The Vigilante's Bride

HARRIS, YVONNE
THE VIGILANTE'S BRIDE

Is her kidnapper the only man who can keep her safe?

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and kidnapping a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ends up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy.

Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE READ! THE VIGILANTE'S BRIDE HAS IT ALL -- HUNKY HERO, SPUNKY HEROINE, DOWNRIGHT EVIL VILLAIN AND A RIVETING PLOT.

LOVED THE DYNAMICS BETWEEN LUKE AND EMILY -- SPARKS FLY AT THEIR VERY UNORTHODOX FIRST MEETING. I LOVED HOW HARRIS HANDLED THE GRADUAL DAWNING OF HATE TURNING INTO LOVE. THERE ARE SOME ACHINGLY TENDER AND TOE-CURLING ROMANTIC SCENES AS WELL AS FUNNY ONES.

IN FACT HARRIS DID A WONDERFUL JOB OF BLENDING DRAMA AND COMEDY AND DRAWING OUT THE SUSPENSE. PLUS SHE ADDED IN SOME SURPRISES THAT I DIDN'T SEE COMING AT ALL. IMPECCABLE PACING KEPT ME TURNING PAGES, EAGER FOR MORE, BUT DISAPPOINTED WHEN I FINALLY CAME TO THE END. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR.

A Soldier's Reunion

WYATT, CHERYL

A SOLDIER'S REUNION

Despite a decade apart, this isn't the reunion Mandy Manchester expected! She thought she'd put high school sweetheart Nolan Briggs behind her. Now he's back...and the pararescue jumper literally sweeps her off her feet. He's ready and willing to rekindle what they once shared. Mandy, though, isn't prepared to put her heart at risk. He left her before -- she won't trust him again. Can Nolan teach this grounded girl to take a leap of faith?

I SEEM TO BE READING THE WINGS OF REFUGE SERIES BACKWARDS! I JUST GOT MY HANDS ON THIS ONE THANKS TO A WIN AT SEEKERVILLE AND COULDN'T WAIT TO READ IT. CHERYL WYATT HAS SUCH A GIFT FOR STORYTELLING. SHE SOMEHOW MANAGES TO CONVEY SO MUCH EMOTION WITH HER CAREFULLY CRAFTED WORDS AND IT'S DEFINITELY EMOTION THAT PROPELS THE PLOT IN A SOLDIER'S REUNION.

THE FACT THAT NOLAN AND MANDY WERE HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS WITH A HURTFUL PAST HURDLE US INTO ANGST IN THE VERY FIRST CHAPTER. MANDY'S CONFUSION AND PAIN IS PALPABLE; NOLAN'S NEW-FOUND RESOLVE EXCITING. HE CAN'T LEAVE THE PAST BEHIND THEM AND THE WAY HE SETS OUT TO WOE MANDY BACK IS SUCH A ROMANTIC READ! AND THE PROPOSAL! BE STILL MY HEART!!! SO CREATIVE AND TOUCHING. ANOTHER ENJOYABLE READ BY CHERYL WYATT...AND DEFINITELY ONE TO SAVOR.

Made to Order Family

HERNE, RUTH LOGAN

MADE TO ORDER FAMILY

Three kids, a shameful past and a mess of troubles.

Single mom Rita Slocum wants to get her life back on track. Taking things one day at a time seems doable -- especially with Brooks Harriman at her side. Brooks has been there for her through good times and bad. But she's always been leery of getting too close to the broad-shouldered woodworker who keeps his past locked away. Now that Rita's opening her own bakery, she needs him more than ever. If only Brooks would open up his life -- and his heart -- to Rita.

MADE TO ORDER FAMILY IS A POWERFUL TESTAMENT TO THE STRENGTH FOUND THROUGH FORGIVENESS AND LOVE. HERNE HAS CREATED AN UPLIFTING AND INSPIRING ROMANCE IN SPITE OF (OR MAYBE BECAUSE OF) THE SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER IN HER BOOK. DID I REALLY WANT TO READ A LOVE STORY ABOUT TWO RECOVERING ALCOHOLICS? I WASN'T SURE, BUT SINCE I ADMIRE AND TRUST THE AUTHOR, I DID AND SHE CERTAINLY DIDN'T DISAPPOINT.

RUTH LOGAN HERNE HAS A FRESH, DEFINITIVE VOICE AND IT'S SUCH A PLEASURE TO LOSE MYSELF IN THE PAGES OF ONE OF HER BOOKS. HER ABILITY TO BLEND REALITY WITH FICTION ALWAYS ENSURES A SATISFYING READ THAT LEAVES ME RELUCTANT TO COME TO THE END. MADE TO ORDER FAMILY IS JUST SUCH A BOOK.

RITA STRUGGLES WITH THE AFTERMATH OF POOR DECISIONS. HER ALCOHOLISM HAS AFFECTED HER RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE SHE LOVES MOST -- HER CHILDREN. BUT IT HAS ALSO BROUGHT A NEW LOVE INTO HER LIFE.

BROOKS HARRIMAN UNDERSTANDS EXACTLY WHAT RITA'S GOING THROUGH BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN THERE. NOW HE HEADS THE LOCAL CHAPTER OF AA AND HELPS OTHERS BATTLE THE SAME DISEASE. HE HAS BEEN RITA'S ROCK AND A VERY DEAR AND UNDERSTANDING FRIEND FOR OVER A YEAR BUT HAS RITA'S RECOVERY PROGRESSES, SO DOES THEIR RELATIONSHIP.

HERNE WEAVES AN INCREDIBLE LOVE STORY BETWEEN THE PAGES OF THIS BOOK. IT'S FRAUGHT WITH OBSTACLES, RIFE WITH COMPLICATIONS, BUT THAT JUST MAKES IT ALL THE MORE COMPELLING A READ. FROM A TRAUMATIZED CHILD ACTING OUT TO RITA'S BATTLE WITH HER OWN FEELINGS OF SELF-WORTH TO BROOKS' RELUCTANCE TO FACE HIS PAST, THERE'S ENOUGH ANGST TO KEEP A READER'S ATTENTION. BUT MADE TO ORDER FAMILY IS PEPPERED WITH HUMOUR AND ROMANCE AND ENDEARING HEARTWARMING MOMENTS AS WELL

Blind Hope : an Ultimate Dog & the Woman she Rescued

MEEDER, KIM

SACHER, LAURIE

BLIND HOPE : AN UNWANTED DOG & THE WOMAN SHE

Lauire's dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch -- the ranch of rescued dreams - where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need. And she soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her.

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced through her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog -- and her own heart -- Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.

As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn't see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God's grace even for imperfect and selfish people -- and she experienced a greater love than she had ever known.

THIS NON-FICTION BOOK IS A QUICK READ, BUT NOT A LIGHT ONE. I'D EVEN GO SO FAR AS SUGGESTING THAT IT MIGHT JUST MAKE AN INTERESTING DEVOTIONAL STUDY. THE PARALLELS KIM AND LAURIE MAKE TO GOSPEL PRINCIPLES ARE VERY UPLIFTING -- SIMPLE TRUTHS, BUT ONES THAT DESERVE CONTEMPLATION.

FOR INSTANCE, WHEN MIA, THE DOG, STRUGGLES TO ADAPT TO HER INCREASING BLINDNESS, A STUBBORN STREAK HAS HER TRYING TO RACE AHEAD ON A CRAGGY BEACH. MIA KEEPS BUMPING INTO OBSTACLES -- A ROCK, A PIECE OF DRIFTWOOD, A STUMP. THE PANICKED DOG DISREGARDS HER MASTER'S VOICE AND CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS THAT WOULD END HER TRAUMA. HOW OFTEN DO WE FORGE AHEAD IN LIFE BASED ON OUR OWN WILL WHILE DISREGARDING THE FATHER'S?

EACH CHAPTER EXPLORES A DIFFERENT TRUTH ABOUT GOD'S GRACE IN AN EASY TO UNDERSTAND MANNER. THERE'S DEFINITELY MORE TO BLIND HOPE THAN A HEARTWARMING DOG STORY!

A Shore Thing

CAROBINI, JULIE

A SHORE THING

Callie Duflay just isn't like the rest of her family. While they've built white-collar lives, she prefers getting her hands dirty by working with kids and local California causes. So when she learns a beloved piece of untouched property in her town of Otter Bay may soon be developed, she naturally confronts the architect assigned to the project.

Gage Mitchell may be an easygoing, eco-friendly professional but he's not about to back off this job no matter how cute Callie or her pet pooch, Moondoggy, may be. His reasons and hers are noble -- both have a heart for protecting God's creation, and the truth is these two could be perfect for each other outside this face-off.

But will they ever figure that out?

THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN FOR ME! I LOVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANGLE AND CALLIE COULD BE ME...WELL IN THE DESIRE TO PROTECT THE EARTH AND LIVE RESPONSIBLY IN ORDER TO LESSEN MY ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT. I LOVE THAT CALLIE GETS THAT AND LIVES IT TO HER FULLEST. CAROBINI DOES A WONDERFUL JOB OF DESCRIBING THE BEAUTY OF THE LAND THAT CALLIE IS FIGHTING TO PROTECT. SHE MANAGES TO CONVEY THE MAGNITUDE AND SACREDNESS OF GOD'S CREATIONS IN SO MANY SCENES. BEAUTIFULLY, BEAUTIFULLY DONE.

I'M STILL SMILING OVER THE DOG. PERSONALLY, I THINK EVERY GOOD ROMANCE SHOULD HAVE A DOG. :-) BUT THIS ONE STEALS MY HEART, JUST LIKE HE STEALS CALLIE'S. A DOG CAN GO A LONG WAY TO REVEALING CHARACTER AND LETS JUST SAY THAT GAGE HAS A WHOLE LOT OF CHARACTER!

CAROBINI HAS USED A MIXED POV -- BOTH 1ST AND 3RD PERSON. CALLIE'S SEGMENTS ARE IN FIRST PERSON, GAGE'S ARE IN THIRD. I'VE NEVER READ ANYTHING LIKE IT AND YOU WOULD THINK THE FLOW OF THE BOOK WOULD BE BUMPY BUT IT'S NOT. I REALLY LOVED CALLIE'S VOICE AND FELT LIKE I KNEW HER SO MUCH BETTER SO MUCH FASTER BECAUSE OF THE 1ST PERSON POV. SHE'S QUIRKY AND FUNNY AND PASSIONATE.

THERE'S A STRENGTH IN GAGE, A KIND OF NOBILITY THAT HE ATTEMPTS TO REPRESS IN ORDER TO GET HIS ARCHITECT BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND. HE HAS A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS YOUNGER SISTER AND HER SON...MAKING ME HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE A SEQUEL WITH SUZ AS THE HEROINE.

TOGETHER, GAGE AND CALLIE ARE PERFECT...OR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A DIFFERENT PLACE AND ANOTHER TIME. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK, ATTRACTION DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT WILL BE ENOUGH TO GET THESE TWO TOGETHER -- THOUGH IT'S A DEFINITE START IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I LIKE HOW CAROBINI BUILT THE ROMANTIC TENSION, BUILDING ON THAT ATTRACTION AND SLOWLY DEVELOPING IT INTO SO MUCH MORE. THERE ARE SOME SENSATIONAL ROMANCE SCENES WITHIN A SHORE THING.

CAROBINI SHOWS WONDERFUL INSIGHT INTO RELATIONSHIPS. THEY READ SO REAL! CALLIE'S FAMILY IN PARTICULAR. THE DYNAMICS ARE BELIEVABLE -- FALLIBLE PEOPLE WHO CAN BE INFURIATING AT TIMES, ENDEARING AT OTHERS. ALL OF THEM DEFINITELY A LITTLE DYSFUNCTIONAL.

THEN THERE'S THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS AND SHADY DEALINGS. THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL -- ROMANCE, ANGST, SUSPENSE...AND, OF COURSE, A HAPPILY EVER AFTER. PLUS IT'S REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING ELSE I'VE READ IN A LONG TIME. A DEFINITE MUST READ.

A Hopeful Heart

A HOPEFUL HEART

SAWYER, KIM VOGEL

Can she turn her second-best chance into a golden opportunity?

Dowryless and desperate, Tressa Neill applies to the inaugural class of Wyatt Herdsman School in Barnett, Kansas. The school's one-of-a-kind program teaches young women from the East the skills needed to become a rancher -- or the wife of one. But will Tressa have what it takes to survive Hattie Wyatt's hands-on-instruction in skills such as milking a cow, branding a calf and cooking up a mess of grub for hungry ranch hands?

Abel Samms wants nothing to do with the passel of potential brides his neighbour brought to town. He was smitten with an eastern girl once -- and he got his heart broken. But there's something about quiet Tressa and her bumbling ways that makes him take notice. When trouble strikes, will Abel risk his life -- and his heart -- to help this eastern girl?

THIS IS SUCH A FRESH LOOK AT THE MAIL-ORDER BRIDE STORY LINE. I LOVE THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF A HERDSMAN SCHOOL. HOW BRILLIANT IS THAT?! AND 'AUNT' HETTY NEARLY OUTSHINES THE HERO AND HEROINE. SHE'S JUST SUCH A SOLID, COMFORTING, NO-NONSENSE BUT COMPASSIONATE WOMAN. AND HER FAITH IS UNSHAKABLE. SHE'S THE ANCHOR IN THIS BOOK.

TRESSA NEILL IS A HEROINE AFTER MY OWN HEART. SHE STARTS OUT SO TIMID, COWED BY EMOTIONAL EVENTS FROM HER PAST WHICH HAVE MADE HER LOSE SIGHT OF GOD. HER LACK OF CONFIDENCE MAKES HER A SCAPEGOAT FOR SOME OF THE OTHER GIRLS AT THE SCHOOL. THE GROWTH IN HER CHARACTER IS SOME OF THE BEST I'VE EVER READ. IT WAS SO NATURAL AND PLAUSIBLE AND REALLY PULLED ME IN.

ABEL SAMM'S PREJUDICES AGAINST THE EASTERN WOMEN AND HIS BATTLE WITH HIS ATTRACTION TO TRESSA IS INFURIATING, FUNNY AND ENDEARING. HE HAS SOLID REASONS FOR NOT BEING INTERESTED IN AN EASTERN BRIDE -- OR ANY WOMAN FOR THAT MATTER AS HE STRUGGLES TO HOLD ONTO HIS RANCH. AND TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THERE'S A CATTLE RUSTLING MYSTERY THAT NEARLY COSTS ABEL HIS LIFE AND LIVELIHOOD AND PUTS TRESSA IN DANGER.

THE INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE OF PUTTING YOUR FAITH IN GOD IS INTRICATELY WOVEN THROUGHOUT THE PLOT. IT FLOWS NATURALLY AND BEAUTIFULLY AND MAKES THIS AN ENJOYABLE, UPLIFTING READ.

Fatal Loyalty

DUFFY, SUE

FATAL LOYALTY

Andie Ryborg has nowhere else to go. Her father's campaign for governor and his aggressive war on drugs has chased her from their family home. Drawn to Miami's exotic Coconut Grove, Andie hopes to find a quiet refuge where she can discover herself apart from the public eye. But even in that seclusion, even with an officer assigned to protect her, Andie's privacy has been violated. Someone is watching...

Evan Markham's entire life has been a tug-of-war between what is and what could. He is drawn to a life that is beyond his reach, and emotions have clouded his judgement. Evan knows that earning someone's trust isn't easy, especially when he plans to break it. But in the secret corridors of the criminal underworld, he knows what must be done, and he is determined to see it through. Whatever the cost...

When enemies close in, a sudden turn of events leaves them both questioning. Where is God in all of this? Who is this enigmatic stranger who offers to help? They both know their lives are in danger. But what about their hearts?

THIS BOOK IS PURE SUSPENSE. THE PAGES ARE RIDDLED WITH CLIFF HANGERS AND THERE ARE SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS AND POSSIBLE SUSPECTS THAT I WAS READY TO BELIEVE ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN -- AND MOST OF IT DID.

THE ROMANCE DOES TAKE SECOND BILLING, NOT COMING TO FULL FRUITION UNTIL VERY CLOSE TO THE END OF THE BOOK BUT THIS IS SUCH A WHITE-KNUCKLE PAGE TURNER I BARELY NOTICED.

THE STORY IS TOLD FROM MULTIPLE POINTS OF VIEW, WHICH SEEMED TO DISTANCE ME FROM BECOMING AS EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED AS I LIKE BUT I STILL COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. THE LAYERS OF SUSPENSE ARE PURE MAGIC.

Dreaming of Home

KAYE, GLYNNA

DREAMING OF HOME

Fresh out of the military, widower Joe Diaz is determined to raise his young son alone. But his next-door neighbour Meg McGuire has set her sights on the same house -- and teaching job -- as Joe! He's all about family now, not romantic entanglements, and he won't give up without a fight. But what about little Davy, who's growing more attached to Miss Meg every day? Or Joe, who finds himself dreaming of a home and family with the one woman in town who could take it all away?

THIS IS ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE OFFERING FROM STEEPLE HILL'S LOVE INSPIRED LINE. I CAN SEE WHY IT IS A MULTI-AWARD WINNER. JUST LOOK AT THIS LINE-UP:

2010 BOOKSELLERS' BEST AWARD -- 1ST PLACE TRADITIONAL AND BEST FIRST BOOK

2010 THE BEACON AWARD - 1ST PLACE INSPIRATIONS AND BEST FIRST BOOK

2010 WRITE TOUCH READERS' AWARD - 2ND PLACE (TIED)

FINALIST - 2010 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS 'THE CAROL AWARD' -- SHORT CONTEMPORARY

FINALIST - 2010 MAGGIE AWARD INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY.

KUDOS TO GLYNNA KAYE. THE RECOGNITION IS WELL DESERVED. I CAN'T BELIEVE DREAMING OF HOME IS HER FIRST BOOK. IT READS LIKE IT CAME FROM THE HEART OF A SEASONED WRITER.

THE PACING OF THE STORY IS SUPERB; THE SUBPLOTS GRADUALLY INTERTWINE UNTIL THE TENSION IS DRAWN SO TAUT I THOUGHT I'D CHOKE! MY EMOTIONS BUILT AS I GOT FURTHER INTO THE STORY, UNTIL BY THE END I HAD A LUMP IN MY THROAT AND TEARS IN MY EYES. I LOVE GETTING EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED IN A BOOK AND KAYE'S WRITING EASILY DREW ME IN.

THE ROMANCE WAS INCREDIBLE BUT IT WASN'T SUGAR-COATED. JOE AND MEG ARE BOTH STRUGGLING WITH VERY DIFFICULT ISSUES WHICH CREATES CONFLICT (LOTS OF IT!) AND THAT CONFLICT BEGETS ACTION AND REACTION AND THE PLOT SPIRALS TIGHTER AND TIGHTER TOWARDS A HOPE-FILLED CONCLUSION.

JOE'S SON, DAVY IS GUARANTEED TO STEAL YOUR HEART. AND JOE'S DAD, BILL, COMES IN A CLOSE SECOND. IN FACT KAYE HAS CREATED A WONDERFUL TOWN FILLED WITH SECONDARY CHARACTERS THAT BRING AN ADDED DEPTH TO THE STORY AND TWO OF THEM GET THEIR OWN BOOK, THE SECOND IN THE SERIES, IN FEBRUARY 2011. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR SECOND HAND COURTSHIP!

Candle in the Darkness

AUSTIN, LYNN

CANDLE IN THE DARKNESS

Book 1 in the Refiner’s Fire series. The daughter of a wealthy slave-holding family from Richmond, Virginia, Caroline Fletcher is raised in a culture that believes slavery is God-ordained and biblically acceptable. But upon awakening to the cruelty and injustice it encompasses, Caroline’s eyes are opened for the first time to the men and women who have cared tirelessly for her. Her journey of maturity and faith will draw her into the abolitionist movement, where she is confronted with the risks and sacrifices her beliefs entail.

THIS IS AN EPIC NOVEL THAT GRIPPED ME FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE. CANDLE IN THE DARKNESS COVERS ABOUT A TEN YEAR SPAN IN THE LIFE OF CAROLINE FLETCHER. PART ONE IS WRITTEN IN FIRST PERSON -- RECOUNTING HER LIFE FROM THE TIME SHE WAS TWELVE IN HER OWN WORDS. COMPELLED BY THE NEED FOR THOSE SHE LOVES TO UNDERSTAND HER RADICAL ACTIONS, SHE TAKES PEN IN HAND AND RECORDS HER MEMOIRS. PART TWO IS IN THIRD PERSON AND PICKS UP WHERE HER FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT ENDS.

THIS IS A STUNNING AND HEARTBREAKING PORTRAYAL OF SLAVERY, THE EVENTS THAT LED UP TO THE CIVIL WAR AND THE WAR ITSELF -- ALL FROM CAROLINE'S VIEWPOINT. IT IS A VERY COMPELLING READ AND THERE WERE TIMES WHEN I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN AND TIMES WHEN I WANTED TO THROW IT ACROSS THE ROOM (BUT, OF COURSE I WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO A BOOK, NO MATTER HOW INFURIATING!) I'D REACH A POINT WHERE I JUST HAD TO TAKE A BREAK SO THAT I COULD CONJURE UP A HAPPILY EVER AFTER RIGHT THERE ON PAGE 200 OR 300 OR WHATEVER POINT I WAS AT BECAUSE I JUST COULDN'T BEAR IT ANY LONGER. ONCE I'D CALMED DOWN ENOUGH I WOULD RESUME READING, SOMETIMES WITH DREAD, SOMETIMES WITH FEAR, SOMETIMES WITH HOPE BUT ALWAYS EAGERLY.

AUSTIN HAS DONE A MAGNIFICENT JOB OF CONVEYING GOD'S TRUTH IN THE MIDST OF SUCH TURMOIL. SHE PRESENTED BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH VIEWPOINTS -- INCLUDING THEIR IDEALS AND THE FLAWS IN THEIR THINKING AND THERE'S LOTS OF HISTORICAL DETAIL THOUGH IT DOESN'T WEIGH DOWN THE STORY. AS A CANADIAN WITH JUST A SKETCHY IDEA OF THE EVENTS THAT LED TO THE CIVIL WAR, I NOW HAVE A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THAT DIFFICULT TIME PERIOD. SOME OF THE DEBATES BETWEEN CHARACTERS MADE ME WANT TO SCREAM IN OUTRAGE, OTHERS CHEER WITH JOY! I WAS DEFINITELY AN ENGAGED READER FROM START TO FINISH.

AUSTIN'S PORTRAYAL OF THE UGLINESS OF WAR IS GRITTY AND HONEST. THE HOSPITAL SCENES ARE HORRIFYING. THE ARROGANCE OF SLAVE OWNERS REPREHENSIBLE. AND YET SHE ALSO SHOWS GOD'S HAND IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS AND THE UNDERLYING MESSAGE OF INDIVIDUAL WORTH IS HEARTENING.

A STELLAR CAST OF SECONDARY CHARACTERS ENRICH CAROLINE'S STORY AND CREATE LAYERS AND DEPTHS THAT MAKE THIS AN EPIC DESTINED TO BE A CLASSIC.

The Edge of Recall

HEITZMANN, KRISTEN

THE EDGE OF RECALL

Tessa Young is a landscape architect who specializes in the design and creation of labyrinths. For years she has immersed herself in the healing aspects of these elaborate structures, searching for God and hoping to make sense of the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.

When Smith Chandler, a colleague who once betrayed her, offers an opportunity to reconstruct a remarkable Colonial-era labyrinth, she can't resist this project of a lifetime. But one evening, as dusk falls, an assailant ambushes Tessa and Smith and the real nightmares begins.

OH.....

MY....

GOSH....

THIS WAS SO GOOD I'M SPEECHLESS.

IT WAS SUPERLATIVE. EXCEPTIONAL. INCREDIBLE. ENTHRALLING...OKAY, I JUST FOUND MY VOICE.

HEITZMANN HITS HARD WITH THE SUSPENSE IN THE FIRST CHAPTER -- WHICH ACTUALLY TAKES PLACE ABOUT TWO THIRDS THE WAY THROUGH THE BOOK. TALK ABOUT AN INTRIGUING START THAT PACKS A PUNCH! CHAPTER TWO BEGINS WITH FIVE WEEKS BEFORE...AND WE TAKE OFF RUNNING. I WAS HOOKED FROM PAGE ONE, SO FULL OF QUESTIONS AND RABID FOR THE ANSWERS. THIS ONE HAS A REAL PAGE TURNING, SUSPENSEFUL PLOT COMPLETE WITH UNEXPECTED TWISTS THAT GO ON RIGHT TO THE VERY LAST PAGE. IT'S A MASTERPIECE.

AND THE ROMANCE. OH....MY....GOODNESS...SPEECHLESS AGAIN. TOE-CURLING, SPINE-TINGLING, HYPERVENTALING...THUD!

TO TOP IT OFF, HEITZMANN HAS CREATED VERY COMPLICATED, GRITTY, REAL PEOPLE IN BOTH HER HERO AND HEROINE. TESSA AND SMITH JUST SEEM DOOMED FROM THE START -- LIKE THE ENTIRE COSMOS IS AGAINST THEM. THE INTRICACIES OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP, THE WAY IT DEVELOPS, THE STEPS FORWARD AND SLIDES BACK PULLED THE EMOTION RIGHT OUT OF ME. ASTOUNDING!

THEN THERE'S TESSA'S SEARCH FOR THE PEACE THAT ONLY GOD CAN BRING AND THE MOMENT WHEN SHE FINALLY FINDS IT IS POWERFUL.

IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T FIGURED IT OUT BY NOW -- THE EDGE OF RECALL IS DEFINITELY ON MY MUST-READ-AND-KEEP-FOREVER LIST.

Covert Pursuit

REED, TERRI

COVERT PURSUIT

Boston homicide detective Angie Carlucci thought she was getting a much-needed vacation. But her Florida Keys holiday is interrupted when she sees someone dump a body bag in the ocean. In the tangle between arms dealers and treasure hunters, she's the only witness -- and the main target. Unless a certain boat captain can keep her safe.

A pretty cop complicating his mission -- and endangering his cover -- is the last thing federal agent Jason Bodwell needs. Yet the more Jason and Angie work together, the closer they grow Jason's willing to risk his life to solve the case...what will he risk for love?

COMPELLING SUSPENSE COMBINED WITH IRRESISTIBLE ROMANCE MAKES COVERT PURSUIT ONE OF THE BEST LOVE INSPIRED SUSPENSE ROMANCES I HAVE READ. REED DOES A WONDERFUL JOB OF DEVELOPING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANGIE AND JASON BY SLOW DEGREES, ALLOWING US TO BE PRIVY TO THEIR INNERMOST THOUGHTS REGARDING THEIR MUTUALLY RELUCTANT ATTRACTION TO ONE ANOTHER. THE SOUND SUSPENSE IS PROPELLED BY ACTION -- LOTS OF ACTION -- AND MAKES FOR AN EXCITING READ. WHAT I REALLY FOUND REFRESHING WAS THAT NEITHER ROMANCE NOR SUSPENSE TOOK A BACKSEAT -- REED MANAGED TO GIVE BOTH PLOTS EQUAL BILLING. A GREAT COMBINATION!

When the Soul Mends

WOODSMALL, CINDY

WHEN THE SOUL MENDS

Rumors and lies left Hannah’s life in tatters; can the truth possibly stitch it back together?

Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, Hannah finally has found happiness in the Englischer world, as well as love with Martin Palmer, a man with whom she can safely entrust her heart. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her reopens old wounds.

As Hannah encounters former fiance Paul Waddell, truths unknown to her surface about the events during her absence and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she return to the Plain Life-and perhaps her first love?

THIS RIVETING READ HAD ME IN TEARS AT THE END. I JUST BAWLED! WOKE UP ON SUNDAY MORNING WITH RED PUFFY EYES AND EVERYONE AT CHURCH WANTED TO KNOW IF I WAS OKAY.

I NORMALLY DON'T LIKE A CONTINUOUS SERIES LIKE THIS BUT THERE IS NO WAY WOODSMALL COULD HAVE DONE HANNAH'S STORY JUSTICE IN JUST ONE BOOK. I THINK SHE DID A MARVELOUS JOB OF DIVIDING HER JOURNEY BETWEEN THE THREE BOOKS.

WHEN THE SOUL MENDS HAD ME ON TENTERHOOKS. I KNEW HOW I WANTED IT TO END BUT I WASN'T SURE THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE. IN FACT, WOODSMALL CONVINCED ME THAT MY HOPES WOULD PRETTY MUCH BE DASHED UNTIL NEARLY THE END OF THE BOOK. IT WAS AGONIZING TO READ AND MY EMOTIONS JUST KEPT BUILDING WITH EVERY PAGE.

NOW THAT I'VE FINISHED I'M BEREFT. THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THAT OFTEN. I WENT INTO MOURNING BECAUSE I REALIZED I HAD TO SAY GOODBYE TO ALL THESE CHARACTERS I'D GROWN TO LOVE. AND, WHILE EVERYTHING HAD A RESOLUTION, NOT EVERYTHING WAS RESOLVED TO MY LIKING (SO LIKE LIFE) SO I WANTED TO HANG AROUND AND MAKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING RIGHT FOR HANNAH!

I HAVE TO ADD THAT THOUGH THIS SERIES DEALS WITH THE AMISH FAITH, I FOUND THE SITUATIONS AND STRUGGLES THE CHARACTERS FOUND THEMSELVES IN COULD EASILY BE APPLIED TO ANY BELIEVER IN ANY CONGREGATION. OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES ARE MADE UP OF DIVERSE PEOPLE AND STRUGGLES WITH JUDGEMENT, GOSSIP, JEALOUSY AND PREJUDICE ARE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF OUR LIVES. AND THE PROFOUND MESSAGE OF BEING ONE WITH YOUR GOD, MAKING SURE YOU ARE SECURE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM APPLIES TO EVERYONE. AS DOES STANDING STRONG IN YOUR FAITH. I REVISITED ALL OF THESE ISSUES IN MY OWN LIFE AS I READ THE SISTERS OF THE QUILT SERIES.

AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THIS SERIES IS A MUST READ. START WITH BOOK ONE AND READ THEM ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER...AND HAVE PLENTY OF TISSUES HANDY...AND LOTS OF CHOCOLATE. IT WILL BE THE ONLY COMFORT YOU CAN RELY ON IN PLACES!