Homestands (Chicago Wind Book 1) by Sally Bradley

Book Description:
A broken marriage. A fatherless boy. A past that won't let go. 

When baseball star Mike Connor stumbles across his ex-wife six years after their divorce, he’s stunned to find that she's the mother of a kindergartner who wears his jersey. And shares his last name. 

The last thing Meg Connor wants is to be around Mike. After all, he was the one who hurt and abandoned her. But she can’t deny him—or their son—time together to build a relationship, which means Mike is around too often, reminding her of why she fell in love with him so long ago. If only she could forget their past… The painful and the good. 

Between their guilt and closely held hurts, Meg and Mike struggle against each other, their feelings, and God as they fight their own desires for the future, a future that might never happen when the past that tore them apart collides with their present. 

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Bradley quickly drew me into Meg and Mike's story; and once I started this novel I did not want to stop! Fans of Bradley's first novel, Kept will not be disappointed. We have real hurt and pain here, and circumstances that are not easy to brush away. I felt the pain and even the anger along with Meg. Of course, I was quicker to forgive than her (wink). This story felt authentic and brought forth so many truths. 

We in Christ, are called to forgive. It is easy to say but sometimes hard to do. While Meg might have taken longer than I liked, I was glad to see the struggle, it made the novel and her character more real. I enjoyed seeing Mike grow and work through things in this novel. He was determined and kept coming back, despite how difficult Meg made things.

I do not want to say too much and ruin the story for you. I enjoyed the struggle, the relationships developing and even the touch of suspense added in. This was a well written and captivating novel, and one I definitely recommend.

I read this as part of the Whispers of Love: 12 Christian Romance Novels bundle. I have noticed that it is set to be released on its' own on September 5 and will be available with Kindle Unlimited.

Happy reading,

Told You Twice (Told You Series Book 2) by Kristen Heitzmann

Book Description:

Alexis Murphy is done messing with the wrong kinds of men. She could not be happier planning a personalized Grace Evangeline wedding with her fiancé, Jeffrey, who is so right for her. Or is he? 

Stage star and spokesmodel, Bo Corrigan, could be the ultimate disruption. Alexis—Exi—is caught by his talent and sexual magnetism. Yet under the glow, she senses trouble, not only danger from Bo’s past mistakes, but something inside tearing him apart. 

From the moment Bo sees Exi, he knows she’s special, but not only that—she’s real. Unlike the theater scene he’s been immersed in, she sees the man he is and won’t stop until she’s reached inside and brought that person from despair to life … if only they have time. 

With violent forces against them, can they get beyond the damage to love that heals and restores? 

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Wow, what a story! This one is still lingering with me and has me excited for the next installment of the Told You Series, the novella Twice Take Two! But back to this one... Heitzmann's story and characters lived large, leaping off the page and finding a place where they live and breathe in my imagination. Bo Corrigan captured my attention in Book 1 and I have been excited to see his story play out. And what a story he has, one filled with inner angst. While to the world he appears one way, inside he is hurting, grieving and carrying a load no one can carry; we are not meant to. Bo needs Jesus, but he is walking the wrong way. He has fallen in the pit and sometimes he places himself there. It is a hard journey but a beautiful journey in the end as the prodigal finds his way home. And for any of you who follow my reviews, you know I love a good prodigal story!

This book is most certainly not about perfect people, who have it all together. Although, some may try to come across as if they do. This story paints a picture of real life hurts, sin, self destruction and more. But this story also paints a picture of grace, mercy, truth, hope and love! There is forgiveness and there is more to us than we can see at times, the person that God sees and calls to come home. Thankfully He loves us and died for us while we were still in our sin! Amen!

I will say that I was not immediately sucked into the story. But it did not take long for that to happen. And once I was wrapped up in the story, I found it very hard to walk away from it. In fact, last night I stayed up way too late to finish it because I had to!  And all day today it has continued to linger with me. I do not want to say too much about the ins and outs of the tale because I want you to enjoy that journey on your own. But I will tell you that the cast from Told You So, Book 1 is back! And they are not just short cameo appearances either! It was great getting to see these characters and their relationships further develop. Not only that, I enjoyed a few chuckles along the way! Do not think this is all a deep sad tale, it has its ups and downs, and you will love traveling along on this journey!

Conclusion, read this one! 

Burnin' For You: inspirational romantic suspense (Montana Fire Book 3) by Susan May Warren

Book Description:

From RITA award-winning author Susan May Warren comes a new action romance. Book 3 in the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy.

He’s loved her for years . . .

Smoke jumper Reuben Marshall is harboring a deep regret—a split-second decision that cost the life of his crew boss in a fire. It’s a grief that has paralyzed him, kept him from moving forward. It’s mistakes, and regrets like this that keep him from pursuing his long-burning interest in Gilly Priest, their pretty, petite pilot. Not only is she not interested in dating a teammate, but she’s also the preacher’s daughter. And while Reuben's not the chiefest of sinners, he’s no saint. Reuben feels like a buffalo next to her and worse, can’t seem to string two words together when she’s in his radar. He’ll just have to love her from afar...

Her dark secret keeps her from trusting . . .

Gilly Priest has worked hard to carve out her niche as a female bomber pilot in the dangerous world of firefighting. Sure she’s small, but she’s made up for her stature in courage, grit, and the tenacity to face danger other pilots wouldn’t dare to confront. And yes, she’s noticed handsome Reuben Marshall—who wouldn’t? Dependable and strong, he takes up most of the space in the room. But Gilly’s dark secret won’t allow her close enough to talk to him, let alone let herself fall for him. 

A race to rescue the people they love . . .

When their smokejumper plane goes down in the northwestern Montana mountains, wounding their team, Gilly and Reuben are the only ones able to hike out to find help. But when their rescue mission turns out to be a fight for their lives against the terrain, a saboteur, and a forest fire, they discover they’ll have to put aside their fears and learn to trust each other. But will trust lead to igniting something they both long for...and fear? And can they save their team before tragedy strikes—again?

Don’t miss the other books in the series:
Where There’s Smoke (Book 1)
Playing with Fire (Book 2)

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Another action packed romance from Warren! I have enjoyed this series and I am really looking forward to the new one that these kick off. Burnin' For You had all the elements that draw you in and keep the pages burning, um I mean turning... Danger, betrayal, friendship, romance, faith, hope, suspense and action. I enjoyed getting to see Gilly and Reuben find their way through not only the danger, but also their own issues and into a sweet romance! The ending left off with one part of the story still open, not in regard to the romance (never fear); so I am hoping that the loose end will some how get tied up in the next series. If not, that's okay too, Warren hinted at a conclusion she just did not spell it out. 

Overall, a really enjoyable read!