Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

 Evie is a super dedicated detective who enjoys solving mysteries rather than the day to day work of being a State Police Detective.  She is almost too intense.  We are reintroduced to Ann and Paul Falcon from previous books.  Ann is a likable person but she tends to be too perfect.  I liked Gabe the best.  He was the county sheriff who took his job very seriously.  He wanted these cold cases solved and was very willing to  help Evie solve them.  He was also interested in Evie in a personal way.  She was in him too.  She is not willing to commit to anyone and settle down.  The book left the relationship open at the end.  It appeared that maybe there would be book 2 of the Evie Blackwell Cold Cases. 

I mostly enjoyed this book.  The main reason is that there was too much description going on about possible scenarios for the cold cases.  It seemed to really drag at times and I found myself skimming those parts.  I would have liked to seen more action and less talk.  I prefer the old style Dee Henderson books that were action packed.  But these are still good.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway.

The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

As the War of 1812 rages across the newly formed United States, another war rages in Fiona Lanier's heart--one that threatens to tear her family apart.

Fiona can scarcely take in the news of her brother's capture and imprisonment by the British Navy. It is almost as unbelievable as the half-drowned British sailor who is washed ashore on the beach of Navy Cove.

Charlie Kincaid claims to have no memory of his life before being discovered by Fiona, but in a world that seems saturated with treachery, she cannot be sure he is telling the truth.
As Charlie's memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political allegiances collide, they'll each have to decide where their true loyalty lies.

If you are a history buff, this book is for you.  I didn't really know a lot about the War of 1812.  But this book described a small portion of it.  Fiona is a very independent young woman.  Which is very unusual for this time in history.  Women were mostly keepers of the household and didn't venture beyond that scope .I enjoyed her journey to get her brother released from the British. A lot of times she acted without thinking things through first. Charlie didn't seem to be the typical British Naval Officer. He washed up on the beach where Fiona found him with no memory.  When his memory does start to return he stays and doesn't try to leave.  Although if he left, the story wouldn't have been near as interesting. 

The only negative thing I found about the book was that sometimes there was too much detail given on the battle plans. The other thing is that the exchange for Fiona's brother takes place but he is never mentioned after that.  What happened to him? Other than that I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by Beth White.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer

In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?

Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.

When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”

Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?

How would I feel about learning that my husband had a second wife and second family?  Devastated!!  I don't know if I would have been as accepting of his second family as Neva.  Although, the children weren't to blame for their fathers deception.  I did like the book and the struggles Neva had with carrying on with her life.  She has two men vying for her affections.  Which one will she choose.

I recommend this book to all readers.

I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review.  I was  not compensated in any way. 

Restore My Soul: A Coloring Book

Grab your colored pencils and get ready to refresh your spirit with this coloring book devotional journey!For lovers of the Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest coloring books, Restore My Soul is a beautiful, interactive devotional designed to celebrate our unique creativity and connect us with the ultimate Creator. Find refreshment in short reflections on Scripture and be inspired as you color accompanying intricate illustrations created for meditation and prayer. Both contemplative and imaginative, Restore My Soul is the perfect space for the artist in us all.

I was excited to get this book.  The devotionals that go along with the coloring page are great.  The coloring is a great stress reliever. Some adult coloring books are very difficult. This one is not. It makes me feel like a kid again.  I highly recommend this to everyone.

I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she knew who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

I really enjoyed reading the next installment in the Walker family saga. All he wants to do is return to Maple Valley, sell the newspaper he inherited and be the speech writer for the next US President.  What he doesn’t anticipate is meeting Amelia Bentley.  She is the editor of the newspaper he wants to sell.  Amelia came to Maple Valley several years ago.  She was drifting until she landed in Maple Valley.  Now she can’t imagine living anywhere else.  Both Logan and Amelia are hurting.  Logan from the death of his wife and Amelia from an adoption that feel through and her recent divorce.  I saw this book as their journey from hurting individuals to confident self assured individuals.  They also are finding their way back to the God they thought had abandoned them.  There are many struggles along the way.  I won’t go into detail as I don’t want to give away any spoilers. 

I recommend this book to anyone.  It is a good clean Christian novel.  I am looking forward to reading about the next Walker family member.

I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.