His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County(Avon Inspire, July 2017)

A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves

Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay…

Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.

Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author of the Seasons of Sugarcreek series, the Sisters of the Heart series, and the Families of Honor series. She lives with her family in southern Ohio, where she writes full time. Before her work in the inspirational market, Gray wrote several novels as Shelley Galloway. During this time her books appeared on the Waldenbooks bestseller list, and she won "RT Book Reviews'" prestigious Reviewers' Choice Award

Dynamic Uno here:  I couldn't put this book down.  Seriously.  I picked up His Guilt and was swept into Mark and Neeta's story almost immediately.  

I wanted to learn more about Mark's horrible home-life growing up that led him to become the man he is today.  I also wanted to find out more about Neeta and her family since they all seemed to get along so wonderfully; quite the contrast with Mark's background.

When the violent beatings started that left the victims half-dead, I was surprised because I never really expect that type of behavior from the Amish community-even though I'm sure it happens more than I realize or even want to know.  From that point on, I was trying to figure out who was responsible for causing this terror in the town and managed to narrow my suspicions to several characters.  (I really did want to be a detective like Nancy Drew when I was little.)  As it turns out, I was right!  *happy dance*  

You'll have to read the book to find out what happens between Mark and Neeta, as well as all of their friends and family, in this second suspense-filled book in The Amish of Hart County series.    Don't worry if you haven't read book one, Her Secret (my review here), His Guilt could also read as a stand-alone book.

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Murder Mezzo Forte by Donn Taylor (Preston Barclay Mystery #2)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

About the book: 

Murder Mezzo Forte (Lamplighter Mysteries, June 2016)

He is a reclusive history professor with musical hallucinations. . . .

She a headstrong professor of religion, a converted Wiccan. Earlier, they solved a campus murder, but now police say they formed two-thirds of an illicit love triangle with a newly-murdered female colleague and they're probably guilty of her murder. A leak of the alleged scandal to the college administration threatens their jobs.

Their desperate attempt to prove themselves innocent of the triangle and the murder plunges them into a tangle of unsavory corporate relationships among college trustees. And it puts their lives in danger from a mysterious criminal organization that seems to have tentacles everywhere.

Can this ill-matched pair's stumbling efforts succeed against the entrenched forces of the police, the college's incompetent administration, and that powerful but unseen criminal organization? If not, they may end up unemployed, in prison, or suffering a fate much worse.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/295oYHO

About the author:

Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterwards, he earned a PhD in Renaissance literature and taught literature at two liberal arts colleges. His publications include three suspense novels, one historical novel, and a book of poetry. He lives near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Dynamic Uno here:   In the first book of the Preston Barclay Mysteries, Rhapsody in Red,  Press and Mara get caught up in a murder scandal at their school and end up having to prove their innocence before they too end up on the list of the murderer.

In this second book of the series, Press and Mara get caught up in unusual circumstances once again at the college where they teach.  Another faculty member has been murdered and Press and Mara get sucked into the middle of the investigation--this time for supposedly being involved in a love triangle.  Press and Mara must once again prove their innocence while trying to track down a murderer, hopefully keep their jobs, and trying not to get killed in the process.

 I've always imagined what the soundtrack of my life would be like at various moments throughout my day, but Preston has very specific musical hallucinations throughout his and makes the reader privy to such information.  (I only wish there was a way to listen to the music he hears as I'm reading the book.  Hopefully the audio-book will insert the various pieces of music in the background so the readers have an idea of the type of music he's hearing.)  

I thoroughly enjoyed this second adventure of Press and Mara--the unwilling crime solving duo at Overton University.  I also enjoyed the developing relationship between the two colleagues and am interested in knowing what the response was to the situation at the end of the book.  (Guess we'll have to wait and see...)

 For those of you who have not read book #1, don't worry--this book could be a stand alone, although the author does a fabulous job of informing his readers about the backstory along the way.  If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries with a touch of romance, then this is the book for you! 

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

About the book: 

A Daughter's Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she's given the opportunity she's been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she's dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work---work she's afraid she's not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who's just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly's uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily's sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he'd be a single parent---or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob's fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/20vVAye

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Dynamic Uno here:  I'm enjoying learning more about the Kinsinger siblings and the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio.

Rebecca so wanted to be a teacher, but when she actually had to cover for her friend she realized that teaching was not really her passion.  (I can completely relate, only it took me about 17 years to actually leave the profession.)

When Rebecca and Jacob meet, I could tell that they were a match made in heaven.  They were both honest with themselves and each other and decided to take a chance on a relationship, starting with a courtship. (Their brave honesty encourages me to be the same way within my relationships with others.)

I also thought it was cute that Lilly's relationship with Peter somewhat mimicked Rebecca's relationship with Jacob--especially since Lilly and Jacob were having to start their lives over in Charm and both met helpmates in Rebecca and Peter.

Overall, book #2 was a quick and cute read.  I wish there had been more about the courtship between Rebecca and Jacob, but honestly, the story line between them didn't really need it.  (I just wanted to live vicariously through them.)

If you're looking for a cute romance with a lot of heart, then this is the book for you!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9a9

3

Counting on a Cowboy (A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance) by Debra Clopton

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  

About the Book:

Counting on a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, August 2015)

After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter

To learn more about Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton, visit the LitFuse Publicity Group's page here.





Dynamic Uno here: I absolutely adore Debra Clopton's writing style.  It's like she crawls inside my inner-most parts and seeks out what secret desires I have hiding in my heart and uses those emotions in writing her characters.  The realistic emotions and reactions of those characters make me feel like I'm right beside them as they journey through their lives, which makes me root for them even more.  I don't think I've read another author who has made me feel this large of an emotional connection in awhile.  (Of course, it could just be that I really, really am enamored with cowboys and small towns, so I live vicariously through the characters, but that's a story for my therapist. LOL!)

It seems that the Monahan brothers and their small town of Wishing Springs are still a destination spot for female tourists trying to find themselves a "real" cowboy due to Maggie Hope's TV interview.  (Counting on a Cowboy is book #2 in the Four of Hearts Ranch series.  Book #1 is Betting on Hope.  You can read my review here.)  Book #2 focuses on Bo and Abby, a new resident of Wishing Springs who is trying to escape her painful past.  

Forgiveness is a huge factor, and being able to forgive yourself for past mistakes is a major theme throughout this story.  Bo and Abby get off on the wrong foot and the hits keep coming as even more complications arise in their lives. The crazy residents of Wishing Springs will have you laughing and crying as they try to "help" the two realize their feelings for each other.

Heartfelt, realistic, and a good, clean romance is what is offered in Ms. Clopton's second book of her Four of Hearts Ranch series.  If you enjoy reading about cowboys and romance, then this is the book for you!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

The Proposal at Siesta Key (Amish Brides of Pinecraft #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  

About the Book:

The Proposal at Siesta Key (Avon Inspire, May 2015)

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author: 

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.


Find Shelley online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Dynamic Uno here:  If you've kept up with my blog and social media posts within the last year or so, you will know that I have a soft spot for the Pinecraft area of Sarasota.  When I learned that book #2 in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series was coming out, I knew I had to read more about this lovely area and people, even if the characters were fictionalized.

Michael Knoxx is touring the country with his family to discuss how God used a horrible situation in his life (losing a leg from a fall in a ravine) for the good. After having a sister who was brutally murdered, Penny Troyer has since lived a very sheltered life, until she decides she can't stand it any more.   Both are living out the Amish proverb "Growing old is easy--the hard part is growing up," by deciding to change their lives in an amazing way with God's help.  The actual proposal Michael had for Penny was to embrace each hour/day and to cherish each moment as they move forward in their lives.

I think we can all apply this proposal to our lives.  I know that I tend to wish for the work day to end or the weekend to come, so I can go home and relax rather than enjoy the little moments of peace throughout the day.  I need to learn to enjoy each of the little moments as they come rather than wishing my life away.

I enjoyed the strong friendship that developed between Michael and Penny from their basic day-to-day interactions.  Their raw emotions being shared and honestly painful stories brought both of the characters closer as trust began to form in their bond.  I also liked how each character began to notice the little details about one another as they forged their friendship and it began to blossom into a mutual attraction.  This gives me hope that I may find someone with whom I can be completely honest with and share my innermost concerns and feelings.

While The Proposal of Siesta Key dealt with some heavy topics, all were treated with dignity and respect and were not over-dramatized.  Michael's mission and Penny's new found freedom were the main parts of the story, as was their friendship.  All in all it was a light-hearted read that made me want to visit Pinecraft again, just so that I might have the chance to run into a few of the "characters."

If you enjoy Amish romance, or even if you want to explore life in a new order village, this series is for you!  

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter (A Chapel Springs Romance-book #2)

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  

About the book: A Chapel Springs Romance

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

About 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.

Title: Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance)

Author: Denise Hunter

Format: trade paperback with a Reading Group Guide

Genre: Christian, Romance, Contemporary Fiction

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign  

Published: Thomas Nelson / 2014 / ISBN: 978-1-4016-8702-1/ 352 pages / $15.99

Buy the Book: Amazon / Thomas Nelson 

Find the Author Online: Website / Twitter / Facebook

Why I Read this Book:  I am a fan of Denise Hunter's writing--in case you couldn't tell by the number of reviews I've done on her books. (To see my other reviews, click on her name under "labels" in this posting and my other reviews on her books will pop up.)  What can I say?  I'm a sucker for romance stories and Ms. Hunter certainly delivers it in book #2 of the Chapel Springs Romance series--Dancing with Fireflies.  

When I read the first book in the series--Barefoot Summer (review here), I fell in love with the McKinley family and their faith that God will get them through the tough times--even when they couldn't feel Him near.  That theme is even more abundant in book #2 as Jade faces a surprising situation when she finally returns home after being gone for a year.

What I Liked: I have to say that I was actually giddy reading this book.  Yes, you read it right--giddy.  I was giggling like a little school girl in many places and clapping my hands as I cheered on the budding romance between Jade and Daniel.  There were a few times that I wanted to smack them because they were not communicating with each other very well, but then I thought about my own life and how realistic their reactions really were in the story and decided to cut them a little slack.  After all, moving from life-long friends to dating is a HUGE step!

I also liked the fact that Ms. Hunter did not shy away from the hard topics of date rape drugs, unplanned/unwanted pregnancies, homelessness, and single-parenting.  While many stories do not have happy endings, I'm glad that everything worked out well for Jade and Daniel--according to God's purpose.

What I Didn't Like: That I finished this book too quickly and have to wait until December 9, to read book #3-The Wishing Season.  Otherwise, I really enjoyed reading Dancing with Fireflies!

  

Overall Impression: Rating: 5 out of 5

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!!

Win a Kindle HDX!

Princess Ever After (Royal Wedding Series #2) by Rachel Hauck

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  

About the Book: (Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotions page.)

Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.

But she's content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother's hand-painted book of fairytales.

Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation's future---and his own.

Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she's destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together---with a little divine intervention---Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.

Author: Rachel Hauck  (Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotions page.)

Meet the author: Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominatedThe Wedding Dress and RITA nominated Love Starts with Elle, part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel Softly and Tenderly, was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Learn more about Rachel at: http://rachelhauck.com


Format: trade paperback

Genre: Christian, Fiction, Romance

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign 

Published:  Zondervan / $14.99 / 2014 / ISBN:978-0-310-31550-6

Stalk the Author: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Buy the Book: Amazon / Lifeway / Christian Book Distributors / Zondervan

Read Chapter One Here

Why I Read this Book:  Almost every little girl dreams of growing up and finding her "prince charming," getting married, and living happily ever after.  However, what if it turns out that she is the princess (albeit unknowingly and unwillingly) and finds that her primary confidant may be her prince?  

I have always enjoyed reading about the lives of princesses and living happily ever after, or at least vicariously through their stories, so when I found out that book #2 in the Royal Wedding series (Read about book #1 here) was coming out, I jumped at the chance to read about the next royal adventure. 


What I Liked:  I am currently a Floridian, living in the Tampa Bay area, so when I found that our main character, Regina Beswick, was also a Floridian from the Tallahassee area (Go Noles!), I was excited to read to her story.


Regina is a down-to-earth type of girl, who enjoys hanging out with her family and her friends while doing the things she loves-such as restoring older cars.  I can only imagine her surprise when she was told that she was actually a princess from the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, and that the country's fate rested on her shoulders.  (Talk about massive pressure and stress.)

I loved that Regina was an independent woman who could think for herself and make decisions based upon the counsel she sought and her own convictions.  Many of today's "role models" for young ladies seem to lack morals, so I am impressed that Regina would not let people pressure her into her decisions, but rather prayed about them and asked for help from the people around her. 

I also enjoyed getting to know her heritage and the country's "history" through  the journal entries and the other characters.  I also liked the fact that she seemed to absorb the shock of her situation well, and rallied herself to help the people while she made her decision on whether to stay and rule, or to renounce her throne.


What I Didn't Like:  Where on earth do all of these characters get their money?!  Apparently I am in the wrong profession because even working two jobs, I can barely pay for rent and food, while the characters gallivant around like money is no issue.  I understand that Regina used to work for the rat race and may have saved some money back, but Tanner must make millions as the Minister of Culture if he's able to maintain his lifestyle and his...well, I don't want to give it away.   I know, it's a fairy-tale, but I still want to have hope that one day...just maybe...I'll become a princess too.  ;)


Overall Impression:  If you're looking for romance with the twist of surprise and delight, then Princess Ever After is the book for you.  What are you waiting for?  Go get this book!


Rating: 4 out of 5 

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading!