"Sins Of The Past"

Dee Henderson

Dani Pettrey

Lynette Eason

“Sins of the Past” is a three story romantic suspense novella collection.

In the first story, “Missing” written by Dee Henderson, Wyoming sheriff, John Graham, is called to Chicago when his mother mysteriously vanishes from her retirement home. Upon arriving in Chicago, John meets Lieutenant Sharon Noble who has been trying to find his mother since she disappeared. While the two try to locate John’s mother, they realize that something sinister may be at play. John learns that maybe his mother had been keeping secrets from him, which may have led to her disappearance. Will John ever be able to find his mother or will it be too late?

The second story is “Shadowed” by Dani Pettrey. Libby Jennings is in Alaska to compete in the swimming competition. When she has a day off from practicing and competing, she decides to take in a whale tour. Ben McKenna loves Alaska and enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for his hometown with others. While taking Libby for a tour on his boat, they enjoy watching the whales. But when the whales bring something up to the surface with them, Ben and Libby are surprised to discover that the whales have brought a body to the surface. After Ben rescues the body from the whales and brings the body on to his boat, Libby is shocked to discover that the body they found is actually one of her fellow competitors. Libby is determined to find out what happened to her former friend, but will she end up just like or friend or will she be able to escape?

The final installment in the collection is “Blackout” by Lynette Eason. Macey Adams once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. She has tried for years to forget what happened to her when she was a teenager, but somebody is determined to make her relive her past. Chad Latham, Macey’s neighbor, wants to help Macey in any way that he can, but she will not let him get near her. Every time somebody tries to help Macey or get close to her they end up dead or seriously injured. Macey does not want to be responsible for anybody else get hurt, so she keeps people out of her life. When circumstances throw them together, Macey may have no choice but to accept Chad’s help. Will Macey be able to let go of the ghosts from her past or will they catch up with her and destroy her and those she loves in the process?

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I was so excited to read this novella collection has I love a good mystery and some of my favorite authors were involved in the collection. I did enjoy reading this book, and while there is not a definitive connection between the three books, they are connected by the title. In each book something from the past comes back to haunt female leads in the stories. As I was reading this book I was reminded of the Bible verse “…be sure your sin will find you out” in Numbers 32:23. No matter how hard we try to forget and hide our sins, they always have a way of coming back to haunt us. God will forgive us of our sins and He will help us overcome our past if we ask Him to and allow Him to help us.

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

 

"Dressed For Death"

 Julianna Deering

A Regency-Era Costume Party Should Have Been an Amusing Diversion, but it Seems Wherever Drew Farthering Goes, Mystery--and Murder--Are on the Guest List

Drew and Madeline Farthering arrive at a Regency-era house party at Winteroak House, excited to be reunited with old friends, including Drew's former Oxford classmate Talbot Cummins. Tal is there with his fiancée, Alice Henley, and though many present seem worried about the couple, nobody is prepared when Alice dies from an apparent overdose. Tal refuses to believe she'd taken the drugs intentionally, and a dark question arises of whether the death is an accident or murder.

The police have their own information though, and Drew is shocked when they arrest someone he's trusted and admired since his childhood--someone who's been smuggling drugs into the country for years. Stunned by what has happened, Tal begs Drew to get to the bottom of everything, but Drew has never felt more unsettled. Questioning his own ability to see people as they really are, Drew doesn't know whom to trust, and he's not ready for the secrets he's about to uncover--or the danger he'll bring down on everyone he holds dear.

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These books have intrigued me ever since I heard about them, and I haven't been able to read one until now.  I really wish I could say that I loved it, but I did not.  From page one I was thoroughly confused, but that could be because I didn't read the other books.   I really tried to get into it, but just couldn't it. 

Drew and his wife seem like likeable characters, but I have no idea who anybody else is.  

Also, there was way too much dialogue for me.  Everybody was talking at once it seemed and I didn't know who they were or what they were talking about.  She also used terms, that I'm sure were from there era, but I didn't know what they meant.  Nor did I know what they were saying in French.  Like I said, it could just be because I didn't read the previous books.

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

 

"With This Ring?"

 Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

Sometimes Love is Found in the Most Unexpected Places!

Love isn't always a fairy tale, and it doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes the best stories, though, are the ones that are the most unexpected. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that celebrate the power of love to triumph . . . even when circumstances go awry!

The Husband ManeuverWhen ranch foreman Daniel Barrett seems ready to leave her life forever, Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins on their relationship. But to have any hope of maneuvering him into a proposal, she has to act fast or risk losing him completely.

Her Dearly UnintendedJosiah Huckabee just wanted to make sure Katie Ellen Watson was safe, but when the only bridge to her farm is washed out, the two find themselves alone. Alone, that is, until a menacing stranger appears. Maybe by pretending to be newlyweds, they'll save their reputations--but can pretending to be in love turn into the real thing?

Runaway BrideHired to help Carrie Halsey escape from a dangerous man intent on making her his wife, Big John Conroy never expected the job to interrupt his solitary Texas Ranger life. But now that he's promised to keep Carrie safe, he discovers he may just want to make a few more promises.

Engaging the CompetitionHarrison Gray and tomboy Charlotte Andrews have been rivals for years. With Charlotte intended for someone else, it seems they'll never settle their differences until an accident changes things completely. When Charlotte breaks Harrison's glasses--without which he's nearly blind--she must help with his teaching position, and working together forces these former adversaries to reconsider everything.

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"With This Ring?" is such a great collection of novella's!   Each has it's own unique twists and turns to it as well as a beautiful and somewhat expected ending.  Expected because of the title, but the events leading up to the inevitable result, was anything but expected!  

While three out of the four of these start out very similar, they are anything but that!  The authors may have had similar ideas, but each one's talents reveal their individual creativity. 

Mary Connealy's was a pleasure to read because she brought in former characters from previous books.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to read all of her previous books, so it was a little confusing at times just who everyone was.  (from the Kincaid Bride series)

I enjoyed each of these novella's and will for sure read them again!  I do believe that Melissa Jagears story was simply beautiful.  Charlotte loved Harrison even if he was practically blind.  That is true love.  Loving others strengths and imperfections. 

A couple of these authors I have never read before, but I'm glad that I was able to!  Each of these authors are very talented in their writing!  I hope that they do another novella collection together!  

This is a romantic western fiction book, but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading contemporary Christian romance.

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

 

"Now & Forever"

Mary Connealy

 Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!

Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!

Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected. 

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Hold on to your horses, because this book is filled with non-stop adventure!  I didn't want to put it down!  From the first page to the last, there was never a dull moment.  I LOVE this book!  Mary Connealy just knows how to write books that are full of adventure!  

While this is book two, there is enough information to get you pretty much caught up with everything.  So you won't be completely lost.  Although I do recommend reading book one (Tried and True), just because it is so good!   

Mary Connealy's books always excite me.  I never have to worry about them being filled with slang, filth or anything inappropriate.  She always rights good, clean, fun, romantic, suspenseful, adventurous, Christ-honoring books!   

This book is for you if you enjoy reading books with a western setting, adventures, romance and humor.  

Read more about the book here.

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

 

"Love Letters"
Beverly Lewis

Merlena Wenger is being sent to help her Mennonite grandmother, who has just buried her husband.  She doesn't want to go.  It's not that she doesn't want to help her grandmother, but if she is to marry in the fall, she has to take baptismal classes during the summer.  Now she will have to wait another whole year.  She wonders if her parents have an ulterior motive in sending her away, maybe to get her away from Nat, her Old Amish Order beau.  

While there, Merlena starts her own search for God and His will for her life.  She feels that His will includes taking care of her deceased sister's baby.  Her sister who turned away from Plain life and went fancy. But Nat doesn't think Marlena should care for the child because she is "an Englischer".  Marlena tells Nat that she believes it is what the Lord wants her to do, so he ends their relationship.

Her heart really breaks wen Gordon, who was missing in action, shows up to claim his daughter.  What does the Lord have in store for Marlena now and will her breaking heart ever mend?

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This book was sad at times, but very heartwarming.  It showed how we must let go and let God control our lives.  Beverly Lewis always writes a captivating story that you cannot put down until it is finished.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE 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.

 

"Undetected"

Dee Henderson

Mark Bishop is the Commander of the USS Nevada submarine.  He loves his job and does his very best to keep his crew safe.  Though he enjoys his job, he wants someone that he can come home to and spend his life with.  He has found the right woman, but can he convince her that they are meant to be together?

Gina Gray is wise beyond her years.  Gina keeps discovering new methods and radar technology to help the U.S. Navy on their submarines, but when her discoveries start to scare even her, because of the possibilities that her discoveries may bring, will she run from them or face them?  

Gina also wants somebody to lean on and to help her, but her brilliance seems to scare off most men.  Can Gina find someone that understands her and accepts her for who she is?  Or must she face her problems by herself?

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If you like adventure, intrigue, drama, and romance, then you will enjoy this book.  I have always enjoyed Dee Henderson's writing, but this one was different from her usual style. Undetected was very informative about life in the Navy, especially submarines.  I liked the fact that even though Gina was a very smart woman, Mark was not afraid or intimated by her.  He was not worried about hurting his pride by being with a woman so intelligent.  

Read  more about the book here.

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

Hey y'all,

There are some new books that are coming out this may from Bethany House.  As usual, each book has it's own heroine.  You may not have read these books, or heard of them, but the quiz is still fun!

I took it twice, because it was so fun!  The first time I was Wynter Evans from "Gathering Shadows".  The second time I decided that some of the answers I had answered before weren't accurate, so I changed them and got Celia Park from "Meant To Be Mine"

 

See who you have the most in common with…

Kate Darby from Until I Found You

Nick Sheridan has made a vow: no dating for a year. And he’s keeping it just fine—until Kate Darby turns his world upside down.

Gina Gray from Undetected

Researcher Gina Gray is on the verge of a breakthrough in sonar technology, and what she’s told Navy Commander Mark Bishop is only the beginning…

Celia Park from Meant to Be Mine

When bull rider Ty Porter comes face to face with the one woman he could never forget, can he convince her he’s finally ready for love?

Wynter Evans from Gathering Shadows

Wynter Evans came to the town of Sanctuary looking for answers. Can handsome mayor Reuben King help her discover the truth about her brother’s disappearance?

Kayden McKenna from Silenced

After Kayden McKenna discovers the body of a fellow climber, she and Jake Westin team up to investigate the death—provoking threats on her entire family.

Autumn Kingsley from Here to Stay

Whisper Shore will never be the same once Blake and Autumn join forces to revitalize tourism—but will that be enough to convince Autumn to stay?

 What are you waiting for? Give it a try! And be sure to share this with your fiction-loving friends and let us know what result you got!

 

"Fired Up"

Mary Connealy

All Dare has ever tried to do is help people.  In fact, he can't seem to stop helping people, even though he continuously insists he's not a real doctor.  But it seems that some people don't want his help or him to help anyone else for that matter.  Mysterious happenings seem to keep occurring and trying to take his life.  But who and why?  

After two bad marriages, Glynna is trying to get back on her feet.  She is given the opportunity to open up a much needed diner in the one-horse town she and her two kids live in.  That should be easy enough, right?  Wrong!  Especially for somebody who doesn't seem to know when something is done cooking.  

Between taking care of his patients, trying to stay alive and Glynna's possessive son, Dare doesn't seem to have enough time to get to know the pretty owner of the diner, who has plenty of customers, but can't cook.

Will Dare and Glynna be able to get time to themselves?  Who is out to kill Dare and why?  Will they succeed?  

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I am a huge fan of Mary Connealy.  She has to be my favorite author!  Even if she wasn't my favorite author, I still would have enjoyed this adventurous, romantic, funny, and surprise-filled book.  The characters are so real, I feel as if I really know them.  I cannot wait for the rest of this series to come out!  If you love westerns, romance, adventure, and humor, you will love this book! 

I received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers for review purposes.