"Deadly Proof"

Rachel Dylan

Riveting new series offers legal suspense with a romantic twist

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything—even murder—to keep the case from going to trial.

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Filled with suspense and danger, this fast-paced book will keep you up reading at night. A definite page turner. 

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for review purposes.

Read more about the book here. 

 

"Christmas at Grey Sage"

Phyllis Clark Nichols

This Christmas, there’s plenty of room at the inn.

Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There’s plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn’s owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year’s guests from across the country.

But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded guests discover this Christmas won’t be the relaxing vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlocks tongues–and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.

In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations, of tales of days gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends–proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.

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This is a sweet story that helps remind us what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. While I really wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into it. It was slow going for me, but it does make you think about what's important. 

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARy BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Christy"

Catherine Marshall

Set in the Smoky Mountain community of Gutter Gap Catherine Marshall shares with us the story of her mother Leonora Wood, who at the tender young age of 19, left home to teach the mountain children.  In doing so she forever changed her life and the lives of others.

Although based on a young woman's life, Christy is a work of fiction, with both fact and fiction woven in together.  

Mountain people are proud as well as superstitious and they don't trust outsiders, and they don't trust each other. A "blood feud"  is also involved and threatens to disrupt her classroom.  The novel takes place in the year 1912, but times in Cutter Gap have not caught up to the outside world, so Christy also has physical hardships as well. Can Miss Huddleston see beyond their poverty and fierce clan-like nature and break down the barriers so she can help the people she has come to love?  Also, two men are vying for her affections,  the Preacher, and the Doctor, who was born and raised in the mountains and endeavors to help Christy understand his people.  

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This is a beautiful 50th-anniversary copy of this delightful book.  It has a map of all the important places in Cutter Gap in the front.  Also a compiled list of the characters and a short relationship they have with each other.  I would like to find out how much of this story is not fiction. Don't expect the book to be like the television series.  There are some vast differences in places and at times it follows the book closely.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Home to Paradise"

Barbara Cameron

Rose Anna Zook, the youngest of the three Zook sisters, has watched as her two older sisters convinced two of the three Stoltzfus brothers to marry them. So that's what's on her mind for John. the youngest Stoltzfus brother, but he is having too much fun living in the English world driving a truck and doesn't want to return to the Amish community.  He especially doesn't want to marry. Also, he doesn't get along with his dad, so Rose Anna doesn't think he will ever return to the community. She is determined, however, and starts trying to manipulate things to reach the outcome she desires. But circumstances never really turn out s we wish, or do they?

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I enjoyed this book very much. The author reviewed the background with us, which was beneficial if we had not read the previous books, or had not read them in a long time.

This story shows us how powerful love can be.

It also has an Amish to English glossary & Amish recipes.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

"An Amish Family Christmas"

Shelley Shepard Gray

Book number four in the Charmed Amish Life Series focuses on Levi Kensinger.  Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi has felt at odds with himself.  He returns to Charm to find he doesn't really fit into his old life and with his brothers and sisters.

He finds a sense of purpose when Julia Kemp, his young widowed neighbor, asks for help with a Christmas project.  Julia & her daughter Penny could us a friend and Levi is happy to oblige.  But something about Julia doesn't ring true, but Levi isn't quite sure what.

Penny has been led to believe her father is dead.  But is he?  What will happen when Penny & Levi discover the truth?  Will Julia have to run again for her & Penny to be safe?

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Is this really the last book in the Charmed Amish Life series? We need more in this series!  I love how she shows that faith is necessary to survive in this broken world & realities of life.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Read more about the book here.  

"Fetching Sweetness"

Dana Mentink

Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink

Stephanie Pink works for a literary agent in New York and she is trying to obtain the sequel manuscript to 
Agnes Wharton's best selling novel.  She is to meet Agnes in a cemetery in an out of the way place on the west coast.  But when Agnes ignores her and runs from her she shouts "find my dog", "find Sweetness."  Thus begins an unbelievable adventure for Stephanie, as Sweetness turns out to be a 100 pounds of lovable trouble.  Stephanie must find the dog in order to claim the manuscript.  She tracks Sweetness to a campground and meets up with Rhett Hastings, a man trying to right some wrongs.  He agrees to help Stephanie find Sweetness and thus begins an unbelievable adventure of merriment and mayhem, and ends in both restoring their faith in God and realizing God's will for their lives.

4 stars

This was a completely different type of book from what I usually read, which is historical and Amish fiction. It was enjoyable and a light-hearted read.  Sometimes hard to believe that some one could run into so much trouble.  But of course it is fiction.   

 

"Faith" 

Lyn Cote

A Quakeress on a Civil War battlefield?  The Quakers don't believe in war. But Faith had a gift for nursing. So she offers her skills to take care of the wounded & to use the opportunity to search for a freeborn childhood friend who was kidnapped & sold to the south by unscrupulous slave catchers.

She enlists the help of Colonel Devlin Knight, who himself, although a Union soldier, has a slave.  Yet this slave is more of a friend than a slave.

Traveling east with Grant's army, Devlin and Faith fight their personal battles and a growing attraction to each other.

Can they put aside their personal differences and listen to their hearts?

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I enjoyed this book very much.  I haven't read many "Quaker" books.  This read by Lyn Cote offered a new aspect where you wouldn't think a Quaker would be involved with a war.

It offered many twists and turns, which kept things interesting.  

Would definitely recommend this book!

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"A Daughter's Dream

Shelly Shepard Gray

  

Rebecca Kinsinger had always dreamed of being a teaching instead of working at the family lumber company.  But when given the opportunity to be in charge of a classroom, she discovers that teaching is hard work and the children don't like her.

She meets Lilly Yoder - a thirteen year old who just lost her parents.  She is being raised by her uncle Jacob.  Rebecca and Jacob develops a friendship.  Will this friendship grow into love?

   

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An easy, enjoyable read when you want something with which to help you relax.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.
 

 

"The Atonement"

Beverly Lewis

Wrapped up in her mistakes of the past and unable to forgive herself and others, Lucy Flaud throws herself into doing volunteer work.  The more she can do, the more she is able to forget what happened during her running around time.  That is until something makes her remember.

Her father begins going to an Englisch grief counseling group at a nearby church.  He becomes friends with an Englisch young man who is curious about the Amish way of life.  Mr. Flaud invites Dale to visit their farm where he meets Lucy.  It looks as if history is going to repeat itself when Dale and Lucy start spending a lot of time together, seemingly to help a homeless young woman and her little boy.  

What about Tobe Glick?  He has loved Lucy forever but she feels she cannot date him because of her past.  Tobe is moving with his family to Colorado.  Will Lucy ever see her friend again?  

Will lucy ever accept God's forgiveness and can she forgive herself?  Read Beverly Lewis' novel and discover what happens when you accept God at His Word.

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I enjoyed this book very much.  I will have to admit that it takes many chapters before you find out what has happened to Lucy and her father.  At times, this was a little frustrating.  I appreciate Mrs.  Lewi's emphasizing the King James Bible in her novel.  This was a great story on God's forgiveness.  I would give this book 5 stars. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

 

"When Grace Sings"

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Found on a door step by Suzanne Zimmerman, who had just given up her own baby for adoption, Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community will ever except her.  Suzanne takes little Alexa, certain she is a gift from God.  When Suzanne's mother is injured in an accident, Suzanne, who is a nurse, is asked by her siblings to come home.  Reluctantly, she goes, taking Alexa with her.  

Suzanne's mother comes to love Alexa, even though she isn't a blood relative.  Alexa decides to stay and help her grandmother and sets about to turn her home into a B&B.  Her first guest is Briley Forrester, a reporter for a scandal magazine.

He is out to dig up dirt about the Old Order Mennonites to prove they are not as goody-goody as they let on.  He may very well find it too, because another border is Anna-Grace Brawn.  She knows she is adopted, but doesn't know her real parents.  But Alexa knows the truth.

Add to this the secrets of Anna's fiance.  

Will things ever work for these 4 people?  Who each have their own set of problems?

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Can't wait for book #3 to see how things turn out.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"An Amish Second Christmas"

Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer

In the Amish community, Second Christmas is a time of family, fun and tradition.  These four short stories illustrate this.

"When Christmas Comes Again" by Beth Wiseman
Katherine and her children are facing their first Christmas without Elias, husband and father.  She knows it is going to be hard.  A mysterious "Englischer" appears with photographs of her late husband and even though the Amish frown on pictures of themselves she comes to treasure them.  But who is this "Englischer" and how does he know all about them?  

Read this story to find how a potentially sad Christmas contains many blessings.

"Her Christmas Pen Pal" by Ruth Reid

Joy had been expecting a wedding proposal from Henry, but she catches him with another young woman.  Heartbroken, she writes her cousin in another community and pours out her heart to her.  But her letters are mistakenly delivered to a young cabinetmaker.  Or are they?  Joy and he correspond and things become interesting fast. 

Will she recover from her broken heart?  Will she ever forgive the cabinet maker for reading her confessions?

"A Gift for Anne Marie" by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids.  But everyone else sees them as boyfriend and girlfriend.  Then Anne Marie's best girl friend, Ruth, confides that the likes Nathaniel and wants her to put a "bug" in her ear.  Anne Marie does, but doesn't understand why she is bothered by this.  Her mom surprises her by deciding to remarry in another state.  

How will this seemingly mixed up situation end?

"The Christmas Aprons" by Tricia Goyer

Esther's "mem" has always been known for her vanilla crumb pie.  Her recipe has always been a secret, until Esther is finally given the recipe by accident or on purpose?  Because she discovers that the pie is more than just a dessert...it's a bachelor bait.  

Read this story to see if Esther is able to hook her fish or does she let him get away in spite of her bait.

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I enjoyed all of these stories very much.  Sometimes it is nice to be able to read a short story at one sitting.  Especially when you are too busy to become involved in a book.  This book contains reading group ideas and the Old Order Amish Recipes for the dishes mentioned.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Swept Away"

Laura V. Hilton & Cindy Loven

Sara Jane Morgan has her hands full trying to keep track of her feisty grandmother.  Her grandmother has a mind of her own including trying to get Sara Jane married.  She tries to set her up with a rugged looking handyman, who also makes brooms. But Sara Jane doesn't like the looks of the unkempt man, who needs both a haircut and a shave.  So she is very rude to him.  Drew takes one look at Sara Jane and takes her for a stuck up snob.  Both have a lot to learn.

They both learn that the other is not what they seem.  Sara also learns that her grandmother is having some health issues which frighten her.  When Sara begins to fall for Drew, she can't understand why he doesn't respond to her flirting.  Also, Sara and her grandmother think that attending Church is all you need to do to get to Heaven.  But when a life threatening accident occurs will Sara and Grandma realize that Jesus is the only way?   What happens to Drew and Sara?  Does Sara finally get Drew's attention?

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I enjoyed this book.  It could have been better if the King James Bible had been used instead of what was used, some book that I never heard of.  The salvation verse was correct and that is important.

Read more about this book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Mason Jar"

James Russel Lingerfelt

Clayton Fincannon, Finn, has a heart for others, He wants to help the less fortunate as much as he can.  While taking college classes, Finn meets the love of his life.  A woman who shares his passion for helping others.  They spend lots of time together getting to know each other and falling in love.  But when Eden leaves the college without a real good-by, Finn doesn't know what to do.  

He falls into a deep depression and tries to find happiness and purpose from other means.  He spends the next decade depressed, lonely, and trying to find a purpose in his life.  

Will Finn ever find out what happened to Eden?  Will he spend the rest of his life depressed?

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The book did not live up to my expectation.  There were several things that I did not agree with.  There was a lot of drinking, smoking, and innuendos.  There were also several inconsistencies within the book.   For instance Eden's name was never changed to protect her identity.  Also, I felt like the letters in the mason jar between Finn and his grandfather were underrated.  The mason jar letters are what intrigued me to begin with and the reason I was interested in the book.  Over all "The Mason Jar" is a book for light reading, if you have nothing else to do. 

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 "Joyful"

Shelley Shepard Gray

The Beiler children had been orphaned for many years.  One by one the older children had found a mate and moved to start their own home.  So now the responsibility of the farm and the younger children had fallen on Randall Beiler's shoulders.  He will sacrifice, even his own chance for love and happiness to take care of them.  So he breaks up with Elizabeth.  He isn't doing a very good job of it though, especially at cooking and cleaning.  His younger brother hires Elizabeth to be their housekeeper, because she is also struggling, trying to support her & her grandmother.  

What happens when Randall comes to find Elizabeth in his kitchen?

Does Randall really love Elizabeth or does he just need a housekeeper?

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This books reminds us that pride goes before a fall.  Also to help our neighbors and doing for others has its rewards.  

Read more about the book  here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 

"The Butterfly and the Violin"

Kristy Cambron

A face in a painting haunts Manhattan Art dealer Sera James.  She first saw the portrait as a young girl when her father took her to Paris.  After doing research, she finds out the girl is a talented Austrian Violinist, Adele Von Bron.  Adele's father is a high ranking member of the Third Reich, but she risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna.

In Sera's search for the painted, she crosses paths with William Hanover, grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul.  Sera and William start working together to discover beauty in the grim camps of Auschwitz.  They are also trying to discover Williams' grandfather's connection to Adele.  While working together Sera and William develop an interest in each other.  But is William only using Sera to find the painting and keep his family's fortune?

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This was a very spell-bounding story.  It alternates between World War II and the present day.  It brought to light some things about the German camps for the Jews that I didn't know.  It also has a surprising twist at the end.  Very well written .  I found myself right in the middle of the story and the danger!

Read more about the book here. 

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOKSNEEZE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Stuck Together"

Mary Connealy

Tina Cahill is the sister of the pastor of Broken Wheel.  She too has strong standards and morals only she has a different way of sharing them with people.  She pickets.  Everyday at the same time she pickets outside the saloon.  She's convinced that that's the way to close it down, only no one seems to paying attention.  Or so she thinks.  

Vince Yates notices the very outspoken Tina Cahill, she's the prettiest girl he's ever seen, even if her causes are annoying.  Vince has earned the name of "Invincible Vince" because nothing ever stops him.  He's always the guy in charge and always knows what to do.  He's a born leader and nothing ever ruffles his feathers.  That is until his family comes to town.  His family that he doesn't get along with and that he hasn't seen in years.  His three friends are more of a family to him than his birth family.  They come full of surprises and he is having trouble coping with all of it.  

In the middle of having to deal with Tina's causes, his crazy family, being the only lawman, the Indian's threat to attack and much more, Vince has his plate full.  

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Vince has been my favorite character from the beginning of this series.  He had a strong personality, always seemed to know what to do and was always the protector.  His personality seemed to dwindle some in this book though, kinda' like he lost himself, considering his situations throughout the book it's somewhat understandable.  

Tina's character really annoyed me at first.  But when she started taking care of Vince's mom, I liked her better.  Tina had a hard life wanted someone to love her, but she didn't want anyone to get close enough to do so.  

Both Vince and Tina must learn to trust God and let go of their fear.  They also must learn to trust each other and accept themselves for who they are.  

I like how all of the main characters from the previous books were included in this one.  Although I was hoping there would be a book four, but it doesn't appear that there will be one. :(

Trouble in Texas has been a wonderful series!  I think my favorite book was #1, "Swept Away". 

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Giveaway!

 

Great giveaway package huh?  Want a chance to win?  Head on over to Daisy Girl's blog to enter!  

Have a great day y'all!

SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

"The Revealing"

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Eagle Hill is home to many secrets.  Secrets which if told, would cause trouble for many people.  Mim Schock, though only 14 years old, is wise beyond her years, which she proves every time the Stoney Ridge Times put out an edition.  She is the widely read Mrs. Miracle.  Her columns is so popular that the editor wants to put it into syndication.  But there is two things wrong:  one, she is supposed to be eighteen years old and two, the Bishop would definitely not approve.

Also, Naomi King has been secretly sneeking on an hour-and-a-half bus ride to visit Tobe Schrock in prison. 

A mysterious young woman arrives at the Inn with an unexpected delivery for Tobe.  

There is also a person sneaking around and claiming to a relative of the Sisters.  He has even moved into an upstairs room.  

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This book brought a surprising conclusion to the series where love and faith triumph.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 

 

                 "A Mother's Secret"

                      Amy Clipston

Carolyn Lapp lives everyday in a veil of shame of what happened 15 years ago.  Her parents and God have forgiven her, but it seems as if her brother won't let her forget it.  He tells her she is a burden to her parents and needs to marry.  He tries to set her up with a widower who needs a mother for his daughter. Also, her brothers' twins pick on her son and are constantly getting into mischief and getting Benjamin blamed for it.

Carolyn wants to marry for love and thinks she has found someone, but he thinks Benjamin is her nephew not her son.  

Will true love conquer all?

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Carolyn had a sad situation which was made even sadder by her brother and his children.  Also, her father took the brother's side in things which is the case too many times in life.  But her mother loved her and saw how things really were.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Blind Trust" 

Sandra Orchard

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can't believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.

As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?

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This was the first book I've read by Sandra Orchard, but it won't be my last.  Even though this was book two in her series, I thoroughly enjoyed it!  Because I didn't read the first book, there were times when I was a bit confused, but was still able to enjoy book two.  I like Sandra's writing style.  Her characters have personalities that flow without having to have a lot of background to establish their characteristics.

"Blind Trust" is filled with romance, danger, quirky neighbors, family values and a lot of suspense.  This book kept me turning pages until I found out "who-dun-it".  I still don't know, because it continues into book three.  I'm still in suspense!   

This book is for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.  I can't wait till book three comes out!  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.