Saturday, September 29, 2012

Stacking the Shelves #15

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Books to Review
The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter

Books I Borrowed
The Heart Remembers by Irene Hannon
Her Own Devises by Shelley Adina
Offworld by Robin Parrish
Moonblood by Anne Elizabeth Stengl
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman
A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

Books I Won
From Amber@Seasons of Humilty
Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz
With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Books I Bought
The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren
The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter

Kindle Books
Love's Rescue by Tammy Barley
Springtime of the Spirit by Maureen Lang
Discovering Hope by Chautona Havig
Twice A Bride by Mona Hodgson (Blogging for Books review copy)
The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg
Not A Fan: Teen Edition by Kyle Idleman

Friday, September 28, 2012

Book Blogger Hop: Check This Out

Book Blogger Hop

This Week's Question:
Pick one post from the past week to highlight for the hop

My Answer:
I didn't have an amazing week of posts but the one I'm choosing to highlight is my goal post for the Fall Into Reading challenge. I am trying to get the 45 books I have listed there, done between Sept 22 and Dec 21. I already have two done and I'm partway through the next two!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina

About the Book
London, 1889. Victoria is Queen. Charles Darwin’s son is Prime Minister. And steam is the power that runs the world. At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband. Unfortunately, Claire’s talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head. It’s not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices . . . When she meets Andrew Malvern, a member of the Royal Society of Engineers, she realizes her talents may encompass more than the invention of explosive devices. They may help her realize her dreams and his . . . if they can both stay alive long enough to see that sometimes the closest friendships can trigger the greatest betrayals . . .

My Thoughts
This was my very first introduction into the world of steampunk fiction, and I have to say I rather enjoyed it! As I started reading my mind immediately kept going to the TV show Warehouse 13's flashbacks to Warehouse 12, which was probably my actual first taste of anything steampunk. I kinda like the whole idea behind steampunk and I'm pretty sure I'll be reading more of this genre!
But anyway, enough talk about the book's genre and onto the book.! Like I said I did really enjoy this book. I'll admit it was a little slow for the first half and didn't really speed up too much at the end either, but there was a lot of background that needed covered so it was really necessary. But while it was slow it wasn't really boring and it's a short enough book that slowness doesn't matter too much.
The main character, Claire Trevelyan, was pretty cool. It's not often that socialites aren't stuck on themselves and spoiled in the lap of luxury, but Claire defied the stereotype. She was smart, clever, considerate, caring, and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. And speaking of dirty, I loved all of the orphan kids that she joins with and starts helping. They each have such a unique story and they are pretty funny and cute to boot! I'm interested to see where the story will go in book 2 and I have already been told that it was even better than the first!

About the Author
Award-winning author Shelley Adina wrote her first teen novel when she was 13. It was rejected by the literary publisher to whom she sent it, but he did say she knew how to tell a story. That was enough to keep her going through the rest of her adolescence, a career, a move to another country, a B.A. in Literature, an M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, and countless manuscript pages. Between books, Shelley loves traveling, playing the piano and Celtic harp, making period costumes, and spoiling her flock of rescued chickens.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #29: Every Perfect Gift

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love
Thomas Nelson-December 4, 2012

About the Book
Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.
Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.
Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.
When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She's equally intrigued with him but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance.

Why I Want It
I really enjoyed the other Dorothy Love book, Beauty For Ashes, that I read and this one sounds like it will be just as good! And also who wouldn't want to read a book with that cover?!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's top ten is to pick series that you haven't finished either because you didn't like them or have just procrastinated. But as I looked through my books it seemed like the only unfinished series I could find were ones that haven't had the newest book release or they just released and I haven't gotten them yet/JUST got them. so that is what my top ten list is going to contain-in no particular order!

Husbands for Hire by Kelly Eillen Hake
Rugged&Relentless (March 2011)-Have/Read
Tall, Dark, and Determined (September 2011)-Don't Have/Not Read
Strong and Stubborn (November 2012)-Not Released

Saddler's Legacy by Rosslyn Elliott
Fairer Than Morning (May 2011)-Have/Read
Sweeter Than Birdsong (February 2012)-Have/Read
Lovelier Than Daylight (November 2012)-Not Released

Deep Haven by Susan May Warren
Set 1
Happily Ever After (April 2007)-Have/Read
Tying the Knot (August 2007)-Have/Read
The Perfect Match (January 2009)-Have/Read
Set 2
My Foolish Heart April 2011-Have/Read
The Shadow of Your Smile (December 2011)-Don't Have/Read
You Don't Know Me (September 2012)-Have/Not Read

Daughters of Fortune by Susan May Warren
Heiress (July 2011)-Have/Read
Baroness (March 2012)-Have/Read
Duchess (Unknown)-Not Released

A Breed Apart by Ronie Kendig
Trinity: Military War Dog (September 2012)-Have/Read
Talon: Combat Tracking Team (May 2013)-Not Released
Beowulf: Specialized Search Dog (Unknown)-Not Released

Guardians of Justice by Irene Hannon
Fatal Judgement (January 2011)-Have/Read
Deadly Pursuit (September 2011)-Have/Not Read
Lethal Legacy (August 2012)-Don't Have/Not Read

Crime Scene: Houston by DiAnn Mills
The Chase (April 2012)-Have/Read
The Survivor (March 2013)-Not Released

Alaskan Courage by Dani Pettrey
Submerged (May 2012)-Have/Read
Shattered (February 2013)-Not Released

Deadly Reunions by Lynette Eason
When the Smoke Clears (February 2012)-Have/Read
When A Heart Stops (October 2012)-Not Released

Big Sky Romance by Denise Hunter
A Cowboy's Touch (March 2011)-Have/Read
The Accidental Bride (January 2012)-Don't Have/Read
The Trouble With Cowboys (October 2012)-Have/Not Read

Monday, September 24, 2012

Belle Meade Plantation: Video Vignette #5 of 6

This fifth video vignette gives us a look at the inside of the Belle Meade Plantation and Tamera Alexander discuss the life of women during that time!

Victorian Life At Belle Meade Plantation

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #38

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
I really enjoyed rereading Waterfall and both of these other books were good too! You may have noticed that I didn't read either of the books on my list from last week and that's because I started them and they weren't for me so I didn't finish them!

What I am currently reading:
No progress on the top two and I've barely started the others so I 'm not sure of my opinion!

What I hope to read this week:
Looking forward to all of these! I have enjoyed all of the other books I've read from these authors so I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love these!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading?#37
Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund
Belle Meade Plantation: Video Vignette #4 of 6
Top Ten Bookish People I Want to Meet
Waiting on Wednesday #28: Strong and Stubborn
Book Blogger Hop: What You Don't Know #2
Fall Into Books 2012: Goals
Guardian by Heather Burch

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!
Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Guardian by Heather Burch

About the Book
Vigilance. The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. Mace, steadfast and deeply in love, wants to protect Nikki at all costs, while Raven's loyalty to Nikki finds him advocating for her independence and battling his own darker inclinations. At the same time, Nikki finds it harder and harder to choose between the two heavenly beings she may never have. Dangers intensify, and tensions between Mace and Raven flare as the purpose of their mission becomes clear. Can their defenses hold up to master manipulator Damon Vessler and the powerful secret he holds regarding Nikki's heritage? Can anyone protect Nikki from her true purpose and destiny?

My Thoughts
It is always tricky to write books about angelic beings since there is so much that we don't know. But Heather Burch has found a way to do it and to do it well. The whole concept of Halflings is rather interesting and a pretty clever idea. To take a couple verses from the Bible and create a whole story idea like this is sorta genius.
One of the only problems I had, was the whole love triangle thing. It was kinda annoying how Nikki's affections kept changing from Mace to Raven and back again, but I did see it's purpose in the story so that made it easier for me to look past that. There were a couple other minor things that didn't seem to make sense but they started to as the book went on and hopefully book three will clear everything up!
My opinions were pretty mixed as I read this book, one moment I would love it and then another I wouldn't be enjoying as much. But all in all, it was a pretty enjoyable read that left me desperate for the third book!

About the Author
Heather Burch grew up in Branson, Missouri, where she learned to love fiction. She then married into a family of published novelists and quickly learned writing was her heart's desire. When she's not working on her latest book, Heather can be found watching a sunset at a beach near her home in Southern Florida, along with her sons Jake and Isaac, and husband, John---who is her hero in every way.

I received an ARC of this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Fall Into Books 2012: Goals

Hosted by: Callapidder Days
I found this fun challenge through a few of my blogging friends and decided to join up! It's a very laid-back challenge, which is perfect since I have no clue how busy my fall is gonna be (there's a chance it could be insane!).  It runs the entire season of fall, Sept 22-Dec 21 and all you have to do is set a goal, make a list, and then read! Click on the button to learn more!
My Goal!
I'm going to list 45 books that I'm really hoping to get read this fall. I have no idea if I'll actually get them done since there might be new books I get and read or I may be so busy I have no reading time, but I'm choosing to be optimistic/hopeful and we'll see how many I get done!




Friday, September 21, 2012

Book Blogger Hop: What You Don't Know #2

Book Blogger Hop

This Week's Question:
What is one thing that your blog readers probably do not know about you?

My Answer:
I used to HATE reading books that were written in a first person POV.  I actually wouldn't even read them. Then my sister (who I always went to for books) suggested I read All the Tea in China by Jane Orcutt (which is written in first person). At first I said I didn't want to but she told me it was the only book she had for me so it was either that or I could just not read for a little while. And if you know me, you know that not reading is a fate worse than death so I picked it up. I LOVED it, and to my surprise the fact that it was in first person made it better rather than ruining it! Now I read a lot of books written in first person POV and I like them just as much as the third person ones!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #28: Strong and Stubborn

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Strong and Stubborn by Kelly Eileen Hake
Barbour Books-November 1, 2012


About the Book
Ride out west to join the last sawmill bride as she attempts to select her mate. Naomi Higgins isn’t about to settle for just anybody. Carpenter Michael Strode and his son—a chip off the old block—are ready to start a new life. Can they convince Naomi to be a part of their future when problems from the past still haunt Hope Falls? Will secrets sabotage the struggling town—and any hope of romance?

Why I Want It
I have loved all of Kelly Eileen Hake's books that I've read, and I can't wait to read this newest installment!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Top Ten Bookish People I Want To Meet

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's top ten assignment is to pick ten bookish people, like authors or bloggers etc., that you want to meet. And since I already did a post on authors I want to meet I decided to just pick ten bloggers that I find awesome and think it would be really cool to meet! Please check out their blogs-you won't be sorry!

Megan@Hardcover Feedback
Melanie@Christian Bookshelf Reviews
Morgan@Nothing Better Than A Book
Rina@Rina's Reading
Kara@My Thoughts and Book Reviews
Amber@Season's of Humility
Faye@Labor Not in Vain
Brooke@i blog 4 books
Aerykah@Expressions of Me
Rachel@Rachel Coker

All of these 10 have really great blogs (even though that's not how I "met" some of them) and I have loved being able to talk about books with people have similar taste as me! Thank you ladies for being such awesome online friends! Hopefully someday I will get to really meet you girls! 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Belle Meade Plantation: Video Vignette #4 of 6

We are now on to the fourth Belle Meade video vignette.In this one author Tamera Alexander shares more about Bob Green the head hostler at Belle Meade and gives us a glimpse of the old Harding cabin where Bob Green actually lived. In To Whisper Her Name, the hero of the story, Lt. Ridley Cooper, also resides in this cabin. Enjoy!
The Old Harding Cabin

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Unending Devotion
Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2012)
by
Jody Hedlund

MY THOUGHTS:
I absolutely loved this book! There was one scene near the very beginning that I found slightly over done, and the main character's penchant for running into trouble without thinking of her safety, but other than that this book was phenomenal! And now that I have the tiny problems dealt with I can proceed with my gushing!

The thing that impressed me most was the writing style. It has been so long since I have been that drawn into a book! I was lost in the story to the point of my heart actually racing in fear during a few scenes.

The characters were awesome too! Despite Lily's impatience she really did have a good heart and was quite loyal. I loved how even though she was searching for her sister she didn't hesitate to take the time to help other girls out of their situations. As for Connell, he was quite the swoon worthy hero! He had the whole  rugged outdoors man mixed with the sensitive protector, and was a complete gentleman, add to that that he was crazy good a knife throwing and you've got a pretty awesome hero. He's definitely making it onto my list of favorite heroes!

A couple other characters I loved were Oren and Vera. Oren's over-protectiveness of Lily was sweet and funny and I loved his oft-used expression of  "What in the hairy hound...?", cracked me up every time! And Vera was that lovable mother type who was always yelling at the men and helping Lily.

So yeah I really really loved this book and even though it was my first Jody Hedlund novel it definitely won't be my last!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody has written novels for the last 20 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), became a best seller and has won multiple awards.

Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released in September of 2011, and her third book, Unending Devotion, is out now. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!

Jody has been married for twenty years to her college sweetheart. Jody has five children ranging in ages from 15 to 6, with a set of twin daughters in the mix to make things more lively.


ABOUT THE BOOK

High-Stakes Drama Meets High-Tension Romance

In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber baron father.

Posing during the day as a photographer's assistant, Lily can't understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father's lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he's interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters.

Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that's dominated Harrison for so long.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Unending Devotion, go HERE.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #37

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
I'm finally getting back into my normal reading craze! Trinity was my absolute favorite and Unending Devotion was my second! The other to were ok but they both had things I didn't really like.

What I am currently reading:
I'm enjoying rereading Waterfall-I'm halfway through-and I didn't make any progress on the other two.

What I hope to read this week:
Yeah I'm completely forgot about The Vigilante's Bride and read The Unexpected Bride instead but I'm pretty sure I will finally get around to reading TVB this week!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #36
Belle Meade Plantation: Video Vignette #3 of 6
Top Ten Tuesday 9/11 Edition
Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig
Waiting on Wednesday # Queen of the Waves
Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
Book Blogger Hop: My favorite recent review is...
The Girl in the Glass by Susan Meissner
Stacking the Shelves #14

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!
Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Stacking the Shelves #14

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Books to Review
Guardian by Heather Burch (ARC)
The Girl in the Glass by Susan Meissner (ARC)

Books I Won
Lost in Dreams by Roger Bruner (Stella@Ex Libris)
Wedding Belles by Janice Hanna (Kav@Best Reads)

Books I Bought
Love Remains by Kaye Dacus

Kindle Books
Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano
Proof by Jordan Redwood
Ghostwriter by Travis Thrasher
Full Tilt by Creston Mapes
The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

Friday, September 14, 2012

The Girl in the Glass by Susan Meissner

About the Book
Renaissance is a word with hope infused in every letter.
Since she was a child, Meg has dreamed of taking a promised trip to Florence, Italy, and being able to finally step into the place captured in a picture at her grandmother’s house. But after her grandmother passes away and it falls to her less-than-reliable father to take her instead, Meg’s long-anticipated travel plans seem permanently on hold.
When her dad finally tells Meg to book the trip, she prays that the experience will heal the fissures left on her life by her parents’ divorce. But when Meg arrives in Florence, her father is nowhere to be found, leaving aspiring memoir-writer Sophia Borelli to introduce Meg to the rich beauty of the ancient city. Sofia claims to be one of the last surviving members of the Medici family and that a long-ago Medici princess, Nora Orsini, communicates with her from within the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.
When Sophia, Meg, and Nora’s stories intersect, their lives will be indelibly changed as they each answer the question: What if renaissance isn’t just a word? What if that’s what happens when you dare to believe that what is isn’t what has to be?

My Thoughts
To be honest I'm not exactly sure what my thoughts on this book actually are. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. This was my first Susan Meissner book and I have to say she is an extremely talented author. The book was written in a beautiful, almost melodic, way that drew you in. The way Florence was described was exquisite and kind of made you feel like you were actually there. However, for me, the plot of the book fell a little flat and I did not get into the characters at all. And maybe it was the place, rather than people or story, that was the center and purpose of the book. If so then it was perfectly done. All in all this was a pretty good one time read but I doubt I'll pick it up again.

About the Author
Susan Meissner has spent her lifetime as a writer, starting with her first poem at the age of four. She is the award-winning author of THE SHAPE OF MERCY, WHITE PICKET FENCES, and many other novels. When she’s not writing, she directs the small groups and connection ministries at her San Diego church. She and her pastor husband are the parents of four young adults. Visit her Web site at www.susanmeissner.com.

Book Blogger Hop: My favorite recent review is...

Book Blogger Hop

This Week's Question:
Highlight one of your favorite reviews from the past month!

My Answer:
My favorite review from this past month (and maybe from all the reviews I've written) was Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig. 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott

About the Book
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli—until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.
On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.
Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.
When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

My Thoughts
When I read Sweeter Than Birdsong in January I was surprised to discover that it was book two in The Saddler's Legacy series. And since I really enjoyed STB I knew that I wanted to read the first book Fairer Than Morning. So I bought it,  put it on my shelf, and got so busy with other books that I didn't pick it up. And then when Megan (Hardcover Feedback) suggested it for our buddy read I knew it was time to finally read it.

What a great book! I think I might have liked this one better than the second! There were so many different aspects to this book that gave it such a rich texture. Obviously some romance was involved but that wasn't the only or even the main focal point of the story. Since Will was an indentured servant we got to get a look into that kind of life, though not all masters were as evil and cruel as Master Good. And it was also cool to get another look at a portion of the journey escaped slaves made.

The plot was well done and the only problem I really had with it was the crazy time jumping at the beginning. But while it annoyed me I saw the need for it and it didn't last too long!

The character's were great as well. They had their flaws, but over all I really liked all of them. Except, of course, the ones that you aren't supposed to like! Will and Ann's love story was sweet but as I said before not the huge focus of the book (it took forever for them to realize it-almost the end!) which was an interesting change of pace from all of the other romance books out there! Though I still am a sucker for a good romance filled book!

About the Author
Rosslyn Elliott was born into a military family and lived in four states and two foreign countries before she graduated from high school. Her frequent relocation into new social scenes encouraged her to become a close observer of others, and a writer.
She attended Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater Studies. She earned her Ph.D. in English at Emory University in 2006.
Rosslyn's graduate study of American literature spurred her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She writes inspirational historical novels filled with romance and adventure.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #27: Queen of the Waves

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Summerside-October 2, 2012

About the Book
When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

Why I Want It
My sister showed this one to me and it just sounds like it'll be a good book!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

About the Book
A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.

My Thoughts
This book was EPIC! Ronie Kendig is seriously one of the very best authors that I've read-and I've read A LOT! Every time a pick up one of her books I'm amazed by how much I'm drawn into the lives of the character and how superbly written every book is. Needless to say Trinity lived up to and exceeded my expectations!
Heath was the perfect wounded hero. He was equally tender and strong, which is a quality you can't help falling in love with. I loved how easily read Darci and how he was relentless in his pursuit even though she kept pushing him away. The other great thing about him was his relationship with Trinity it was so cool how well they understood each other, the perfect team.
Darci was a little more complicated than Heath but was still a great character. I loved her braveness, no way I could have done any of the things she did! It was cool to watch Heath break through her tough girl persona to the true Darci.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, you never knew what was coming! And there were so many cliffhangers it was impossible to stop at some points! If you even sorta like romantic suspense grab this book, you won't be sorry! I can't wait for book two Talon: Combat Tracking Team! May 2013 can't come soon enough!

About the Author
Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, mother of four, and avid writer. Her novels include espionage thriller Dead Reckoning, a military series The Discarded Heroes series (Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane, and Firethorn), and a new upcoming series, A Breed Apart, that launches Summer 2012.
In addition to speaking engagements, Ronie is a monthly columnist at the award-winning blog, Novel Rocket, and is active with the American Christian Fiction Writers. Ronie can be found online at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) and on Twitter (@roniekendig).
Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have been gained critical acclaim and national attention, including: 2012 Christy Award Nominee - Wolfsbane (Contemporary Romance); 2012 FamilyFiction Readers Choice Awards (Discarded Heroes series named #5 Favorite Series, and Ronie named #3 Suspense author); Finalist in Christian Retailing's 2011 Readers' Choice Awards (Nightshade); RWA's Faith, Hope, & Love's 2011 Inspirational Readers' Choice Awards - 3rd Place - Romantic Suspense (Nightshade); 2012 INSPY Award Shortlist in Mystery/Thriller (Digitalis); The Christian Manifesto's 2011 Lime Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Wolfsbane).
P.S. She's awesome!