pages.  Honor and love, which do you esteem higher?  Are they separate or can they be as one?  What would you do if you had to choose?  All these questions and many more arise, as you fly through this novel. 

 

     I like that in this novel everything isn't perfect.  There are struggles, hurts, times to love and times to forgive... Just as in real life we can't always see the good but we must trust God above all else and let Him work things together for good.  He is faithful and He is good.

 

     This one is definitely a keeper for me!  I hope you will enjoy it too!

 

 



The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

 

     I was thrilled when The Dancing Master arrived on my door step earlier than anticipated! Klassen writes beautiful novels, and I haven't found one yet that hasn't been delightful!  She has written another classic, one I am sure you will want to keep and read again.  Filled with all the drama and insights of character, love, pride, relationships, forgiveness, faith and more.

 

     I will say that this is a story that lures you in, giving you hints at the mysterious past of several characters and how these secrets affect many in the now.  By chapter 7, you should be hooked and have enough hints that you are starting to piece parts of the puzzle together. This only brings the story more to life and lends excitement, as you eagerly anticipate seeing how things will unfold and work out. 

 

    The story is well written, well paced and filled with delightful characters.  Julia somewhat reminds me of Scarlett O'Hara.  She is willful, selfish, spoiled and quiet the flirt.  However, there is more to her than that; she is also a loyal, brave young woman, who longs for approval and love.  She definitely keeps the story interesting!

 

    For fans of Julie Klassen this is sure to be a delight and for those that have never read one of Julie Klassen's novels, this is a good one to start with.  If you like Jane Austen novels, then you should pick this one up!

   

Dare to Love Again (The Heart of San Francisco, Book 2) by Julie Lessman

 

 

    To say I was thrilled when this book arrived early on my door step would not not be an exaggeration!  I couldn't wait to start reading it, knowing that I had a good read in my hands.  Julie Lessman hasn't let me down and is a wonderful & talented writer.

I do have to say that when I received her newsletter and read her statement "...this sweet and funny love story that I will warn you, is the sweetest, least passionate of all my books, which means there are very few kisses, but LOTS of romantic tension!", I was curious as to how this story would play out, but never fear it is absolutely delightful!

 



    Dare to Love Again is sweetly exciting and such a wonderful story! As usual there are great characters that just come to life and jump right off the pages and into your heart.  Lessman is a pro at providing not only a hero and heroine that steal your heart but a whole cast of characters as well. For fans of Lessman's Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change Series, this new series is sure to be a hit!

 

    I really loved Allison and Nick's romance, that had at times tempers and tongues a flying (in smart and witty ways), a blossoming attraction and of course love soaring... Lessman kept it interesting!   Logan and Cait's story continues to enthrall you, leaving you eagerly anticipating more. I read several hints at future books that have me excited and so ready to read their stories! 

 

Bravo Lessman, another novel that's a keeper!

The Wedding Game: a novel by Amy Matayo

Amy Matayo's first novel is a success!  I loved the wit, the humor, the characters and the story.  I absolutely devoured this book last night and stayed up way too late to do so, but I just couldn't put it down.  I wasn't sure how I would like a book about a reality show marriage but Matayo made this not only interesting but one that pulls you in and has you rushing to the end, all the while wanting to slow down because you don't want it to end.  I am still thinking about this story today! Yes, it was that good.

This is a Christian fiction novel.  That said, it isn't a preachy book, nor one where it is a predominant theme.  However, faith, God, and prayer are all mentioned intermittently throughout the book. 

I so thoroughly enjoyed this read that it seems torturous now to have to wait for her next novel!  Buy this one but be prepared to not want to put it down once you start. 

The Kindling (Age of Faith, Book 4) by Tamara Leigh

I just finished reading The Kindling and have to say, as excited as I was for it to be released, I am even more excited having finished it.  My only regret is that it is over; try as I might to savor and slow down while reading it, it was just too good to not speed through. 

Leigh is delightfully, wonderful at weaving a tale of love, suspense, faith and romance.  Her characters are so well written and I love the interplay between them.  The character development (spiritually, morally and emotionally) and the relationships are well thought out and engaging, bringing the story more depth and life. 

I don't even know what else to say, except read it!  I am as pleased as punch that I did. (wink)  Now, I am eagerly awaiting Book 5 - yay!  This series has been SO good and it seems to only get better!

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Against the Tide is the first book I have read by Camden.  I believe it was a good start!  This read was informative, interesting, with well done characters and plot.  Camden delivers nicely part intrigue, suspense, and romance, with characters that come to life.  All the while teaching us about Naval history, orphans and the early and legal use of Opium in our Country's history. 

I have to say I would love to see Camden continue Admiral Fontaine's story in another novel!  All the way around a good read.

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

The Captive Maiden is a retelling of the Cinderella story but without the magic.  If you have read my previous posts on Dickerson's fairytale based books you will notice that they have all been favorable.  I am loathe to say it, but this one just wasn't as good.  I found it to be really cheesy and not as realistic as the other stories but more over the top.  Since this is the first paperback copy of Dickerson's writing that I have purchased, I can not speak to the other e-novels I read, but I noticed after finishing this book, on the back cover it says it is Teen Fiction.  This may explain the lean towards cheesy and perfectionist type characters.  As a Teen book maybe this is more in line with that age group.

I did find that Dickerson was quiet handy at retelling the tale and that part was interesting.  My issue was more with the characters and how I felt that the Author continued to try to impress upon you, their perfection.  Perfect hero, perfect heroine and perfect ending.  I did not like how I was continually reminded of the hero's goodness and his strengths.  I would rather let the story and his actions within tell me that, than it be written in repeatedly. 

The only fault that was put in, was the hero's battle with pride.  Not haughty pride but that he was prideful in wanting to always be the best and in wanting to rely on his own strengths and not God.

Don't get me wrong, I like a good romance and a little mush is fine but I love character development!  Seeing the characters in their weaknesses and strengths.  Seeing the development and growth of not just their relationship/romance but also of themselves.  I just didn't really find that in this novel. 

For some out there this might just be the perfect read for you... For me it left me wanting more.

All for a Story by Allison Pittman

You may have noticed I haven't posted much lately.  I have been reading... some books just did not inspire me to post on them at all and some I have want to mention but have been too busy and traveling, so have put it off till now.  So please forgive me as I post on this book and the next few, since it has been a few weeks since I read them.

I have to say that I liked this book but not as much as the previous book (All for a Song).  The story was a little slow going at first but still enjoyable, further into the book it does pick up pace.  Along with the pace, the humor and draw of the characters lure you further in. Monica is a fun loving, witty and at times reckless "Monkey".  She encompasses a dame, who thoroughly enjoys the roaring twenties.   Max, who you will really like, is a good, strong male character.  He is steady, honorable and has a heart of gold. 

The story ends well, but not in a - everything is wrapped up nice and pretty bow.  Pittman leaves some things to be worked out  in your imagination but with hope that all is good forthcoming. 

Pittman nicely touches on the topics of identity, grace, sacrifice, salvation, family and more, all without being preachy but thoughtful.  A good read.