The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

I always look forward to any book that is by Robin Lee Hatcher.  She tells such wonderful stories and I know that I won't be disappointed by them.  I liked this side of her writing, though it wasn't her typical style (and she admits that).  She did a wonderful job capturing my attention and getting me excited about her book.

I really like the cover of this book.  It's beautifully done and I think it easily shows what the book is about and the type of book.  The font on the title of the book is perfect for the cover, too.  Well done!

I was a little surprised at the amount of action that was in this book. It has romance, but it also has many exciting scenes of suspense and action.  It's probably not considered much to those who like to read a lot of action novels, but for me, this was just the right amount that I could handle!

Silver is one of those people that I think many want to be.  She's not your typical woman and I think that's why I like her so much.  She never acts helpless, but isn't afraid to fight for justice.  I liked imagining her on her horse and in control.... or at least acting like it!  She has to learn to do some trusting along the way, though.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Christian Romance series.

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The Heart’s Pursuit
A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice–or redemption.
Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family–even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.
The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Robin’s website.

Robin Lee Hatcher

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Place in His Heart by Rebecca Demarino

The whole time I was reading this book, I couldn't help but think how fun the research was for this book. I also think it holds a special place in her heart for 2 reasons: one being that it is her début novel and second because it involves her family history.

I was kept engaged throughout the entire book. It was very well-written to be a first novel. It was not evident to me until I read her biography. I hope she continues to write because she definitely has a talent.

I was frustrated with Mary's father and his not listening to Mary. I wanted him to listen to her and not push her to marry a man she didn't love. I know that was how they did it during the 1600s, but I can't imagine that!  Barnabas was not worthy of Mary, in my opinion. I understood where he came from, but I wanted Mary to be loved and cherished. I was amazed at the sacrifices Mary was willing to make, even to a man who didn't know he could offer her a loving marriage.

This is the first book in the Southold Chronicles series. I look forward to rest of this series and am curious if more of the author's family history will be used.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rebecca DeMarino was born in Pensacola, Florida, the daughter of a Navy pilot. Her mother made a home for the family of six all over the map, including Virginia, Nevada, California, Washington, and Guam, before her parents put down anchor on a ranch in Oregon.

As the wife of a young Air Force officer, married life brought more travel. She relied on her mother’s example of how to make a home anywhere. Her three beautiful daughters were born in Florida, Alaska and Nebraska.

Retired after sixteen years with a major airline, she manages to fulfill her love of wanderlust with frequent family or research trips.

Rebecca grew up listening to her mother’s family lore of a great-grandfather from generations ago. Barnabas Horton sailed from England in the 1600’s, to Long Island, N.Y., on a ship called The Swallow. In 1999, after she found Horton Point, L.I., on a map, Rebecca and her mother made the journey to see the lighthouse named after their ancestor.

The legend goes that Barnabas brought a slab of blue slate with him from England, and had the epitaph he wrote himself engraved on it. The blue slate still exists in the Old Cemetery in Southold, L.I., with the Bible verse, “He being dead, still speaketh.” Much information was found about Barnabas, but none of his wife, save a mention in his will.

Her mother passed away in 2005, but Rebecca returned to Southold many times, drawn by her Puritan roots and English heritage. Each time she wondered about her ninth great-grandmother, a young woman who married a widower with two young boys and then followed them for the wilds of Long Island, leaving behind her home and family. What were her dreams? Her motivations? Her fears?

Rebecca’s historical romance novel, A PLACE IN HIS HEART, debuts with Revell, a division of Baker Publishing House, in June of 2014.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.

This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino's own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life--and a legacy--in the New World.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of A Place in His Heart, go HERE.

Rebecca is hosting a Giveaway worth over $300.00 in prizes. There will be 8 winners! Scroll to the bottom of the post HERE to enter!!!!!

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 I received this book free from CFBA and Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Mom's Night Out and other things I miss...by Kerri Pomarolli

This would be a good baby shower gift.  New, first-time moms may not fully appreciate it at the time, but they would eventually.  It would be an encouraging gift for new and old moms, especially those with little ones.  I would also pair it with a devotional that has more Scripture, since that's what is most important.

My only dislike about this book is that it's more like a self-help book in a way.  I wouldn't classify it as a book that points you back to the Word and encourages you to spend time in the Word, even in those desperate times during parenting.  This book wouldn't be what I would read to grow in my relationship with the Lord.  It does have Scripture verses before each devotional.  I feel like so much more could be brought out in the Scriptures to those moms who feel at the end of themselves.  I think that's where we need to be pointed to our eternal purpose in parenting.

With that said, it is a book that has lots of devotions.  The devotions themselves can be read in less than 5 minutes.  Then it has a section to think about.

To read more reviews, go to http://litfusegroup.com/books/moms-night-out-and-other-things-i-miss-devotions-to-help-you-survive.

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Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive
As a Mom, couldn’t you use a good laugh?
Inspired by the endearing, true-to-life movie MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, comedian Kerri Pomarolli has created this light, yet inspiring devotional that will definitely make you laugh, but will also help you discover that indeed you are not alone, and that God’s gracious provision of love and faithfulness is at work in your life and of your loved ones.
Whether you’re running full-speed-ahead or disappointed that it’s Monday (again), you’ll find joy in these devotions where Kerri shares hilarious stories and insights on daily life. Messy homes, messy kids, lost pets, never ending casseroles, forgetful husbands, and the desire to just take a long bath… This world can be a funny place, and these stories are bound to prove it. Read a devotion to brighten your morning, or catch a few words to make you smile before bed. There’s never a bad time for a good laugh, and as a Mom, you need a Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.
The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kerri’s site.

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 I received this book free from B & H Books and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Mom's Night Out by Tricia Goyer

I read this book and saw the movie and absolutely love them both!  Tricia Goyer did a wonderful job sticking to the movie.  This is one book that resembles the movie very closely, which I'm thankful for!

I found these circumstances hilarious.  I had no problem relating to Allyson.  I felt like at some times during the story, I was reading about myself and my family!  I've had that desperation feeling and I've had that longing for adult interaction.  I've also had those planned trips that never turned out like I thought they would.

I liked the discussion questions at the end of the book. I think this would be a fun book club book to discuss. I can even imagine moms getting together and reading it and discussing it... then perhaps having a mom's night out to watch the movie again.

I hope more movies/books are put out that are like this one! It as encouraging, hilarious, and even brought tears to my eyes.

Read more reviews at http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer.

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About the Book

Moms’ Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?

Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.

The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (EVERBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE MIDDLE), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).

Learn more and purchase a copy at Tricia’s website.

Tricia Goyer

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

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I received this book free from B & H Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad

I really like the cover on this book.  I like the fading colors in the back and the sharp, beautiful colors of the girl on the front.  I found it to be very appealing and drew me to the book.

I was really glad that Charlotte was featured in this book, which is the second book in the Gregory Sisters series.  She reminds me of who I would like to be sometimes!  (Don't worry... I'm not!). She's fiesta and has a strong personality that helps her in where she is wanting to go.  However, she also has a lot to figure out when it comes to God and laying down her will.

I got a lot of good laughs between Joel and Charlotte!  I found their encounters refreshing and in many instances, just funny.  Their quirks were fun to imagine a marriage with!

I like all of the Gregory sisters so I liked the update on Hannah.  I'm hoping Tessa gets the main feature in the next book.  I can only imagine how great that book will be with Tessa's personality!  I bet that Lorna Seilstad has a lot of fun writing these books and conjuring up the different scenarios!

I like historical fiction, but I think the history in these books make the story even better.  It's not heavy history, but it's definitely enough to set the stage and give you an understanding of the time period. 

Looking forward to book #3!

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Take one lovely young woman.
Add two ambitious young men.
Stir . . . and stand back.
As a graduate of Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove. And she certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

Lewis encourages Charlotte's work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.


Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

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 I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

I have looked forward to heading back to Last Chance since the last book in this series.  I really enjoyed the last book and had a hard time putting that one down.  I knew this one would probably be the same way, so it was hard not to read it when I got it!

I got a few chuckles out of the difference in personalities between Sarah Cooley and Chris Reed.  Sarah is a woman who is searching for solace in a place that she's known to never change.  Chris is yearning to shake things up in this place that never changes.  You can already imagine how these two might clash in some ways!

I think Sarah was really easy for me to relate to because I don't particularly like change either. In fact, it takes me out of my comfort zone and I don't like that!  So I could relate to wanting to go back to predictable, especially after being heartbroken.

What I like most about this book is that it's about Sarah and Chris, but there are also other outside relationships that add such a wonderful story.  I think that makes it have more depth and adds to the bonding I had with certain characters.  I couldn't help but be amazed with Chris, though.

I'm already looking forward to returning to Last Chance again in what I'm hoping is the near future!

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Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.
Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.


Cathleen Armstrong is the award-winning author of Welcome to Last Chance. Though she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon

I really like this side of Irene Hannon.  I like her mystery books, but I think these are my favorite books by her.  Part of that is because I'm not a huge fan of mystery/suspense books, though.  These books are right up my alley and leave me feeling like I've jumped into real life scenarios.

One thing that I appreciate about Hannon's books are that the story is never predictable. Just when you think you may have an idea, there's a twist.  I find myself battling (and usually losing) not to turn to the end to see how it ends so that I'm not all worried if I'm going to be sad at the end!  Yes.... I'm one of those people.

Keith annoyed me at first, to be completely honest.  I figured that there was no way I would ever come around to like him!  I really like how real Claire is as a character and how easy she was to picture in my head.  I felt like I jumped in her shoes and saw her struggles.

I've enjoyed these past 2 contemporary novels so much. I really hope there's more!  I'm impressed by authors that can jump around to different style of writing so easily.

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"Irene Hannon is one  great storyteller." -Debbie Macomber,
#1 New York Times bestselling author
Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make  lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line--until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.

As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become--nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.


"Hannon's multithread plot is woven beautifully together to create a tapestry that will enchant romantics of all ages."--Publishers Weekly


Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty-five books, including That Certain Summer. Her romance and suspense fiction has won many awards, including two coveted RITAs, a Carol, two HOLT Medallions, a National Readers' Choice, a Daphne du Maurier, a Retailers Choice, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.