Top Ten Series I Have Yet to Finish

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

I wasn't sure if I could come up with 10 series but I managed it! This list is made up of only series that I'm pretty sure are done!

#1. Operation Zulu Redemption by Ronie Kendig
#2. Stuck Together by Mary Connealy
#3. Brides of Simpson Creek by Laurie Kingery
#4. Heist Society by Ally Carter
#5. Magnificent Devices by Shelley Adina
#6. Belmont Mansion by Tamera Alexander
#7. Life at Kingston High by Melody Carlson
#8. It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist
#9. The Blue Willow Brides by Maggie Brendan
#10. The Daughters of Bainbridge House by Laurie Alice Eakes

The Trouble With Patience by Maggie Brendan

About the Book
Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with the restoration of a dilapidated boarding house in order to support herself. Despite her desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local sheriff with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: Patience needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse, and Jedediah needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But Patience gets more than she bargained for as she explores the depths of the "hanging lawman"--and finds both betrayal and love.

My Thoughts
So I thought I had written this review weeks ago but apparently I just wrote it in my head and forgot to write it down. And now I'm trying to piece together my thoughts three weeks and nine books later, so my humblest apologies if this isn't the greatest review.
When I first heard about this book it sounded like it would be an interesting read but sadly I found myself not enjoying it very much. It was a quick light read, which is nice on occasion but I didn't really connect to any of the characters or the story-line, and the ending dragged on a bit too long for my liking. I will say that all of the talk of biscuits and cinnamon rolls (two of my favorite things to bake) had me itching to get into the kitchen and set my mouth watering.
In short if you are looking for a fluffy western book than this might be exactly what you want, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Meet the Author
Maggie Brendan is the bestselling author of several books, including the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series. Winner of the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, she was a 2013 finalist for the Published Maggie Award of Excellence, a 2013 finalist for the Heart of Excellence Readers' Choice Award, a 2012 finalist for Inspirational Reader's Choice award, and a recipient of the 2004 ACW Persistence Award in Atlanta. She is a member of the Author's Guild; Romance Writers of America; Faith, Hope, and Love; and Georgia Romance Writers. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, researching for her novels, and spending time with her family. You can follow her at her website www.MaggieBrendan.com, her blog www.SouthernBelleWriter.blogspot.com, and on Facebook and Twitter @MaggieBrendan.

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.

Waiting on Wednesday #145: The Trouble With Patience

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"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:

The Trouble With Patience by Maggie Brendan
Revell-February 17, 2015

About the Book

Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with the restoration of a dilapidated boarding house in order to support herself. Despite her desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local sheriff with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: Patience needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse, and Jedediah needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But Patience gets more than she bargained for as she explores the depths of the "hanging lawman"--and finds both betrayal and love.

With a keen eye to historical detail and a deft hand at romantic tension, Maggie Brendan invites readers to a Montana gold rush boomtown, where vices and virtues are on full display and love is lying in wait.

Why I Want It

This author's books are hit or miss for me and this one sounds like it could be a hit!

Waiting on Wednesday #71: Perfectly Matched

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"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:

Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan
Revell-October 1, 2013

About the Book

Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters' examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife. Almost immediately it's painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.

Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?

Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God's timing is always perfect.

Why I Want It

I really enjoyed the other books in this series so I'm looking forward to Anna's story!

Top Ten Sequels I'm Dying to Read

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

This week's topic is supposed to be favorite bookish memories but other than authors leaving comments on my reviews I couldn't think of any. Side note: The happiest moment was when Susan May Warren (my favorite author) left this comment on my review: "Wow, your review really blew my socks off and blessed me! Thank you Abbi!!" I was so psyched about this! But anyway since I couldn't come up with many I decided to do a rewind and share some of the sequels (or book twos) that I am most looking forward to reading!

#1. A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
#2. Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
#3. Shattered by Dani Pettrey
#4. When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
#5. Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren
#6. Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings
#7. The Survivor by DiAnn Mills
#8. Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert
#9. Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green
#10. Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan

"Waiting On" Wednesday #10: Twice Promised

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"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:

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan
Revell-October 1, 2012

About the Book

Seeing how successful her older sister's "mail order marriage" has been and longing to strike out on her own, Greta Olsen answers an ad for a mail order bride in Central City, Colorado. But when she meets Jess Gifford, owner of a thriving mercantile, she begins to harbor doubts. He didn't place the ad to begin with and his business in a busy mining town leaves him little time or energy for love. To compound her troubles, she was not the only bride to answer the ad! Will either bride strike the match she hopes for?

Filled with amusing and awkward situations that will keep the reader interested and guessing, Twice Promised is another sweet romance from Maggie Brendan.

Why I Want It

I have thoroughly enjoyed Maggie Brendan previous four books including the first book in this series, Deeply Devoted. And so I'm very excited for this next release of hers, especially since it is the heroine from book one's younger sister.