The Angel of Forest Hill Review

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A time of anticipation. A season of miracles.
Because of Joel’s impossible situation, twenty-one-year-old Rose must sacrifice everything. As days pass into years in the midst of the beautiful hills, the laughter of children, and God’s providence—is it too much for Rose to hope for love in return?

An amazing journey toward love and belonging, filled with the wonder of the season of Christ’s birth.

When Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to leave her family, travel deep into West Vir­ginia, and help Joel Dienner with his children in the wake of tragedy, the quiet young woman recognizes a home where she might find kindness instead of criticism and hope replacing harsh words. She agrees to stay in Forest Hill and become Joel’s wife for the sake of his family needs, but their marriage is to be a partnership, one built from need, not love and affection.

As the years pass, Rose continues to beckon Joel to join life again, to take joy in his growing children, and to awaken his heart to the possibility of new love. Joel hopes that Rose can move beyond deep-rooted hurts to see the beautiful Christmas ahead, their season. But will the arrival of a beautiful widow and a series of misunderstandings reverse how far Rose and Joel have come?

The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall is a great short story. Sweet and perfect for Christmastime. (As well as anytime after if your like me and wouldn't mind Christmas all year long!) The story of Rose and Joel is sure to be one that tug on your heartstrings. Being a Novella The Angel of Forest Hill is a really quick read and sadly over sooner than you want it to be because the characters are so enticing. I recommend this to anyone who loves Amish fiction or just Christmas (who doesn't?!).

5 out of 5

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

Because You're Mine Review

Amid the beauty of Charleston, not all is as it seems.

When her husband Liam is killed by a car bomb while their Celtic band is on tour in Charleston, singer and Irish beauty Alanna doesn’t quite know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but Alanna knows she can’t lose the only piece of Liam she has left.

Alanna’s manager offers her a marriage of convenience to obtain U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution until she arrives at the family home of her new husband—a decaying mansion with more questions than answers.

Strange things begin happening that threaten Alanna’s life and the life of her child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is something more sinister at work?

A mysterious painting, a haunting melody, and a love stronger than death leave Alanna questioning where darkness ends and light begins.

First off let me say that this cover is gorgeous! The coloring and style is perfect! Okay, I'm done gushing....

Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble was a very gripping read. Once you pick it up you have to keep turning the pages to find out the answers. This book is unlike any of the other Colleen Coble books I have picked up and read and I enjoyed Gothic feeling. Because You're Mine is much more of a psychological thriller than a mystery, at least to me because I very quickly caught on to the mystery aspect of the plot. A good read if you don't mind books that give you that chill down your back as you read.

4 out of 5. 

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

An Uncommon Courtship Review

Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. Even with thepressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He's free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn't know, his dream of a marriage like his parents' seems lost forever. 

Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent's relationship survive the pressures of London society?

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter was a wonderful read once I got into it. At first I felt a little disconnected with the characters and felt like I got dropped into the middle of something (that might be because its the third book in the series, which I didn't realize until after I finished it). But after about half way through, and I admit to skimming a few chapters, I was hooked on these two people and their troubles. They both start off as flawed characters who are not inherently bad just so unsure as to what to do about their circumstance.As they start to grow and learn more about each other and their feelings I fell in love with them both. Once I finished this book I did go back to reread what I had previously skimmed over and ended up rereading the whole thing! All that being said I ended up loving this book and plan on going back to read the first books in the series. 

4.5 out of 5. 

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

Storm Review

Now That Glade, Selah's Protecting Force, Is Gone, the Hunt Is On to Capture Her
Selah has survived the forces of both man and nature to reunite her family. But her happiness is short-lived as they are forced into a barren world of volcanic ash that conceals the storm boiling beneath. The clock is ticking and Selah's abilities are growing--along with the list of those out for her blood. 

Selah feels unworthy of her status as a novarium and is tortured by the knowledge of lives lost to protect her. Her physical and mental abilities will tempt her to be reckless, but she must learn to wield such power responsibly. Time is running out as more lives are tragically cut short and the search for the Third Protocol takes Selah into lands that have fallen into legend. Can Selah follow the trail of ancient artifacts and finish the quest? Or have she and her companions pinned their hopes on nothing more than a fanciful story?

Storm by Bonnie Calhoun is a good conclusion to the Stone Braide Chronicles. These book are so stocked full of details and intricate story lines that some times I struggled to keep up with what was going on. (Partly my fault, it's been awhile since I read the first two books.) Other than that I really enjoyed this conclusion to Selah's story and would recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good science fiction/fantasy read.

5 out of 5.

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

Newton and Polly Review

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Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 
that saved a wretch like me. 
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund is a wonderfully written fictionalization of the life and romance of the author of one of the most famous hymns in history. Jody Hedlund has out done herself with this book, it has to be one of my favorites from her. Everything from the historical details that are perfectly weaved into the story to the characters that pull you in with their heart-rending journeys make this a must read book. This is a story full of adventure, faith, romance, and God's truly amazing grace.

5 out of 5.

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

Where Two Hearts Meet Review

In her kitchen at Rose's Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets. 

When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart.

Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson is a fantastic read! I loved Caden's character, I saw so much of myself in her and I couldn't help but feel for Adam and his past. These two characters along with the other secondary characters will quickly worm their way into your heart with their storied pasts and present troubles. This book is full of everything your sure to love, romance, faith, and delicious sweets. I strongly suggest you read Where Two Hearts Meet, you will in no way be disappointed.

5 out of 5.

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

Wild Montana Skies Review

Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.

Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.

With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future?

Wild Montana Skies is the first book in Susan May Warrens newest series and does not disappoint! I loved diving into Kacey and Ben's story and seeing the growth in these two people with broken hearts and past wounds. Wild Montana Skies is filled with Susan's signature story telling flare and amazing characters. This is a story that will latch on to your heart and not let it go until long after you've set it down. Please do yourself a favor and add it to your to-read pile!

5 out of 5.

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