A March Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella) by Rachel Hauck

For those who are fans of Hauck's novel, Once Upon a Prince, you will delight to have the opportunity to continue the royal tale with A March Bride. Hauck taps in on those internal struggles and fears we can at times let rise up and cause us to stumble. Do we doubt what we once knew to be true or chose to remember, stand firm and trust God? A enjoyable, light read!

Tributary (River of Time, 3.2 Novella) by Lisa T. Bergren

Keep in mind that this is a novella and therefore won't pack in as much as a long novel. But I have to say that for a novella, this story does not short change you. The characters, relationships and all feel flushed out and well developed. I loved catching back up with the characters that came to seem so real to me. I also enjoyed meeting some new characters.

Tributary picks up about a year after where Bourne ends. And for once there has been a semblance of peace for our gang.  Lia and Luca's story plays out more and Lord Greco is back! If like me, you were hoping to see his story played out more - you will! I have to say that a part of me is still not ready to say goodbye to this cast of characters but at the same time I feel quiet pleased with the wrap-up! Thank you Lisa T. Bergren for a fantastic, fun and adventurous read! I enjoyed the romance too and your lessons on faith. God bless!

Bourne (River of Time, 3.1 Novella) by Lisa T. Bergren

Bourne, picks up right where Book 3, Torrent left off. For a novella, it still packs all the good stuff in. Of course, there is action, drama, romance and more in store, as you rapidly read through its' pages. This novella brings all our key characters back in, including Rodolfo! Bourne also brings into play more of Lia and Luca's story. So gear up for some adventure, where there is never a dull moment and enjoy!

Torrent (River of Time Series, Book 3) by Lisa T. Bergren

All I can say is WOW! Wow, what a great novel and a great series, I did not want it to end! This novel grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let up until the very last page. Seriously, I stayed up way too late last night (ahem, I mean early this morning), because I could NOT put it down. There was no great place to stop, where my mind wouldn't be spinning thinking about what was going on in this book. Bergren writes characters that grab your heart and a story that holds you in suspense; held captive by not only the characters, but their relationships and the high action drama. The romance is pretty steamy in a sweet romantic way (all clean). Without being preachy she weaves in threads of faith and helps us examine what it really means to LIVE! To live fully in the present, trusting God and not worrying about the past nor what is to come.

This is a YA novel but even as an adult I found it to be a fantastic read. I am so glad that there are books out there for YA readers that are not only clean reads but reads that cause you to look deeper at life, faith and love. I am so excited to know that there are two novellas left to read, because I am so not ready to say goodbye to this cast of characters!

Wishing you a delight filled and enlightening read!

Cascade (River of Time Series, Book 2) by Lisa T. Bergren

A fantastic Young Adult (or older) read!

Cascade, Book 2 in the River of Time Series, is packed with even more action, suspense, romance and drama! This is a fast paced, thrilling adventure you don't want to miss. I was so excited to come across this Christian YA series, as I have several YA friends/family that love to read. I will be recommending this series to them!

Cascade picks up where Waterfall left off. Once again the characters and their story are well written and believable. Bergren even introduces a new and intriguing secondary character, that I look forward to reading about either in Book 3 or in the following novellas!  Speaking of which, I am off to read....!

Adventure awaits!

Waterfall (River of Time, Book 1) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Get ready to fall into Waterfall and take a wild ride through time, with characters and a storyline that will keep the pages rapidly turning! Bergren does a stellar job with her first foray into the Young Adult novel genre. Having read several of Bergen's other WONDERFUL novels, when I stumbled across this series I knew I had to give it a read. And I am so glad I did! This is one YA novel that I can recommend to some of the young adults I know and to all of you, too!

I delighted in her characters and how Gabi stayed true to herself throughout the different circumstances she found herself in. Her reflections on the words of wisdom given to her and her courage are sure to garner not only your attention but your heart as well. Gabi and Lia are both brave, courageous and interesting young women that you will delight to root for. And the "swoon" worthy and brave guys don't hurt either (wink)! Can't wait to start Book 2!

A Killer Among Us (Women of Justice, Book 3) by Lynette Eason

A Killer Among Us, is the shining star of the Women of Justice series! Loved this one! From the characters and their relationships, to the suspense and mystery, this novel delivered a walloping good read! I felt like Eason really found her writing groove and potential with this one.

This was Eason's first series, Deadly Reunions being her second series and now having read both I have to say that I believe she just keeps getting better and better. You could read this book alone but I think that you would want to read the other characters' stories in Books 1 & 2, since they are all in Book 3. Either way this one was a good read!

Don't Look Back (Women of Justice, Book 2) by Lynette Eason

I do believe Eason took it up a notch in Book 2. The novel grabbed my interest from the beginning and I really was enjoying it. However, around halfway through there were a couple of things in the story that just seemed really unrealistic that bugged me. There were things said between the characters at times that I also found to be a little bit overkill. Still, I found the romance and relationship between our two main characters to flow well and be believable. The suspense was once again the highlight of the story. Even though I had "the Hero" figured out early on, it actually helped to add to the suspense. And Eason even threw in a surprise twist or two... Overall, a really entertaining read! Eason rocks at suspense!

If you read my previous review on Book 1, you will be glad to know that Book 2 had all the chapter headings and page breaks! Made for a much more enjoyable and less confusing read!

Too Close To Home (Women of Justice Series, Book 1) by Lynette Eason

Eason's first book in the Women of Justice series is an entertaining read. While I did figure out one of the killers about mid way through, it still held me in suspense and kept me eagerly devouring the pages. I have to say that is one area where I think Eason excels - mystery & suspense. While the romance part of the book wasn't bad, it just didn't flow and felt a little corny at times. Overall, I enjoyed the read and better yet- it was free! 

I have to add that I read this as an E-book and something must have gone wrong in the transfer from the published version to the E version, because there were no breaks (page or otherwise) in the story until I reached chapter 11! Seriously, I started the first page and then all the conversations and actions flowed from one paragraph into another till then. Which was a little confusing, as you would be reading one persons thoughts in a certain situation and then all the sudden you would be in someone else's thoughts in a totally different situation/place! After Ch. 11, it would keep in this pattern of skipping page breaks and Chapter headings on and off throughout the majority of the book. Frustrating! Which is reflected in my rating. Otherwise I would have given this 4 Stars.

I enjoyed Eason's Deadly Reunion series and I am hoping that Book 2 in this series will shine!

Swept to Sea by Heather Manning

Swept to Sea is a debut novel for teen, Heather Manning. Considering her age, I would say she has done a good job of crafting her first novel. And I can see potential for her future in writing. I think this might be better if labeled as a Young Adult novel. I could see the dialogue and dramatization going over better with a younger crowd. For a YA novel I might give this 3 1/2 - 4 Stars. Manning is very imaginative and writes with a flare, from the depths of her knowledge. If she were my daughter, I would be very proud of her and her ability to write out a lengthy novel - that several other reviewers really enjoyed!

However, I wish I could praise it more, but I cannot. To be honest, I dreaded writing this review. For one reason, I didn't want to discourage a young new author, but as a fellow reader I felt an honest review was due. Not to say that the other, more favorable reviews were not honest, but an honest review from my perspective. After reading said previous reviews, I was really excited to read this novel and was so hopeful... There were about 20 favorable reviews and one maybe two non-favorable reviews. So, I purchased trusting in the majorities favor, and was disappointed shortly after starting the book. I found the dialogue to be a bit unrealistic or immature, the characters to be too dramatic or unrealistic (especially with the Captain... his words and actions didn't seem to fit right with who I know she wanted to portray him as), and the story plot to be all a bit too predictable and lacking depth. I could see from a teens perspective, writing the characters and their interactions the way she did but as an adult it just seemed unrealistic and not endearing to me. I made it to about the half way point in the book without skim reading but it became a little too much for me to read word for word after that and I ended up skimming the rest of the novel just to finish it.

I do see Manning's potential, and given time I do believe she will be able to craft a great story. I give her applause for crafting her first novel, that in itself is a feat! As she matures and her life experiences expand, I am sure that will be reflected more in her future writing. Let me add that I have read other mature authors who write in a similar fashion, but for the same reasons those authors do not appeal to me. For Manning, I feel it is more her age than her style of writing. I hope that she continues to pursue her passion for writing and will grow into a successful author.

Duchess (Daughters of Fortune, Book 3) by Susan May Warren

I have to tell you that this was both a novel and a series that I was not ready to end - superb writing! The Daughters of Fortune series lingers with you and plays through your mind and gives you so many insights and truths to dig through that you are completely captivated. I cannot say enough about this series. 

Duchess is the final book in the series and continues with the story of Rosie. If you like a grand, sweeping novel pick up this book (series)!!! Gone with the Wind brought us Scarlett, Daughters of Fortune has given us Rosie. No they are not the same, but they are both complex characters. Ladies, whose actions at times make us cringe but at the same time we can't but still help to care for them and root them on. We want their lives redeemed, we want them to find love & to see them be the people we know they can & are meant to be. Isn't that something true in all of our lives, if we will but admit it. We long for these things & even more God longs for them too, and He has made them all possible. Pride & unbelief stand in the way but even those walls can be torn down.

Brilliant, enthralling and moving are just the tip of the iceberg, in describing both this novel and series. The characters, the story, the romance and drama are sure to keep you spellbound from beginning to end! A must read!

Baroness (Daughters of Fortune, Book 2) by Susan May Warren

The drama keeps on coming in Book 2, the Daughters of Fortune series. Warren continues to weave a tale that lures you in, engrosses you and has you on edge, as our two daughters of fortune seem to rashly dash through life, and what a wake they cause! They are so sure in their youthfulness of who they are or who they are NOT, and while seemingly oblivious to the blessings they already have, they search for blessings that they feel must be earned. What a story!

I love how Warren's books are so filled with life lessons on faith and love but they are not wham in your face or preachy. These truths are so woven into the story and deep that they cause you to subtly reflect on them at first and then step back and take a deeper look. In this story, these girls are seeking to belong, to be loved. They are blind to God's love and instead see only their tragedies and question how He can love them when these things happen. Journey with them as they learn the truth about real love and that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God, we do not have to bargain or offer him anything for his steadfast, unfailing love.

WONDERFUL!!!

Heiress (Daughters of Fortune, Book 1) by Susan May Warren

Warren masterfully crafts a story that brings forth moments of heightened anticipation, thoughtful reflection & captures you so completely, that it lingers on your mind. I will tell you that as she lays down the ground work for this amazingly told novel you won't at first see it's genius but soon it will have your mind running & your fingers just trying to keep up with the pace. There were moments, cliff hangers, that had me debating thumbing through ahead to put my mind at ease but I didn't do it, though the temptation was strong. Instead I found I couldn't stop thinking about the story, the characters, what might happen & the lessons within. I eagerly returned to this novel's pages. Truly Warren has a gift! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

Interested in a grand drama that offers deep insights and points you to the unfailing love and grace of God, then pick this one up!

Carried Away (Montana Miracles, Book 1) by Grace Walton

I got "Carried Away" reading this book yesterday... in fact I stayed up till just after midnight because I had to finish it! Written with some intrigue, romance and faith threads on forgiveness, redemption, faith and more, this book packed it in! Walton seems to stay in keeping with her other novels by writing a strong male character; one who readily admits his sinful past and how he has been saved by Christ, and now seeks to live out his faith. Like the rest of us, he isn't perfect but watching his struggle and surrender to Christ is a reminder to us that though there may be temptations in our life or moments we can make wrong choices to just cling to Christ and let His strength carry us through. Our heroine is spunky and easy to like. And Walton left us with some other characters of interest for future books in the Montana Miracles Series, of which I am excited to read!

I really enjoyed this read on so many levels. It is a shorter novel, so some things will develop faster in the story due to the length, which I find to be typical of short novels in general. I read another review that wasn't as favorable and left me confused as to whether I should read this novel or not. But after reading her two other novels I decided to take a chance and see for myself. And I am so glad I did. The reviewer had left the impression there might be some way out of Christian like character in those who profess faith in the novel but I didn't find that to be accurate. If you are up to taking a chance and getting "Carried Away" I would pick this one up! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!
(Note there are a few editing errors but not significant enough to take away from the story.)

Mercy's Heart (The ChristKeepers, Book 1) by Grace Walton

Walton has the ability to capture your attention and hold it steady, from beginning to end. Another wonderful story, filled with surprise twists and turns. Romantic, sweet, and touched with moments of suspense and mystery, this is a tale that I eagerly read through today but was not ready for it to end.

Mercy and Titus are very likable and well written characters. And what is more, there are so many other well written characters in here, that I eagerly anticipate reading their stories! At least that is my hope! Please, Mrs. Walton write them and soon!

Mercy's Heart is also a story about God's mercy, grace, love and forgiveness. A lesson on holding true to Him and seeking His will above our own, even when the price seems to be too high. That is where faith steps in, trusting and believing God will work all things together for good, according to His purpose and that His love never fails!
(There are a few grammatical errors but it does not take away from the great read)

Birdie Saves The World by Grace Walton

Loved this book! It grabbed my attention and held it from beginning to end. This is the first book that I have read by Walton, but I do plan to read more. I am giving this a 4 Star rating for two reasons which I will mention later, but for now let me tell you what I liked about this novel.

This is a Christian fiction book that deals with some of the hard things of life, the sin that is part of our fallen world. Beyond the dysfunctional families, there are issues dealing with drug abuse, physical abuse, homelessness, prostitution, greed, maliciousness and more. But just as there is evil in the world there is Love. There are those who shine God's love and light; Birdie is one of those people who shines. She is a character you will love and root for. Shiloh is one tough, bad boy dude, who really isn't all he or others think he is... If you like a good redemption story this is a good one to read.

Even beyond the well written characters is a story that just has you glued to the pages and thrilled along the way. While this is a clean read, the romantic tension in this story is sizzling. And even when there are kissing moments, whether it be kissing Birdie's hand or her lips- WOWzers!

I truly enjoyed reading Birdie and Shiloh's story. Sure some parts were a little over the top but hey it's fiction and it made for a good tale! And as one other reviewer posted... please (Grace Walton) tell Gabe's story, it sounds to be quiet good and intriguing. Overall, this was an exciting and romantic read, touching on some wonderful spiritual truths along the way.

Okay, now to the reasons I didn't give it the full 5 stars... There was (as another review mentioned) a not so clean word in this book. It wasn't peppered through out but in one conversation, used a few times (another name for a donkey). A bit unexpected for Christian fiction and I felt it could have been left out. Also, there are some grammatical errors here and there that got overlooked. All of that being said I still loved this story!

Princess Ever After (The Royal Wedding Series, Book 2) by Rachel Hauck

A sweet, sweepingly romantic story! Hauck once again takes us into a modern-day fairytale story complete with all the elements that keep the pages turning and will leave you with a smile upon your face. While the start of the story wasn't as gripping, as Hauck was establishing her characters and the setting, once the two main characters meet I found the book hard to put down. Even when I did have to step away from the pages, I eagerly returned.

I will admit there were times I wanted to shake both of the main characters as they dealt with their own personal issues, in truth it is much like us... Trying to believe that God has more for us than we can imagine; comprehending and living in that truth and accepting the grace and forgiveness He has lavished upon us.

A delightful read!

When a Secret Kills (Deadly Reunions, Book 3) by Lynette Eason

The climatic ending to the Deadly Reunions Series is a fast paced, page turner sure to captivate you from beginning to end! Seriously, a great novel! Once again Eason masterfully scripts a tale full of mystery and suspense, that keeps you on your toes till the end. I enjoyed the romantic story between our hero and heroine. And even found a secondary character that I am hoping she will write about in a new book!

This book, to me, was the best in the series. And I give you fair warning don't pick it up till you are ready to read it through. I was too tired to stay up till 1 am and finish it last night, thus my body must have been kept in a state of suspense, because I kept waking up on and off. Not that it was scary but I was just so excited to see what would happen next and how things would work out! A highly entertaining read!

When a Heart Stops (Deadly Reunions, Book 2) by Lynette Eason

This book has me conflicted. Torn between the things I liked about the book and those that bothered me. First off, Eason does a wonderful job at keeping you in suspense and guessing till the end. You will have a list of suspects and one of them might be right but you won't piece it together till the end. That is something I really like about her books. However, both books started off kind of slow, not boring but just not gripping. Just shy of half way through the intensity of the story has you glued to the pages and flying through.

I have to say that what bothered me initially was some inconsistencies I noted from Book 1 to Book 2. I am a details person and things stick with me. Maybe if I hadn't read the books back to back I wouldn't have noticed but I did. First of all in Book 1 we are told that Serena has chocolate colored eyes but in Book 2 her eyes are blue. In Book 1 towards the end (don't want to give too much away), there is someone who is killed in their hospital bed but in Book 2 this same person is said to be killed in jail. So that really bugged me.  I noticed a few other minor inconsistencies in other places as well. Beyond that there was something just kind of pan in the interactions of some of the characters at times, or just too cheesy for me. Still I liked the characters... I think I just look for or enjoy a book more when there is a bit more depth in the romantic relationship (more time spent together, more conversations, etc.).

All that said, it is at times an okay read and at other times a really great read, thus my conflicted feelings on this book. I will be reading Book 3, I am looking forward to the mystery, suspense aspect and seeing how it all works out.

When the Smoke Clears (Deadly Reunions, Book 1) by Lynette Eason

Finding a book that keeps me guessing and in suspense till the end has been hard to find but Eason's novel has managed to do just that! This novel is the first I have read by Eason and I am sure to come back for more. Filled with suspense, mystery, romance and good characters, there is no short supply of things to keep the pages turning at a rapid pace.

At first, I liked it and thought it was pretty good but wasn't impressed, not too much further in though the book hooked me and as my list of suspects grew, I became more and more impressed. I don't want to give too much away but if you are looking for a Christian fiction book filled with the aforementioned parts, that will keep you trying to piece it all together to the end, then grab this one up and settle in for a good read.