NIV Bible for Teen Girls Review

An all-new inspirational daily reading Bible designed specifically for girls 13-18, in the popular NIV translation.

The NIV Bible for Teen Girls, designed specifically for girls ages 13 to 18, is for real teenage girls with real lives. Packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice, and open discussion about the realities of life, this Bible is designed to help teen girls grow in faith, hope, and love.

The NIV Bible for Teen Girls is as sincere about your walk with God as you are, helping you discover his will for all areas of your life, including relating to your family, dealing with friends, work, sports, guys, and so much more.

Features include:

Daily readings for teen girls by popular Christian female authors Character profiles of women in the Bible Book introductions for each book of the Bible Highlighted promises of God: verses worth remembering A concordance for help in finding verses The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

NIV Bible for Teen Girls is an absolutely beautiful hardcover Bible that  I think any teen girl would love.  It's a New International Version translation that is easy for everyone to understand. This teen Bible is one that I feel every teen girl would love to own. The features it includes are amazing. I personally loved the Growing in Faith Hope Love sections. It's a fun little section for you to read along with a Bible passage, I feel like this makes reading the Bible a little less daunting. It takes a passage and tells you how it helps you to grow.

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

Every Girl Gets Confused Review

How can she choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath?

Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. In fact, the sounds being heard at the bridal shop where she works are on the contentious side lately, as a bride- and groom-to-be try to mediate the growing rivalry between their basketball-obsessed families in the middle of play-off season. On top of that, Katie's parents are nagging her to get out of Dallas and come home to tiny Fairfield where her former boyfriend Casey is waiting for her, ready to rekindle their relationship. Oy vey! What's a girl to do? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?

Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson is a wonderful second book in the Brides with Style series. As with everyone of her books that I have read I laughed out loud at characters antics. I love Katie as a narrator and enjoyed every moment I spent in her world. But with every Janice Thompson book you get those lovely spotlight stealing supporting characters that will always make you laugh. If you loved Every Bride Needs a Groom then you won't want to miss this installment to the series. And if you have yet picked up the first book then what are you waiting for?! Do it now! 

5 out of 5. A hilarious  Afternoon Snack.

 I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Vendetta Review

No one needs to push Nikki Boyd to excel on the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force. The case of her own missing sister, still unsolved after ten years, is the driving force in her work. When a Polaroid photo of a missing girl shows up at a crime scene, Nikki quickly recognizes similarities to the past. The closer she gets to the abductor, the more she feels this case has become personal, and she is not the hunter . . . but the hunted.

Vendetta by Lisa Harris is the first book in the series the Nikki Boyd Files and boy did it start off good! It hits the ground running and continues with a great pace till the very end. I loved this book because while it did have romance it didn't over shadow the suspense and mystery of the story. Nikki is an engaging character that I can't wait to read more about in the future books in this series. If your looking for a page turner then I suggest you pick this book up!

5 out of 5. A delightfully suspenseful Afternoon Snack. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Fire and Ice Review

Saddle Up for a Wildly Fun Ride 

in Mary Connealy's Latest

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in 

the process?

Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy is the last book in the Wild at Heart series and features oldest sister Bailey Wilde. Overall I really loved this book, it has everything I can always count on in a book by Mary Connealy. Romance, humor, adventure, intrigue. What more could you ask for?! Bailey and Gage make for a fun couple who will definitely keep each other on their toes! I loved getting to know more about both of these characters history. Fire and Ice is the perfect book to end this series. (Though I wouldn't mind one bit if there were more!) 

5 out of 5. An adventurous Afternoon Snack!

 I got a free review copy of Fire and Ice from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

The Imposter Review

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. Those plans started to crumble when her father moved the family to Stoney Ridge, then completely collapsed when John decided to marry someone else. Katrina is devastated. How could she have felt so loved, yet been so deceived?

As she struggles to face a future without him, a widow asks for her help to start a new business and Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose. What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farm hand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always seems to say the right thing, and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy
for real, or too good to be true? Deceived once before, Katrina is determined to keep her feelings in check. 

When a cascade of events is set in motion by some surprising information, the little Amish church is turned upside down. Soon, everyone has a stake in the outcome, and the community struggles to find the best response to an impostor in their midst. Can they forgive even the most deceitful deeds?

The Impostor by Suzanne Woods Fisher was lovely read. I enjoyed this first book in the Bishop Family series. Each character brought something to the story that I enjoyed and I really can't wait for book two in this series. Some might say that the pacing of The Impostor was slow but I found it to be just right. It's the perfect book to take your mind off of whatever crazy things are going on in your life. So grab The Impostor and get cozy as you let the characters pull you into their world.

5 out of 5. A cozy Afternoon Snack just right for this time of year! 

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

A Reluctant Bride Review

She never wanted to marry. He hopes to make amends for past wrongs. Can love find a way to heal both of their hearts?

Sadie Schrock swore she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry—she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents are ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man—the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.

Aden knows what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with the guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can’t let her down—even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.

Working alongside Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn’t the same boy who once betrayed her. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to save her family—and herself.

A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller was a really wonderful read. I really loved Aden because of the quiet strength I saw in him. To go through what he did and not turn into an angry man shows how much inner strength he had. He was my favorite character. I also enjoyed Sadie's character. The only problems I had with A Reluctant Bride was the fact that the story only took place in like a week. I felt like everything that happened between the character happened too quickly, I would have found the story much sweeter if Aden and Sadie had spent more time together. I also felt like there were some unanswered questions. But otherwise I really enjoyed the writing and story telling.

5 out of 5. An amazing Amish Afternoon Snack.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

Luther and Katharina Review

More Info

Author Bio

She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.  

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
 
His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself. 
 
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different. 
 
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. 
 
Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund was A-MA-ZING! I have loved her other historical fiction like the Preacher's Bride and the Doctor's Lady but this one was a little different, it used the real names of the people that it was based on! I was super excited to get my hands on this book and I was so impressed. Luther and Katharina were so interesting to read about. Going into this I of course knew who Martin Luther but I loved learning some more about of the historical details of the time. Luther and Katharina is a great historical novel that I suggest you pick up right away if this is your kind of thing.

5 out of 5. A wonderful historical Afternoon Snack. 

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Last Chance Hero Review

What happens when your heart is intercepted before you even know it's in play?

The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player--whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field--they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong was a cozy read. At times I felt like it was going to slowly and got bored but I loved the characters so that kept me interested. Last Chance Hero is a predictable light romantic read that I feel is all about the characters. The ending was a little too abrupt for me but overall I enjoyed Last Chance Hero and its wonderful cast of characters. If you're looking for a cozy romance to read while snuggle up tight with a hot cup of coffee (or tea) then this is the book for you.

4.8 out of 5. An enjoyable Afternoon Snack. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Mistress of Tall Acre Review

A marriage of convenience.

She is in love with someone else.

He has no wish to love again.

What could possibly go wrong?

There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz was a lovely break from the real world. I easily found myself deep into the story of these characters. I loved the time period it was set in and the historical detail was great! Sophie was a character that I found easy to understand and I loved getting to know her and all the other characters. The twists and turns in The Mistress of Tall Acre are sure to have every reader not wanting to put this book down. 

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was a big win for me!

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Memory Weaver Review

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick was a very heavy read. I found myself putting it down often and waiting awhile before picking it up again. There was a lot of historical details which I enjoyed but I just didn't connect with Eliza like I would have liked to. I really wanted to love The Memory Weaver but I personally couldn't connect with the characters. If you love historical novels based on real people then this would be a great book for you.

3 1/2 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack just wasn't for me.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Chivalrous Review

With Her Future In Jeopardy, This Unforgettable Heroine Won't Go Down Without a Fight!
Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers, but her parents view her only as a marriage pawn. When her domineering father makes plans to see her wed to a brutish man, Gwendolyn must fight for her future. 

She's surprised, however, for that clash to include a handsome, good-hearted newcomer. Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, but he finds in Gwendolyn the most unexpected of women. 

Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman was an awesome adventure! Just like with Dauntless this book is a medieval masterpiece! Full of twists and turns that will have you immersed in the story till the last page. Gwen is an amazing character that I think women young and old will connect with. I loved the message that she teaches and I think Gwen is an awesome role model. I know it's typical to dream of being a princess but I'm sure I'm not the only one to also dream of being a knight. Books like this help me to fulfill that dream a little. I absolutely loved Chivalrous!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was an absolute adventure!

I got a free review copy of Chivalrous from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

Secret She Kept Review

All her life, Hannah Sterling longed for a close relationship with her estranged mother. Following Lieselotte’s death, Hannah determines to unlock the secrets of her mother’s mysterious past and is shocked to discover a grandfather living in Germany.

Thirty years earlier, Lieselotte’s father is quickly ascending the ranks of the Nazi party, and a proper marriage for his daughter could help advance his career. Lieselotte is in love—but her beloved Lukas is far from an ideal match, as he secretly works against the Reich. Yet Lieselotte never imagined how far her father would go to ensure her cooperation.

Both Hannah’s and Lieselotte’s stories unfold as Hannah travels to Germany to meet her grandfather, who is hiding wartimes secrets of his own. Longing for connection, yet shaken by all she uncovers, Hannah must decide if she can atone for her family’s tragic past and how their legacy will shape her future.

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke was a wonderfully written story that I think you will find captivating. This is one of those books that weaves two different stories together and Cathy does this perfectly. I have to emit that these kinds of books are either hit or miss with me, I either love the whole book or only half of it. Secrets She Kept was a definite hit in my book, I loved both of the stories and the history was amazingly written. The characters were easy to follow and I loved the mix of romance, mystery, and sacrifice.

5 out of 5. A great Afternoon Snack.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Drawing Fire Review

One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.

With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her―one Luke is interested in as well.

As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?

Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore was amazing! I have loved all of her books and this one was no exception. The characters created by Cantore are always captivating and detective Abby Hart is no exception. She is another stunning lead character who you will love to follow. I love everything about Drawing Fire. I honestly can't think of one complaint, I was captivated from page one until the very end and I can't wait for book two in this series. If that doesn't convince you that you need to pick up this book I don't know what will. I love, love, loved it!

6 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack I loved. (I haven't said that yet, right?)  

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The Last Con Review

When a con man trying to redeem himself gets pulled back into his old ways, determining which version of himself is the real one may prove his most difficult job yet.

Former con man Fletcher Doyle is finally home after six years in prison. He's working hard to restore his relationship with his wife and twelve-year-old daughter, but it's slow going. He hopes that the upcoming mission trip into Detroit will allow him to demonstrate his new found faith and honorable intentions-that is, if he can keep himself from murdering Brad, the uptight and condescending church leader who also happens to be his landlord.

But within hours of arriving in the city, Fletcher can feel the pull of the life he thought he'd left behind. And when he runs into his old partner, he finds himself blackmailed into doing another job for a mysterious criminal who calls himself the Alchemist.

Between trying to hide his reawakened criminal life from his wife and the ever-present Brad, and trying to keep the Alchemist from bringing it all crashing down, Fletcher is in over his head. When the unthinkable happens, Fletcher will have to call on his years in the game and his fledgling faith to find an ancient treasure-and restore his family.

The Last Con by Zachary Bartels was once again an intense read. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and intrigue that Bartels presented throughout the book. It is a must read for readers who love movies like Oceans Eleven (which I do!). The characters are all interesting and it is fun to follow all the twists and turn along with them. The Last Con will have you on the edge of you seat the whole time and guessing till the last second. I think that anyone who loves a good heist novel will surely love The Last Con. 

5 out of 5. A intriguing Afternoon Snack.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

Trial Run Review

Reese Clawson's work is mind-bending--literally. Her company specializes in global data analysis for an elite group of industry executives, and now a lucrative government contract is moving her into the realm of cutting-edge intelligence gathering. She is determined to crack the limits of consciousness--and in doing so, the boundaries of secrets and lies. But her experiment crashes as test subjects slide into a coma-like state. Reese is left scrambling to maintain control, drawing three disparate people into the search for answers--an adrenaline-amped thrill junkie with altered brain chemistry, an Italian scientist working on remote-viewing technology, and a math prodigy whose algorithms subvert 
computer encryption.

Will this piecemeal team prevail when a government operative is sent to investigate? As the threads of perception and reality become tangled and even time itself twists in unexpected directions, one warning remains clear: what you don't know can kill you.

Trial Run by Thomas Locke was a book I had a hard time getting into. I really tried but for me I just couldn't get hooked. I'd read a chapter or two then set it down and not pick it up again for a long while. That being said I still have not finished it. I'm not quite half way through and while I do plan on finishing Trial Run I did not finish it in time for this review. I really want to like this book but for me its a lot of information coming at me that I don't quite understand. I feel like maybe Trial Run is meant for more science loving readers. I am not that. If you enjoy sci-fi I think this would be the perfect book for you. You might be able to understand what is going on more than I have been able to. :) 

3 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was to much for me to finish.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Through Waters Deep Review

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary. 

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin was a book that made it to my favorites shelve the minute I put it down. It has everything I love! Great history, amazing characters, and heartwarming romance. I love how much history Sarah puts into her books but without it becoming overwhelming. The characters were very easy for me to fall in love with and I can't wait for the next book in this series about the secondary characters Arch and Lillian. (Yes I enjoyed Through Waters Deep so much I read the Dear Readers!) Sarah is an amazing author and if you have yet to read any of her works I would suggest you get on it right away! 

5 out of 5. A lovely Afternoon Snack. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Hope Harbor Review

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. Now she's home again--with a floundering farm to run . . . a tragic secret . . . and a wounded heart. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets and devastating regrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help with a project that is close to her heart, winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon was a wonderful story that just makes you feel good after finishing. I loved the wonderful characters that were brought to life and getting to see them each blossom in their own ways. Tracy, Michael, Anna and every other character have you from the very start rooting for a happily ever after. I love Irene Hannon's writing and can't wait to get my hands on more of her future works. I'm sure after reading Hope Harbor for yourself you will feel the same.

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that is full of hope.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.
   

To Capture Her Heart Review

In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life forever
It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart. 

Okay first off I need to say that I did not read the first book in the series. I didn't know that there even was one before I asked to review To Capture Her Heart. That being said I think my enjoyment of this book was effected slightly because of that. To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino was a book that I think I would have liked a lot more if I had read the first book in the series. There were so many characters to get to know and I felt a little lost. The story itself was pretty good. I loved the historical aspect of this story and I learned quite a bit. I just wish I would have paid ore attention and known that this was the second book, then I could have read book one (which sounds amazing by the way!). So I think that if you read book one then To Capture Her Heart will be an amazing read for you. As for me I now need to go find book one so that I can be more prepared when book three comes out!

4 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that would be an appetizing second.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Before you go check out this amazing giveaway!

Gone without a Trace Review

The past is repeating itself--and time is running out
It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator's missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she's finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she'll have to find a way to work with Alex--before it's too late.

Gone without a Trace by Patricia Bradley was a book that I went through so quickly! In fact I read it almost right after I got it in the mail over a month ago. I almost forgot to write this review in time! But that doesn't mean I forgot about the book. I loved Gone without a Trace! I really fell in love with Alex and have added him to my list of favorite heroes. :) But the reason I loved this book so much wasn't just because of the swoon-worthy hero, it was the amazing writing that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The mystery and suspense of Gone without a Trace was written perfectly. I was captivated by every page. This is a must read for sure!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that is going to have you on the edge of your seat!

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Now and Forever Review

Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!
Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!

Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.

Now and Forever by Mary Connealy was the amazing second book in her latest series Wild at Heart. I loved this book so much! But that should be no surprise because I love all of Mary's books! I have yet to read one that has left me disappointed! Her books always make me laugh and are a great pick me up. Great characters and great writing make for a great read. Shannon is a character that I think everyone will fall in love with immediately, as well as Tucker. Shannon's a tough heroine that doesn't just stand off to the side and swoon as the men take care of things. No, she gets right in there and helps save the day. Super fun read that you must start as soon as you can!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that I'm sure you'll love now and forever!

 I got a free review copy of Now and Forever from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

The Innocent Review

She longs for peace--for her land and her heart--but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart was a book that I enjoyed immensely. I liked both of the main characters, Carlyn and Mitchell, and their story. This is the first book I have ever read about the Shaker community and I found it to be very informative. This is also the first time I have read a book by Ann and I now look forward to reading more of her writing. I'm pretty sure I have one of her books in my tbr kindle pile (which is way to big). I have a vacation coming soon though and I think I have one of the books that will be coming with me. :)

5 out of 5. A delightful Afternoon Snack.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.