My Review: Emmy's Equal by Marcia Gruver

Emmy's Equal
(Texas Fortunes, Book 3)
by Marcia Gruver

Christian Fiction/Romance/Historical

Copyright 2009
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Pages: 319
ISBN: 978160262076

From the author:

1907 Carrizo Springs, Texas

Emily (Emmy) Dane’s recent decision to trust God with her life has yet to rub off on her stubborn spirit. After eighteen years of catering to unruly flesh, Emmy’s having trouble surrendering her will. When she realizes God is steering her toward marriage to the last man on earth she’d choose for herself, she bucks like an unbroken stallion.

Diego (Isi) Marcelo can’t be labeled a half-breed because there’s more than two cultures in the mix. His father was a Spanish merchant, his mother part Choctaw and part Scottish trader. Isi, his Indian name, means deer in his grandmother’s tongue, but the locals north of the Mexican border allege his name should be El Toro.

My Thoughts:

Emmy Dane is very upset that her parents are making her go along as they escort her Mama's best friend, Bertha (Bertie) Bloom, to Carrizo Springs, Texas. She would rather travel to St. Louis to see her best friend, Charity, Aunt Bertie's daughter. Charity has just recently had her first baby and Emmy is anxious for a visit.

Emmy's relationship with her father, Willem, is strained at best. She can't figure out why he is always losing his patience with her, or why he doesn't seem to love her. Did she do something wrong in her childhood to cause these feelings? She can remember happier times, but all of a sudden everything seemed to change; Emmy really misses that closeness with her father.

Diego (Isi) Marcelo is the foreman at the Rawson's Twisted-R Ranch. He lives on the ranch with his mother, Melatha, in her humble jacal. She has taught him the ways of his Choctaw ancestors, as well as his father's Spanish heritage. As the ranch foreman, Diego feels like a part of the family, especially since ranch owner, John Rawson, treats him better than his own son, Cuthbert (Cuddy). Diego tries to get father and son to talk through their differences, but disaster strikes before they have a chance. Even though Cuddy and Diego have a falling-out, they're there for each other when trouble comes, besides, what are "brothers" for?

Even though this book was enjoyable, it isn't my favorite of the series. It took me awhile to get into the story, but about halfway through, my interest was finally piqued. If you enjoy historical romances that involve cowboys, cattle drives, banditos, and romantic conflict...this book is for you! Be sure to read the first two books in the series first, Diamond Duo and Chasing Charity, since they do continue with the same characters.

If you're interested in finding out more about the author, and/or her books, please visit Marcia Gruver at www.marciagruver.com

*This book was purchased by me and will be passed on to my sister, to add to her collection.*

A-Z Wednesday

This really fun book meme is hosted by
Vicki @ Reading at the Beach.

The rules are pretty simple...

1. Visit Vicki to get this week's letter.
2. Browse through your shelves for a book that starts with this week's letter.
3. Post the following info about the book you've chosen on your blog:
~ Photo, synopsis/description, link (Amazon, Christian Books, Borders, etc.)
4. Hurry back to Reading at the Beach and post a comment with a link to your post.






Love Finds You in Valentine Nebraska
by Irene Brand

Christian Fiction/Romance/Inspirational

Summerside Press
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781934770382






(from Amazon):

Product Description

Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska What can a California girl do with a few dusty acres of land in rural Nebraska? So Kennedy Blaine wonders after she inherits a ranch in the small, western-style town of Valentine, Nebraska. As Kennedy makes arrangements to sell the property, she finds herself drawn to the ranch and to its attractive manager, Derek Sterling. She decides to spend the summer in her ancestral home and reconnect with family members. But soon Kennedy is subjected to harassment by someone who clearly wants her to leave Valentine. Depending on Gods protection and Dereks assistance, she sets out to discover who is behind the offenses. But when her search reveals painful details about her family and raises questions about Dereks own past, will Kennedy still want to know the truth? Love Finds You is a series of full-length romance novels that give readers a peek into the flavor of local life across the United States. The novels are uniquely named after actual American towns with quirky, interesting names that inspire romance and are just plain fun! This means that each fictional story draws on the compelling history or unique character of a real place. Our fresh, original love stories will feature everything from romance kindled in small towns, to old loves lost and found on the high plains, to new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways.

About the Author

In a writing career spanning three decades, Irene has won numerous awards and published 45 books with sales of more than two million copies. Irene primarily writes inspirational romances, but she has also published nonfiction books, devotional materials and magazine articles. Before she became a fulltime writer, Irene taught for 23 years in public schools. Her other passions include traveling (she and her husband have visited all 50 states and 35 foreign countries) and history (she holds a Masters Degree in the subject). Her published titles include Where Morning Dawns, Listen to Your Heart, and the Kentucky Brides collection. Irene is an active member of her church and is affiliated with several writing organizations. She is a lifelong resident of West Virginia, where she lives with her husband, Rod.

***Click here to read my review***

Waiting on Wednesay

(Compliments of Jill @ Breaking the Spine)

It allows bloggers to feature pre-publication
books that they are eagerly anticipating!

(Normally, I only post this meme on my other blog, but I
had to share this upcoming release with everyone!)

This week I've chosen a book I've been eagerly waiting to see the cover art for...it was worth the wait!!

A Love of Her Own
(Heart of the West, Book 3)
by Maggie Brendan

Release date:
June 1, 2010






(from Amazon):

Product Description

April McBride has suffered a broken engagement once before and fully intends to guard her heart when she travels to Billings, Montana, to attend her brother's wedding. One look around the small mining town convinces April that this won't be difficult--just a bunch of dusty shops, bad service, and ill-bred cowboys. But a run-in with a horse trainer named Wes Owen opens up vast possibilities for frustration, embarrassment, friendship, and . . . love? Can April and Wes see past their differences in order to envision a future together? Readers will love going on this adventurous, spark-filled ride through turn-of-the-century Montana.

Praise for Maggie Brendan: "Brendan's gentle style of prairie romance is reminiscent of Janette Oke . . . capturing the heart of the old West with romance that will make you sigh."--Julie Lessman, author of the Daughters of Boston series
"Brendan blends colorful characters, lively dialogue, and intriguing historical details."--Amanda Cabot, author of Paper Roses and Scattered Petals

From the Inside Flap

EXCERPT FROM CATALOG "Thanks for coming to share in our happiness, Wes," Josh gripped his hand. "One day, it's going to be your turn." "Oh, I doubt that. I'm not the marrying kind." "Don't you mean no one could put up with you?" Josh teased his new friend. "You may be exactly right. Horses are my main focus and I haven't found a gal yet that wanted to share in horse training for her future." He shrugged his shoulders. "You never know, Wes. When one falls in love, stranger things can happen." Juliana said. "I'm looking for a young man who rode up this afternoon when I was training Ed's mare. Never seen him before but I think he must have been one of your guests that came in late." "You must mean my sister, April," Josh pointed across the room, indicating the woman in a yellow dress. Wes followed to where he pointed. His jaw dropped. An attractive, slender blonde stood chatting with Margaret and Louise. "No, Josh. It was a young man in a long duster and floppy hat." No way that this was the same person that he saw in dirty jeans and duster shouting at him earlier! Josh shook his head. "I'm trying to tell you--it was April, my sister over there. Come on, I'll introduce you to her."

Doesn't this sound like a great book?? I don't know how I'm going to survive until June 1, 2010! I want to read this book NOW!! If you haven't had a chance to read Maggie's debut series...you don't know what you're missing! Please go out/online and order your very own copies of the first 2 books in this trilogy...you're going to love them!! Here they are:




No Place for a Lady
(Heart of the West, Book 1)
by Maggie Brendan










The Jewel of His Heart
(Heart of the West, Book 2)
by Maggie Brendan

My Review: Three Times Blessed (Brides of Timber Creek, Bk 2) by Lori Copeland

Three Times Blessed
(Brides of Timber Creek, Bk 2)
by Lori Copeland
Avon Inspire
(an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
Copyright 2009
Pages: 278
ISBN: 9780061364938
Fiction/Christian/Historical/Romance

Back Cover:

How will Audrey and her fellow schoolmarms stay afloat when a flood threatens their small Texas town?

Typically, Thunder Ridge, Texas, is dry as a bone. But Audrey Pride has arrived under a storm cloud, one that is deluging the shocked community with weeks of relentless, drenching rain. With travel in and out of town rendered impossible, there is much important work for her to do - especially when an epidemic of violent illness, originating from a stranded wagon train, spreads rapidly throughout Thunder Ridge. Caring for the sick is consuming Audrey's every waking hour...yet her thoughts keep returning to the attractive widower Eli Gray.

Eli has long been haunted by the fact that he was away at war when his beloved wife died in childbirth. Little by little, however, he is opening his heart again. Now, as their town sags under the crushing weight of water and disease, Audrey and Eli will need to depend on each other in ways they never imagined possible.

My Review:

We catch up with Audrey as she and Copper Wilson, her close friend and fellow schoolmarm, arrive in Thunder Ridge, Texas, in the midst of the biggest rainstorm the town has ever seen. Their arrival is a catastrophe in and of itself! It sets the pace for the rest of the book. Audrey and Copper are coming to stay with their best friend, Willow Madison, who is also a schoolmarm, until they leave in the fall to start teaching at their very own schools, in the surrounding cities. Audrey receives some very disappointing, heart-breaking news before she even has a chance to get out of the rain; now she has no idea what to do, or where to turn.

Eli Gray lives with his Ma and his young son, Tate. He runs the timber mill with his cousins, Tucker and Caleb. Ever since his wife passed away, he doesn't feel worthy of a woman's love. He slowly allows Audrey into his heart, but it takes a lot of prayer, as well as, patience from Audrey to finally get Eli to see that he is indeed worthy of her love.

In my opinion, you will enjoy this book a lot more if you read, Twice Loved, first, as this book begins pretty much where book one leaves off. Once you've done that, you're ready to enjoy this fast-paced, very "wet" historical romance! I thoroughly enjoyed Three Times Blessed, but I think Twice Loved is still my favorite. I can't wait to read Copper's story, One True Love...I have a feeling it's going to be a real firecracker! You'll understand why as you get to know Copper. :)

To find out more about Lori Copeland and/or her books, please visit her at: www.loricopeland.com

*I purchased this book myself, to add to my growing collection.*

My Review: Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy

Cowboy Christmas
by Mary Connealy
Copyright 2009
Pages: 304
Barbour Publishing
ISBN: 9781602601451
Fiction/Christian/Romance

Back cover:

A Secretive singer reawakens a cowboy's wounded heart at Christmastime.

Singer Annette Talbot used her voice to spread the gospel with a traveling missionary troupe. When the Leveques take over and want Annie to dress provocatively and give up singing her beloved hymns, Annie flees to Ranger Bluff, Wyoming, dreaming of reuniting with her father for Christmas. But trouble chases her - right off the edge of a cliff!

Elijah Walker's heart turned as cold and barren as the high plains in December after his ex-fiancee betrayed him and caused his father's death. But when he rescues Annie out of a freezing river, Walker's instincts tell him he must help a stranger in need.

With her hermit father retreating to the high country and the Leveques intent of kidnapping her to make money off her singing, Annie may have no way out.

Has Annie hidden the truth about wanted posters bearing her face too long for anyone to believe her now? Can Elijah overcome the painful past and learn to love again? Will there ever be peace in their hearts in time for Christmas?

My Review:

Cowboy Christmas was not at all what I expected. Honestly, it took me awhile to read it. I picked it up, and put it down, quite a few times before I finally finished it. That's highly unusual for Mary's books...normally I devour them in one sitting. I don't know why it didn't hold my attention as much as her other books, such as, Montana Rose, which I absolutely loved! (my review here) That being said, Cowboy Christmas is not a bad book, it just didn't draw me in for some reason. I have been having a hard time getting into my normal reading mood this past week, so maybe it's me, and not the book at all. If you find this book appealing, by all means, pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I plan to read it again later on, and see if I feel differently.

The character of Ruby Walker was my favorite. I loved her gritty determination, and loyalty to her son, as well as her friends and ranch hands. She also stayed true to God through all of her trials and heart-break. She took Annie under her wing from the very beginning, and didn't waver in her belief of Annie's innocence...even when her own son had plenty of doubts.

Elijah and Annie's journey to find each other is a long and difficult one; hindered by many feelings of self-doubt, untrustworthy feelings, and heartrending grief. In the end, they come to the conclusion that with God, all things truly are possible.

If you're interested in finding out more about Mary Connealy, and/or her books, please visit her website: www.maryconnealy.com or her blog: Mary Connealy ~ Real Life Petticoat Ranch.

*I purchased this book myself on eBay, and will be passing it on to my Mom*

Another Chance to win The Jewel of His Heart!!!!

For those of you that entered my giveaway, but weren't the lucky winner...here's another chance for you to win!!! Just visit Deborah Vogts' blog, Country at Heart, and
enter her drawing! GOOD LUCK!!

Be sure to check out her debut novel, Snow Melts in Spring, too!
**Read my review here**

A-Z Wednesday

This really fun book meme is hosted by
Vicki @ Reading at the Beach.

The rules are pretty simple...

1. Visit Vicki to get this week's letter.
2. Browse through your shelves for a book that starts with this week's letter.
3. Post the following info about the book you've chosen on your blog:
~ Photo, synopsis/description, link (Amazon, Christian Books, Borders, etc.)
4. Hurry back to Reading at the Beach and post a comment with a link to your post.





Kiss Me If You Dare
(Patricia Amble Mystery series, Book 3)
by Nicole Young

Christian Fiction/Mystery/
Romance

Revell Publishing
Pages: 386
ISBN: 9780800731595

(from Amazon)

When readers last saw renovator Tish Amble she was running for her life, her boyfriend Brad left wounded and at the mercy of drug lords in northern Michigan. On Brad's advice, Tish heads for Del Gloria, California, to hide out with an old friend of his--professor Denton Braddock. Tish tries to start a normal life, enrolling in college and working on restoring a block of homes, but her past is catching up with her. Someone is sabotaging her work, and Brad hasn't called in months. Should she return to Michigan to find out what has happened? Or would a homecoming be more painful--and deadly--than she's ready for? Full of the fast-paced action and nail-biting suspense readers have come to expect from author Nicole Young, Kiss Me If You Dare is the thrilling conclusion to the Patricia Amble Mysteries.

Tish Amble is dead--or so she's been told On the run from a backwoods Michigan drug ring that wants her dead, Tish Amble finds herself in sunny California with an assumed identity and a mysterious benefactor. All she wants to do is lay low for awhile, then return to her family--including her almost-fiancé Brad. Instead, she ends up trying to start a normal life, going back to work on the college degree she postponed long ago, and restoring a block of homes. But her past catches up with her. Someone sabotages her work, and Brad hasn't called in months. Should she return to Michigan to find out what has happened? Or would a homecoming be more painful--and deadly--than she's ready for? Full of fast-paced action and nail-biting suspense, Kiss Me If You Dare is the thrilling conclusion to the Patricia Amble Mysteries. Nicole Young has a degree in communications and has earned several awards for speechwriting and presentation. In 2004 she won the Noble Theme Award for the Best First Chapter from the American Christian Romance Writers. She is the author of Love Me If You Must and Kill Me If You Can and lives with her family in Michigan.

This is yet another series in my TBR piles that I've yet to get to! Maybe one day soon...

We have a WINNER!!!

I used Random.org to draw the winner's name for me, and the winner of my very first blog giveaway is...................

Mimi (mnjesusfreak{at}gmail{dot}com)

I'm sending Mimi an email to tell her the good news...if I don't hear back from her within 48 hours...another winner will be drawn.

THANK YOU all for joining me for my first blog giveaway ~ I hope it's the first of many! I'm already trying to decide which book(s) I want to giveaway next!! *grin* I hope to be able to do this at least once a month...so be sure to come by often.

My Review: The Jewel of His Heart (Heart of the West series, Bk 2) by Maggie Brendan

The Jewel of His Heart
(Heart of the West Series, Bk 2)
by Maggie Brendan

Christian Fiction/
Historical/Romance

Copyright 2009
Pages: 333
ISBN: 9780800733506
Revell Publishers



The Jewel of His Heart takes us to the mountains of Montana in the 1890s, where we find Josh McBride herding sheep with his faithful companion, Shebe. Josh had a falling out with his father three years earlier, which lead to his decision to pursue shepherding instead of ranching. He met, and hired, Andy as his cook, as well as, his sheepherder. Even with quite a bit of years between them, they've become close friends who work really well together. Josh is always telling Andy, "If you were a woman, I'd marry you", because he's an excellent cook!

We also meet Juliana Brady, who lost her mother suddenly, and has no idea where her father is, or if he's even alive. She's not yet eighteen, but already feels all alone in the world. She's so mad at God for not bringing her father home, that she can barely stand to have a conversation that involves Him. She no longer attends church or reads her Bible, and since her mother passed away, she's even more angry. Her best friend, Marion Stockton, insists that Juliana move into her family's hotel indefinitely, since she has no where else to go. Juliana eventually finds a job, meets new friends, and starts to enjoy life again.

Even though Josh is falling for Juliana, he feels she is much too young to be interested in him, and that she could do a lot better than a lowly sheepherder like himself. Juliana has feelings for Josh, but tries not to entertain them because she promised her Mama that she would not depend on a man as her only means of survival; she's determined to take care of herself.
Josh and Juliana encounter some really tough times, but learn to lean on God, their friends, and each other to see them through.

The Jewel of His Heart is excellent!! I simply cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book, but I'll try my best! At first, I thought No Place for a Lady (book 1) was going to be my favorite book in this series, but now I'm not so sure...these are both wonderful books that will touch your heart. I met so many wonderful people in the town of Lewistown, that I'm sorry to leave them. There was one person I was not overly fond of throughout most of the book, but by the last few chapters, Wes Owen had carved himself a place in my heart. I'm hoping to see him again and find out what happens when God catches up with him! I'm also anxious to find out what happens with Josh's cook/sheepherder, Andy, and his lovely Nellie. I can't wait to read, A Love of Her Own (book 3), releasing in June 2010.

If you haven't had a chance to enjoy The Jewel of His Heart, or No Place for a Lady, please be sure to pick up your own copies as soon as you can...you just don't realize what you're missing! Be sure to visit Maggie at her blog: SouthernBelle Writer

~Maggie Brendan herself via Revell Publishing (a division of Baker Publishing Group) provided this book for me to review~

FIVE HOURS LEFT!!!!!

Don't forget to enter my very first blog giveaway! You only have FIVE HOURS left to enter! I'm giving away an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Maggie Brendan's newest release, The Jewel of His Heart...book 2 in her Heart of the West series.

Click here to enter!!