Monday, March 31, 2014

First Kisses Collection

Since this is a collection of six books by six different authors I'm doing this a little different than normal. Instead of telling you about all the books, then giving my thoughts, then lumping all the bios together at the end, I'm grouping them like they were each their own so you can get the synopsis, review, and bio all together for each book. In brief summary, this was a decent collection with some great books, some good books, and some not so great books. Read on to know more!

The Rambler's Bride by Linda Goodnight
About the Novella
In 1870’s Kansas, Widow Esther North will do most anything to save her land from her powerful cousin and the coming railroad-even kiss a stranger! The kissing cowboy, Jericho North is bent on revenge from his brother’s widow, and the will hidden in his pocket is all he needs to make it happen. But he hadn’t reckoned on a baby...and neither he nor Esther had reckoned on love.

My Thoughts
This was a cute story! I've enjoyed all of Linda Goodnight's books that I've read so I had no doubt that this one would be good! All of the characters were great and well-written. The story played out believably and I especially liked the fact that when Jericho reveal his secret, Esther was very rational about it instead of flipping out like fictional females often do! All in all I really liked this short story!

Meet the Author
NY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels to touch the heart as well as to entertain. Her emotional stories of hope have won the RITA, the Carol, the Reviewer's Choice, and numerous other industry awards. A small town girl, Linda remains close to her roots, making her home in rural Oklahoma. She and husband have a blended family of eight, including two teenagers recently adopted from Ukraine. Many of her books are about family and children and rightly so, as she draws her deeply emotional stories from her surroundings, her great love of family, and from personal experiences as a nurse and teacher. Connect with Linda on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.lindagoodnight.com

Lovebirds at Heartbreak Hotel by Janet Tronstad
About the Novella
Janet pens a brand-new Retro CafĂ© Sweet Romance starring a 1950’s truck driver (Buddy) and a waitress (Penny) who both have enough trouble without everyone in Webster’s Crossing thinking they are falling in love.

My Thoughts
I was a bit disappointed in this novella. The beginning was a bit confusing, with none of the characters fitting the age you later find out they are and having misconceptions about their ages makes some parts seem a bit creepy. After that got straighten out it did get a little better and it ended cutely. Another thing that threw me off a bit was that it was all told from the hero's POV, which I don't think I've ever read in a romance before. It turned out okay though and as I said it did end well!

Meet the Author
USA TODAY and PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY Bestselling Author, Janet Tronstad, currently lives in Pasadena, California

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy by Debra Clopton
About the Novella
Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled has professional bull rider, Cliff Masterson, dreaming of romance, home, hearth and that first kiss...but Maddie Rose has had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on a rambling cowboy—Sparks fly when these two are near. Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after?

My Thoughts
As I've come to expect from this author, this book was humorous and had fun characters. I really liked Cliff and how he did his best to look out for Maddie while also being mindful of when to let her do things on her own. Maddie was pretty great too, and I was glad she was able to get beyond her past and let Cliff into her life instead of blocking him out like she did with so many others. I will say that everything seemed to get resolved faster than made sense but that is a typical problem in novellas and it was still believable.

Meet the Author
A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in central Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She is the author of the much loved Mule Hollow Matchmakers series where you never know what the Matchmaking "Posse" is going to do next! She writes for Harlequin Love Inspired and Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins Christian. She is currently working on her 25th novel surrounded by cows, dogs and even renegade donkey herds that keep her writing authentic and often find their way into her stories. She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.

Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley
About the Novella
All bodyguard Tess Miller wants is a vacation. But when a wounded stranger stumbles into her isolated cabin in the Arizona mountains, Tess becomes his lifeline. When Shane Burkhart opens his eyes, all he can focus on is his guardian angel leaning over him. And in the days to come he will need a guardian angel while being hunted by someone who wants him dead.

My Thoughts
This was a decent novella. The suspense was pretty good and I didn't figure out who the bad guy was till closer to the end. The characters were well-written and likeable. The romance did move a little fast but they did take some time to think at the end which was good. In fact the only part of this novella that I didn't really enjoy was the very last bit, but other than that it was a fun read!

Meet the Author
Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-one books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

Necessary Proof by Camy Tang
About the Novella
Alex Villa became a Christian in prison, and because of his efforts to help stop a gang producing meth in Sonoma, he has been set up for the death of a cop. Can computer expert Jane Lawton find the evidence that will prove his innocence before the gang eliminates them both?

My Thoughts
I enjoyed this novella! I liked how the characters did know each other a little before the story started so the whole insta-love thing was avoided. The story was well-written and pretty believable and there was a decent amount of action. I really liked both Alex and Jane and this was one of my favorites of this collection!

Meet the Author
Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She grew up in Hawaii and now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She graduated from Stanford University and worked as a biologist researcher for 9 years, but now she writes full-time. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service.

Kissed by A Cowboy by Lacy Williams
About the Novella
Former shy-girl Haley Carston is back in Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She didn’t count on cowboy Maddox Michaels, her high school crush and the man who might just bring her dreams of marriage and family back to life…


My Thoughts
This was by far my favorite of all the novellas in this collection and the only one of these authors that I've never read before.
I absolutely loved how it started out the past when they were in high-school, not only was it one of my favorite scenes in the book, but it also gave the characters history, which is helpful in novellas. Maddox was a great hero. I loved his selflessness in giving up everything to help his family, and never complaining about it. He was also such a hard-worker, and he could be really sweet. Haley was the perfect heroine for Maddox and it was cool to watch her transformation from the high-schooler who was always in the shadows to the confident and sweet woman she became. Olivia was a fun kid and I liked her too. In short I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

Meet the Author
Lacy Williams grew up on a farm, which is where her love of cowboys was born. In reality, she's married to a right-brained banker (happily with three kiddos). She gets to express her love of western men by writing historical romance. Her books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards (2012 & 2013), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award.
Lacy also writes YA action romance under the pen name Lacy Yager. She has a soft spot for bad boy heroes and heroines with swords. Although her teen years are long behind her, she enjoys writing about the drama and first love that comes with this time in our lives.

I received an e-ARC of  this book free in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #116

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
I was so happy to get all of these books finished this week! I adored Dancing With Fireflies, hated Vow Unbroken, really liked A Draw of Kings and Captives, and First Kisses was hit and miss!

What I am currently reading:
Rereading this before going to see the movie with my best friend on Tuesday!

What I hope to read this week:
Hoping to finish all three of these this week!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #115
Top Ten Things On My Bookish Bucket List
Waiting on Wednesday #105: Full Steam Ahead
Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter
Uncompromising by Hannah Farver

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!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Friday Memes 3/28

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
What are some of your favorite book blogs?

My Answer:
I follow so many blogs but here are just a few of my favorites:

Isle of Books







Seasons of Humility




Too Read or Not Too Read

Fiction Hero Features
Best Reads


Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

He took the pinch of cotton Sue offered and rubbed it between his short, pudgy fingers. "I'm truly sorry, Mis'ess Baylor. Two cents is all I can pay.
Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo

  My Thoughts
An okay beginning, it makes you a little curious but doesn't grab you and make you want to read more.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Uncompromising by Hannah Farver

About the Book
Ask any girl on the street what womanhood is about, and you'll get a blank stare in return. No one knows. Young women are devoid of vision beyond popularity, material wealth, a cute boyfriend or a dream career. Even in Christian circles, significant questions are often left unanswered: What's the point of purity? Modesty? Femininity? What's biblical womanhood?  Most of all, girls wonder at the longing in their souls for something greater.

Uncompromising:  A Heart Claimed By a Radical Love cuts straight to the heart of young womanhood. Rather than setting up rules, it pulls at the desire in every woman's heart to live a life of purpose, fully surrendered to His radical love.  Written in an edgy teen voice, Uncompromising is a collection of "field notes" from the author's own search for answers...and the story of how she stumbled upon the one Cause worth dying for.  Contains study questions for group or individual use.

My Thoughts
I have heard several good things about this book from my sisters and a friend so I jumped at the chance to review it, and it was as good as they said it was! Hannah writes in a clear and refreshing way that is sure to connect with girls of all ages. She never comes across as “preachy” but rather as an imperfect girl who is chasing after God and longs for others to do the same. Hannah addresses many issues that plague girls today and shares what God's taught her in regards to those subjects. I would highly recommend this to girls everywhere!

Meet the Author
Hannah Farver is a girl. She's also a college student, writer, and blogger. She's been interviewed on ABC, and sometimes her writing shows up in places like The Christian Post and WORLD magazine online. She's also embarked on a national conference tour for young women.
Like most people her age she doesn't know exactly what the future holds, but for now she is planning on a career in media--and more writing, of course. (She plans on a novel next.)
A native of Dallas, Texas, Hannah attends Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hannahfarver

Website and blog: www.hannahfarver.com

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

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter

About the Book
Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.
Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she'd never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.
The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He's loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she's back, his feelings are stronger than ever.
As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she's hiding secrets from her family, and she's strangely attracted to the man who's always called her "squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/uJ6OD

My Thoughts
To put it quite simply, I adored this book! I always love Denise Hunter's books but I'm pretty sure this is my all-time favorite! Several of my favorite story elements were included and the writing was just superb! 
Daniel was an absolutely fantastic hero! He was sweet, kind, and considerate while also being brave, strong, and determined. So many of the things he did just absolutely made me melt! I'll refrain from sharing them since it's always more fun to discover those things on your own!
I loved Jade, too! I thought it was so amazing how though despite what she went through she was determined to what was best for her babies no matter what it cost her. I also loved her sweet and selfless nature!
It was such fun to visit with all the McKinley's, and Beckett, again, they are such a fun family!
I'm going to cut this short (though I could gush for awhile longer) to avoid spoilers, but I will end by saying that I loved every minute of this book and never wanted to put it down. I can't wait for book three!

Meet the Author
Denise Hunter is an internationally published best-selling author. Her books have won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all of her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps, too. When Denise isn't writing, she's busy raising three heroes-in-the-making with her husband.
Learn more about Denise at: http://www.denisehunterbooks.com

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

Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story." 

Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.
fireflies-400-click
One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
  • Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Waiting on Wednesday #105: Full Steam Ahead

"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:

Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House-June 3, 2014

About the Book
When love simmers between a reclusive scientist and a wealthy debutante, will they abandon ship or is it full steam ahead?
Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston, Texas, to find her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, Nicole's father has always focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping.
Vowing to find a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But her father's rivals come after the dagger, forcing a change in Nicole's plans.
After a boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana nearly took his life, Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. Even if it means letting a female secretary into his secluded world.

Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grow between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to another? And when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, will she have to choose between that love and her family's legacy?

Why I Want It
I adore Karen Witemeyer's books! It seems that each book is better than the last, and while I think it'll be hard to top the Archer brother's stories I'm sure this book will still be amazing and I can't wait to read it!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Top Ten Things On My Bookish Bucket List

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

#1. Have a library-A room in my house solely for books, with wall to wall bookcases and lots of comfy places to read!
#2. Meet Julie Lessman-I have loved getting to know her through blog posts and emails and I would absolutely love to meet her in person!
#3. Meet Melissa Tagg-Another author I have enjoyed getting to know a bit and would love to meet in person!
#4. Have a character named after me-I have always thought this would be the coolest thing and it's actually most likely happening rather soon!
#5. Get all of my favorite author's signatures in one of their books-Sadly this is a long list and I probably won't get them all but still...
#6. Attend ACFW-I'm not a writer but it would be an awesome chance to meet so many of my favorite authors!
#7. Meet Susan May Warren-She was my absolute favorite author for quite awhile and while others have come to join her I still love her books and think it would be cool to meet her!
#8. Read every book I own-This is a kind of never ending goal, since I will always be getting more books but I met it for a couple days last year and I'm going to keep at it!
#9. Meet my blogging friends in person-There are so many awesome people that I have met through the blogging world and I would love to meet them face to face!
#10. Be asked to endorse a book-This one I doubt will happen but it would be really cool if it did! 

Monday, March 24, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #115

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
Enjoyed but not loved!

What I am currently reading:
I'm absolutely adoring Dancing With Fireflies and I haven't made any progress on Captives!

What I hope to read this week:
Same ones I hoped to read last week! Let's see if I can actually get to them this week!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #114
Bellflower & Fairy Slippers by Amber Stokes
Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR List
Waiting on Wednesday #104: Stuck Together

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, March 23, 2014

A Heart's Rebellion by Ruth Axtell

About the Book
Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it. When things go too far, Jessamine will learn that the man who is faithful through thick and thin is more worthy than the one who speaks pretty words. But will her disgrace keep Lance from reconsidering her as a wife? And when tragedy strikes and Lance becomes his father's heir and a titled gentleman, will he think she only wants him now because of his title?

Fans old and new will love this lush Regency London story of discovering one's true self and finding one's true love.

My Thoughts
This was my first book that I've read by Ruth Axtell and while it was a pretty good book it wasn't a favorite. I did enjoy the characters, especially Lancelot! I loved his devotion to God and his kind nature. Jessamine was great too though she didn't use the greatest judgement all the time! The story started a little slow and didn't really pick up until the last 100 or so pages but it was all very well written and for the last part I kept turning pages to see how it would end! All in all this was a good read that I can see fans of the Regency era definitely enjoying!

Meet the Author

Ruth knew she wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote her first story--a spy thriller--at the age of twelve. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, spending her junior year at the Sorbonne in Paris. After college, she taught English in the Canary Islands then worked in international development in Miami, Florida, before moving to the Netherlands, where for the next several years, she juggled both writing and raising her three children.
In 1994, her second manuscript was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart competition. In 2002, her sixth manuscript took second place in the Laurie Contest of RWA's Smoky Mountain chapter. The final judge requested her full manuscript and this became her first published book, Winter Is Past, which was spotlighted in Christian Retailing magazine. Since then, Ruth has gone on to publish thirteen historical romances and one novella. Her books have been translated into Dutch, Italian, Polish and Afrikaans . Her second historical, Wild Rose, was chosen by Booklist as a "Top Ten Christian Fiction" selection in 2005.

Ruth lives on the coast of Maine where she enjoys gardening, walking, reading romances and gazing at the ocean plotting her next romance.

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

Friday, March 21, 2014

Friday Memes 3/21

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
What is your favorite weekly meme?

My Answer:
Top Ten Tuesday. I love all the fun topics!


Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"If this is what a London season is, I'd say it's a silly waste of time." Jessamine Barry folded her arms in front of her, frowning at the hordes of people milling past her in the Grecian-style drawing room, their edges slightly blurred since she was forbidden to wear her spectacles in society.
A Heart's Rebellion by Ruth Axtell

My Thoughts
This was a well done beginning, slightly humorous and really informative!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #104: Stuck Together

"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:

Stuck Together by Mary Connealy
Bethany House-June 3, 2014

About the Book
When a lawman who values order gets stuck with a feisty crusader who likes to stir things up, there's going to be trouble in Texas! 
Now that she's settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel's saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.
Vince Yates earned the nickname "Invincible Vince" because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn't know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is showing signs of dementia. And his surprise sister quickly falls for one of Vince's best friends. Vince suddenly has a lot of people depending on him, and Tina doesn't approve of how he's handling any of them.

With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he's ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he's got one more surprise coming his way: Tina's picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.

My Thoughts
I have read all of Mary Connealy's books and they are all so very good! And I have no doubt that I will love this one! 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR List

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

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White

For Such A Time by Kate Breslin

Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green

Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren

Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter