Beauty Among Ruins

 American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

Lily was a spoiled rich American that gets sent to England as a way to tame her wild ways.  According to her parents that is.  Lily just wants to be able to live her life they way she wants.  Not the way society or her mother dictates. Alec is trying to hang onto his estate after his father gambles most of the money away.  Strange and dangerous things start to happen on the estate. Some of them life threatening.  The only negative I found in the book was that Alec's poverty was repeatedly stated.  This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any 

Active Defense by Lynette Eason

As a former field surgeon in Afghanistan, Heather Fontaine is used to life-or-death situations. She just didn't expect them to follow her home. When she returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house--and threatened her friends--she assumes it is the stalker who has been following her and creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble has followed her even there.

Luckily, a stalker isn't the only one watching Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it's what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead--and why--before it's too late. 

Another hit for Ms. Eason.  This book kept me reading when I should have been doing other things,  Heather would rather run that ask for help from her friends.  She was brought up in the foster care system and was told it's better to stand on your own two feet that accept help from others as they will let you down.  She has learn to accept help when it is offered.  Travis tracks her down and insists on helping.  He also informs her that her friends are waiting to help also.  The thing is that her friends have been threatened by the stalker.  I had an inkling of who the stalker was as I was reading.  But it was still surprising to see that I was correct.

I recommend this book to all who like a great mystery.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings

 Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she's assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she's sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children's home. He'll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm's way.

Calista doesn't need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can't let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark.  

All Calista wants to do is be a Pinkerton agent.  One last successful assignment is all she needs to prove herself.  The only problem is that she is sent to Joplin where she has lots of family and Joplin is a wild town.  How can she remain incognito when she runs into family at every turn.  Then there's Matthew.  He's trying to keep her from entering into the den of iniquity.  

This is a good book that I recommend.  Who knew that Joplin had such shady beginnings.  

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Kissing Tree

 Bestselling novelist Karen Witemeyer joins award-winning authors Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese for this Texas-sized romance novella collection. Each of the authors' unique voices is on display in stories where courting couples leave a permanent mark of their love by carving their initials into the same oak's bark.  

In Regina Jennings' Broken Limbs, Mended Fences, a small-town teacher has her credentials questioned by a traveling salesman.

In Karen Witemeyer's Inn for a Surprise, two opinionated collaborators with conflicting visions must turn a doomed business venture into a successful romantic retreat.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes follows a young WWII naval airman who heads to Texas to meet the sister of a lost compatriot.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese is a modern-day romance about the groundskeeper of a historic inn who's reunited with someone from her past while she fights to save a town landmark.

This is a collection of stories centered around a tree.  Known at the Kissing Tree.  The stories are generational.  They all flow one into the other but by different authors.  This is a good book to take to the beach or seat in front of a fire on a cold winter day.  

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott

 It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

This is the second book in the American Wonders Series.  It is not necessary to read the first book in the series to read this book.  

Kate's only means of support is her hotel in Yellowstone National Park.  She has to convince the government representative to give her a 10 year lease.  Lt. Prescott is there to keep trouble makers and poachers out of the park.  This is Kate's journey to find love again and Lt. Prescott to find forgiveness for past actions.

This is a good clean book.  I recommend it to all ages.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

The Escape by Lisa Harris

 US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them.

This is an action packed book starting with a plane crash.  The pilots are dead, one of the prisoners is dead, one prisoner escapes.  Two US Marshals, Madison James and Jonas Quinn survive the plane crash and are on the hunt for the prisoner.  Madison has been a widow for five years and Jonas has recently broke up with his fiancee.  Neither one of them are looking for a relationship.  But the tension between them is something they can't ignore.  There is another story going on at the same time.  Who killed Madison's husband.  Some one leaves a black rose on his grave every anniversary of his death.  This year they got into Madison's house and left a black rose on her bed.  

This book is action packed as Madison and Jonas track down the escaped prisoner.  I recommend this book to all mystery lovers.  I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

What You Said to Me by Olivia Newport

 When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past. 

This is the fourth book in this series.  It's not necessary to read the first three to read and understand this book.  This book continues with Jillian doing research for her genealogy business.  Along comes Tisha who got into trouble for shoplifting.  Nolan has persuaded Jillian to have Tisha work for her in order to complete community service hours.  The problem is that Tisha has no desire to work for Jillian and everything that Jillian has her do is only half done or not done at all.  Then Tisha finds something out about her family background.  A switch seems to have been turned on for her.  Meanwhile Jillian is trying to find time to spend with her boyfriend Drew.  We were introduced to him in the last book.  

This is a good clean book that has a little bit of mystery.  

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

Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter

When a mysterious man turns up at Grace’s family-run inn, it’s instant attraction. But she’s already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn, getting Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood event she’d thought was long past.

A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.

Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she’s more than happy to step up to the plate. As their journey progresses, Grace soon has an elusive Wyatt opening up, and Wyatt is unwittingly drawn to Grace’s fresh outlook and sense of humor.

There’s no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt’s secrets bring Grace’s world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?

A great conclusion to A Blue Bell Inn Romance.  Each book can be read independently but it would be helpful to read them in order to get the back story of the siblings.  Wyatt is trying to bring closure to the death of his mother that happened years ago.  He was a child when it happened and was there when she was killed.  He thinks it's fault since he didn't do anything to stop it.  Grace and Wyatt try to find the spot it happened at.  Grace has secrets of her own.  Unbeknown to her, her secret is connected to Wyatts.

There's no great mystery in the book.  But it is a good clean romance with a tad of mystery thrown in.  This is a great cozy read and I recommend it.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not  compensated in any way.  

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson

 All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year.

Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things
get . . . messy.

This is a cute story that takes place at Christmas.  Tyler forgets his music when he leaves to go to Arizona for Christmas.  When he goes back to his house he runs into the people he swapped with.  He introduces himself as the caretaker because he doesn't want them to know who he is.  He is instantly attracted to Emma and her to him.  While Gillian thinks he's just the caretaker, she treats him like an underling.  When she finds out he's famous, her entire attitude changes and she goes after him.  It's a typical Hallmark type movie with the main characters having a misunderstanding toward the end and then a happy ending.

I recommend this book to all who like a feel good Christmas book.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway.  

A Joyful Christmas

A Christmas Castle by Cynthia Hickey
Married by proxy in Missouri, Annie Morgan sets off for Tombstone, Arizona, to join her new husband as a cattle rancher. But too soon she finds herself a widow with an unexpected daughter and butting heads with her handsome neighbor.
 
A Star in the Night by Liz Johnson
Wounded within Confederate territory, Union officer Jedediah Harrington finds refuge at the tiny cabin of Cora Sinclair and her grandfather. Still haunted by what she saw as a battlefield hospital volunteer, Cora finds that only Jed can understand. But, though she longs to give him her heart, the risks to both of them are too great.
 
An Irish Bride for Christmas by Vickie McDonough
When Jackson Lancaster’s brother and wife die, he takes his three-year-old niece home. But a meddling busy-body makes the judge give her custody “because an unmarried man shouldn’t raise a little girl.” Now Jackson has until Christmas to find a bride or lose his niece forever. Larkin Doyle is grateful her employer took in the orphan and believes Jackson abandoned his niece. When her heart says otherwise, will romance blossom? 
 
Under His Wings by Liz Tolsma
Adie O’Connell, orphaned and left alone in a dangerous Wisconsin logging camp, seeks the stability she once knew when both her parents lived. Despite the compassion and friendship offered by Noah “Preacher Man” Mitchell, she refuses to consider marriage to a man always drifting from one job to another for God.
 
Shelter in the Storm by Carrie Turansky
The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor, Rachel Thornton begins nursing James Galloway, a wounded artist-war correspondent. As James recovers, their hearts draw closer together. Having already lost one sweetheart to the war, Rachel is hesitant to reveal her feelings for James, who insists on returning to the front lines. Would she be safer in the arms of another man?
 
Christmas Service by Erica Vetsch

Beth Sorensen has been put in charge of the Christmas pageant at the little log church, and this year she wants something different. But she didn’t count on a Minnesota blizzard paralyzing the whole town. Can the blacksmith teach this preacher’s daughter about what it means to serve one another in love through the storm?

 This book is written by several different authors with stories about women in the old west.  The women are strong and capable to handle anything that is thrown their way.  Even taking care of wounded men. 

The only story I didn't care for was Christmas Service.  Beth seemed to think no one could get things done except here, so she just did it all.  In the end she saw the error of her way.  

Overall it was a quick easy read.

I was given this book by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.   

A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

Zivon Marin was one of Russia's top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee to England after speaking out against Lenin, Zivon is driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits. But never far from his mind is his brother, whom Zivon fears died in the train crash that separated them.

Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and re-creating photographs. With her father's connections in propaganda, she's recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove if she ever found out.

After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily that soon takes over their hearts. But both have secrets they're unwilling to share, and neither is entirely sure they can trust the other. When Zivon's loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple's future dreams--it becomes a matter of ending the war.

This is the third book in this series.  It's not necessary to read the first two books in the series.  But it would be helpful to read them to know the characters that are in book three.

This book centers around codebreakers during WWI and the retouching of photographs.  Besides the story line of the book I found that aspect to be quite interesting.  The flu epidemic was also brought into the story.  

The book started out a little slow but got more interesting as it went along.  I would recommend this book.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

The Soldier's Lady

 The Colonel’s Daughter by Gabrielle Meyer

Minnesota, 1828—Fort Snelling
Major Nathaniel Ward is tasked with guarding his commanding officer’s daughter, Ally Benson, from the amorous soldiers at Fort Snelling, but he finds the hardest person to keep in line is himself.
 
Frontier of Her Heart by Susanne Dietze
California, 1854—Fort Humboldt
All is fair in love and war, but the contest of wills between fort cook Emily Sweet and assistant surgeon Boyd Braxton is all about pride, not romance. . .until they must work together to stop an epidemic.
 
Save the Last Word for Me by Lorna Seilstad
Kansas, 1864—Fort Riley
Determined schoolteacher Adelina Dante believes every man, woman, and child deserves the opportunity to read and write, but when she approaches Colonel Isaac Scott about why he should allow his illiterate soldiers to attend special classes, she’s the one who gets educated in matters of the heart.
 
Forever Fort Garland by Janette Foreman
Colorado, 1879—Fort Garland
Annie Moreau arrives at Fort Garland to marry her soldier pen pal, Martin, but encounters two surprises—Martin has died in battle and she’s been corresponding with dashing Captain Jefferson Gray all along.

I found this book very easy to read. This would be good to set in front of the fireplace and read.  They were all pretty predictable.  But I enjoyed reading them.  I would recommend them to any one who wants a light read.

I was given this book by Barbour Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

 Tennessee, 1866. According to the last letter Irish immigrant Catriona O'Toole received from her twin brother, Ryan, he was being dispatched to Franklin, Tennessee, where--as a conscripted Confederate soldier--he likely endured the bloody Battle of Franklin that claimed the lives of thousands. Catriona leaves behind the lush green of their Irish homeland in search of him, with nothing to her name except the sum of cash Ryan sent to their family. Now the sole provider for her seven-year-old spitfire sister, Nora, Catriona hopes to reunite the siblings--the only surviving members of their devastated family.

   
Wade Cunningham is a former Federal soldier who now works for the newly formed United States Secret Service and is trying to uncover counterfeiting rings in the postwar South. In order to infiltrate their sophisticated enterprise, he must pose as a former Confederate in Franklin--a town where counterfeit greenbacks run rampant. When Wade meets Catriona, he is immediately intrigued by her and the little redheaded scamp in her care--but what he doesn't anticipate is that the cash in Catriona's possession is some of the most convincing counterfeit money he's ever seen. Soon the object of Wade's affection is also the suspect in a major crime--one he's expected to prosecute.
  

This book takes place shortly after the Civil War has ended.  Catriona is fresh from Ireland looking for her twin brother Ryan.  Along the way she meets Wade, a Secret Service Agent looking into counterfeit money.  This was quite an eye opener of conditions in the South prior to the Civil War and after. As well as how the Iris were treated in this country.  Its a very interesting book and I recommend it. 

 I'm sorry Thomas Nelson wanted Ms. Alexander to change history by rewriting part of the book.  Kudos to Ms. Alexander for refusing and publishing this book herself. 

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Backlash by Rachel Dylan

 CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel that puts a target on her back. Though Layla never wanted to be a field agent, Langley had other ideas. After one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.

At the same time, the CIA opens up an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.

Layla and Hunter soon discover a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team's identity to the cartel. She must clear her name with the Agency and protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter--the man who broke her heart--and hope they both come out of it alive. 

  Layla never wanted to be a field agent for the CIA.  They had other ideas.  They put her in the field and now there is a price on her head.

This is a great edge of your seat book.  I didn't want to put it down. I recommend this book to all mystery/thriller fans.

 

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Her Secret Song by Mary Connealy

 After a rough winter spent alone, Ursula Nordegren realizes she must overcome her fears of the outside world and begins a trek down Hope Mountain. Along the way she finds a badly wounded stranger and realizes God may have used her decision to leave as a way of saving the man. 

Wax Mosby was climbing Hope Mountain in part to atone for his terrible choices. He was hired to drive out the Warden family and now knows he was duped. But when he's wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel. 

As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of living new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they're joined by Ursula's sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the family ranch looms with the coming of spring. 

This is a great ending to this series.  I wasn't sure I was going to care for Ursula before the I started to read this book.  Her character was brought to life and explained in a way that I had to like her and want her to have a good life.  Who would have thought that  it would be with Wax Mosby!  You really need to read the other two books in the series to find out why Wax is not someone you would have thought would have changed his ways.  It just goes to show what God can do when he gets a hold of you.  

I was given this book Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren

 Former Navy SEAL Hamilton Jones thought that the love of his life was dead. But when a girl claiming to be his daughter shows up with a dire message from his wife, Ham knows he will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home.

Kidnapped by rebels while serving as an interpreter in Ukraine, Signe Kincaid has spent the past decade secreting out valuable information about Russian assets in the US to her CIA handler. Fearing for her daughter after being discovered as an operative, Signe sends her to Ham for safekeeping. She's ready to give her life for her country, and she can hardly expect Ham to rescue her after breaking his heart over and over.

When Ham discovers the reason Signe has kept her distance, he must choose between love for his wife and love for the nation he has vowed to protect. Will he save the many? Or the few?

This was a great conclusion to this series.  It would be helpful to read the other books in this series to fully know what is going on in this book. There is also a conclusion for who is the traitor that was spoken of in the Montana Marshall series.  Also, a good series and should be read.

Ham is faced with a lot of choices in this book.  Most of all does he forgive Signe for what she has done to him by keeping his daughter a secret from him.  

I enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down.  I highly recommend to all mystery buffs.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

 Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews, but now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently. 

But unless he can track down her foe, fast, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.

This book could have been taken straight from todays headlines.  It was a great book and kept me reading when I should have been doing other things.  I recommend this book to all mystery/suspense readers.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Until I Met You by Tari Faris

 When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?

I had a lot of trouble liking Austin during most of the book.  He had a lot of anger issues and Whitney didn’t know which Austin would show up.  The kind or angry one.  Most of Austin’s anger was directed at his brother.  The local pastor.  But he took his anger out on those around him.  He had a lot of work ahead of him to resolve the issues.  Whitney had a lot of trust issues she needed to work through.  Her former boyfriend ended up robbing the store she worked at and held a gun on her. 

It was a good book and I did enjoy the story line.

I was given this book Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

Everywhere to Hide by Siri Mitchell

The story line was great.  Whitney has a handicap that I had never heard of.  It’s called face blindness.  I looked it up to see if it even exists.  Sure enough it does.  This makes her unable to identify the killer.  The killer doesn’t know this about her so they come after her trying to tie up loose ends.  The is a good mystery and kept me reading.

The cons:  It seemed like the author was trying to push the cyber currency and went into great detail about it. She went into detail several times during the book. I skimmed that part.  Another thing I didn’t like was the reference to Whitney and her ex-boyfriend moving in together.  There was also the part where she wanted Leo to sleep with her.  Although, they did nothing but sleep.  I found this quite disturbing as this book was from Thomas Nelson Publishing.  They are a Christian Publishing House.  To me this gives people the impression that since a Christian publisher is publishing the book it must be ok.  I’m very disappointed in Thomas Nelson.  For this reason I would not recommend this book. 

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway. 

Until I Met You by Tari Farris

When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?

I had a lot of trouble liking Austin during most of the book.  He had a lot of anger issues and Whitney didn’t know which Austin would show up.  The kind or angry one.  Most of Austin’s anger was directed at his brother.  The local pastor.  But he took his anger out on those around him.  He had a lot of work ahead of him to resolve the issues.  Whitney had a lot of trust issues she needed to work through.  Her former boyfriend ended up robbing the store she worked at and held a gun on her. 

It was a good book and I did enjoy the story line.

I was given this book Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble

 A lie changed her world.

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still reeling from the scandal that rocked her small-town department just as she took over for her retired father—the man who wrecked her life with one little lie. Now she’s finally been reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old son, Will, and his father, documentarian Reid Bechtol. 

A crisis looms. 

When a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus exposes an environmental terrorist’s plot to flood Mobile Bay with crude oil, Jane and Reid must put their feelings for each other behind them and work together to prevent the rig from being sabotaged. 

A killer targets her son. 

Then the terrorist puts her son Will’s life on the line. Protecting him could be the common ground they need . . . but then ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Jane and Reid for good. 

She’s got plenty of reasons to run. But what if she stays? 

This is the continuation of Police Chief Jane Hardy and documentarian Reid Bechtol.   They have to work together to figure out who is behind the threat to an oil rig in the bay.  As they get closer to the answer, their son Will is threatened.  They will do anything to keep him safe.  While keeping him safe, Reid and Jane and to put their feelings aside and work together.  

This isn't an edge of your set suspense book.  But it is still a good mystery.  This is the second book in the series.  I  would recommend you read the first book One Little Lie before reading this one.  

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Behind the Frame by Tracy Gardner

 Savanna Shepherd, an art expert turned elementary art teacher, is planning the Art in the Park festival for her hometown of Carson. But apparently, someone isn’t happy that Carson got to host the event: the beloved statue in the park is destroyed. Not long after, Savanna finds the dead body of one of the people on the planning committee.

Savanna and her sisters are convinced that the arrested murder suspect didn’t do it, despite strong evidence to the contrary. With the help of Dr. Aidan Gallager, Savanna’s new romantic interest, they uncover hidden resentments and intrigue. Several people in Carson had a motive for the murder. Can they find out which one of them is behind the framing of an innocent person?

This is a good book to take to the beach or set in front of a fire.  There is a mystery involved in the book as well as the beginning of a romance between Aidan and Savanna.  All Savanna wants to do is hold Art in the Park.  Little did she know that she would be investigating a beheaded statue, vandalism to her car, and to top it off a murder.  Who would what to kill one of the planning committee members.  The more she digs into the background of the victim the more suspects she finds.  

I was given this book by Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman

It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.

The RED team is trying to stop a terror attack that is supposed to be worse than 9/11.  Kiley is in charge of the team and she is pushed to her limit.  They have four days to find out the target and stop it.  With the help of the other team members Evan, she has to find a way.  

This is a good procedural book.  It shows the steps that are taken to find the terrorist. There wasn't a lot of action until the very end of the book.  I recommend to  everyone who likes a good mystery.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Dead End Detective by Amanda Flower

Darby Piper is in shock. Samantha Porter—her mentor and business partner at Two Girls Detective Agency—has died in a car crash, and it doesn’t look like an accident. In fact, evidence is pointing toward Darby.

Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency, but Samantha had recently changed the will to leave it to Tate Porter, her nephew, who returns to town.

Tate is no P.I. He’s a veteran, a world traveler, and something of a mystery himself. But as he helps Darby delve into secret histories and real estate development plans, he does seem to have a knack for the job. Will the agency have a future…even if Darby can prove her innocence in time?

This is a typical Hallmark story.  A good clean book with no foul language or sex scenes.  The mystery is who killed Samantha Porter.  Darby her partner in Two Girls Detective Agency is the prime suspect.  She has to prove her innocence with the help of Tate Porter, Samantha's nephew.  But can she trust him.  He hasn't been in town for years and showed up just before Samantha was killed.  This is a good beach read or to set by the fireplace and enjoy a good book.

I was given this book by Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any ay.  

Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she's taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander--Sarah's imposing father--to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother's suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career--if she can survive long enough to write it.

This book starts out with Sarah being held captive in the Middle East.  She is rescued by Gavin Black, a former Army Ranger.  He was hired by Sarah's father to rescue her.  After she recovers from her injuries, she discovers that she was falsely discharged from the Army and that her father, the General, had a hand in it.  Also, her life is still in danger.  With the help Gavin and her brother Caleb, and FBI agent, they track down who is responsible.  

This is a great mystery that you will want to read.  Ms. Eason has written another great book.

I was given this book Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues--until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot--and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job--and falling helplessly in love.

Penelope and Tucker have been best friends for twenty five years.  Penelope leaves the impression with her ex-fiancé's fiancé that Tucker and her are an item.  She does this because she wants Winston to know she has moved on from him leaving her at the altar.  Tucker readily agrees.  As he is running for sheriff, having an escort serves his purpose too.  Also, Penelope has helped him with his campaign.  A snag in his campaign happens when his apposer starts a smear campaign stating that Tuckers for bearers were traitors to the Confederate cause.  In trying to find proof that they weren't, Tucker and Penelope come across a journal indicating there is a buried treasure somewhere.  The hunt is on.

This is a nice cozy read.  Not a lot of edge of your set mystery.  More of a romance with a little mystery thrown in.  But a good book.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway.

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the faade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

I have read several of Ms. Camden's books and have enjoyed them.  I just couldn't get involved in this book.  I really can't give a good reason.  I just didn't grab my attention.  I would read it for awhile, put it down and read another book, and then come back to it.  Other reviewers seemed to enjoy it.  So may it is just me.  

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Second Hand Cowboy by Lacy Williams

Never show weakness. Callum’s childhood mantra is back in play as fate sends the bull rider back to his hometown. Ten years ago, he was run out of town under a cloud of suspicion. But he’s not a banged-up foster kid anymore. He only wants one thing: to prove he’s not the trailer trash they said he was.

Fate must be laughing. Iris was supposed to escape the small town life and have a ballet career on stage in NYC. But family issues kept her home long enough for opportunity to pass her by and now she’s going nowhere, fast. She’s blindsided when she comes face-to-face with the boy who walked away from her and broke every promise. Callum hasn’t changed from the boy she remembers. He’s just better at hiding his scars.

Iris is just trying to survive one day at a time.  She had a ballet career that fell apart when she was injured.  Now she is back on the ranch taking care of her sister who is had cancer.  The only way to pay bills is to sell the ranch left to her by her uncle.  The new owner is none other than Callum.  Her boyfriend from years past.  He brings along with him his twin sons.  He deserted her and never had any contact with him since he left.  This is Iris and Callum's journey to reconnect after her father and uncle conspired against them 10 years earlier.  

This is a clean book appropriate for anyone.  A good book to pick up for a cozy afternoon or a beach read.  

I was given this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway.  

How Sweet It IS by Robin Lee Hatcher

Holly Stanford is doing the best she can with the restaurant she inherited from her late uncle. But after her fiancé abandons her and the business, Holly regrets having given up her dream of becoming a pastry chef. Now a few bad financial decisions might cost her everything, including her hope for the future.

Jed Henning has done well with his new company despite his prodigal brother’s behavior. When Jed‘s father, the controlling member of the board of directors, temporarily suspends operations until his sons work out their differences, Jed resentfully chases his brother, Chris, to Boise. There Jed rents a basement apartment from Holly and hopes to convince Chris to get his act together before their company collapses.

Unaware that Holly is the one person who can help him get through to Chris, Jed starts the tough work of reconciliation armed with little more than a few family photographs, a stack of old letters, and a Bible that belonged to his great-grandfather, Andrew Henning. And as romance blossoms between Holly and Jed, the story of Jed’s great-grandfather highlights the power of God across the generations and the legacy of a family’s courageous faith.

Holly is stuck with a restaurant she really doesn't want.  Her ex-fiancé convinced her to  open the restaurant with his promise that he would help her run it while she concentrated on her baking business.  Well, that was before the fiancé decided he didn't want to be engaged any more and left town.  Jed is on the look out for his younger brother.  Their dad gave Jed an ultimatum to find Chris or he would close Jed's business.  

This is a story of reconciliation and listening instead of jumping in with both feet without all the facts.  An easy read that keeps your interest.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.    

Love's Mountain Quest by Misty M. Beller

Young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler's Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing, with no lawman in town, she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help.

Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who's behind the kidnapping, and if he's right, he knows all too well the evil they're chasing.

As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.

Joanna is beside herself when she realizes her five year old son and the woman watching him have gone missing.  Isaac has been trying to keep on eye on Joanna so when he finds out that Samuel is missing he drops what he's doing and helps.  As they are tracking the kidnappers, he realizes they are looking for someone from his past.  A past that he wants to keep secret and left in the past.  But in order to save Samuel,  he has to confront his past.  Which means he must tell Joanna and hope that she will forgive him.  All Joanna wants to do is find her son safe and sound. They face several hardships along the way to the outlaw hideout.  The most severe is that Isaac breaks his leg.  

This is a clean story with some mystery and romance.  I recommend this book to everyone.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not  compensated in any way.