Review: Breaking Free by Lauraine Snelling

Breaking Free by Lauraine Snelling

FaithWords / 2007

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Bestselling author Lauraine Snelling crafts a poignant story of hope and restoration for a newly paroled mother rebuilding her life after the loss of her son.

Maggie Roberts is starting over again after her reckless driving led to a 10-year prison sentence and the devastating loss of her son. Having learned to repurpose retired thoroughbred racehorses through an inmate training program, Maggie finds a way to rebuild her life. But it's not until she meets single father Gil Winters and his wheelchair-bound son, Edward, that she finds her calling. In helping Edward with his therapy using horses, Maggie finds herself coming to life again. But when a shadow from the past returns, Maggie is forced to choose between her newfound freedom and getting Edward the life-saving help he needs.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Breaking Free was a great book with a really good story! I liked all of the facts about training horses and how second chances were a major theme in the book. The characters were nice and I enjoyed the little bit of romance that was in Breaking Free.

Overall, a great book! I recommend it if you enjoy contemporary reads with animals being a big part of the story. :)

I borrowed this book from the library. I was not required to write a review, but chose to. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Review: Scream by Mike Dellosso

Scream by Mike Dellosso

Realms / 2009

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Otherworldly Screams... 

A Madman on the Loose... 

This Time the Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

While talking to his friend on the phone, Mark Stone is startled by a cacophony of otherworldly screams. Seconds later, a tragic accident claims his friend's life. When this happens several more times--screams followed by an untimely death--he is compelled to act.

Battling his failure as a husband and struggling with his own damaged faith, Mark embarks on a mission to find the meaning behind the screams and hopefully stop death from calling on its next victim. When his estranged wife is kidnapped and he again hears the screams as she calls from her cell phone, his search becomes much more personal and much more urgent.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Scream is the second book I've read by Mike Dellosso and, like Frantic, I loved it! Scream was such a great suspense novel that had some supernatural elements. The book definitely made me think about how everyone has an appointment with death and the importance of trusting in Jesus alone for salvation.

I really liked the characters. I was surprised that women were kidnapped in Scream (I obviously didn't read the description well), but I have to say, I did guess who "Judge" was early on in the book. Still, I found myself "on the edge" of my seat in suspense a LOT (especially towards the end).

The whole screams aspect of the story was very weird, but it did make the novel more intriguing.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Scream and definitely recommend it if you enjoy suspense books that have some supernatural elements.

*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you! :)

Review: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Hope Beach: Book One

Thomas Nelson / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I've read a lot of Colleen Coble's books and she is a favorite author of mine. Although Tidewater Inn isn't my favorite of hers (that would be Abomination), I did still like it and found it to be an enjoyable read.

Something I particularly loved was how Bree, her family, and search & rescue dog, Samson, showed up in Tidewater Inn and played an important role in the story! I'm so glad Colleen brought back these characters and I hope they will be in some of her future novels as well.

I didn't care for how the story seemed to repeat things often and, at times, seemed inconsistent. I liked the characters and my favorite was probably Alec or Libby (I'm excluding Bree and her family because, of course, they are favorites).

There were quite a few times I was surprised by things in Tidewater Inn - which I really liked.

Overall, I enjoyed Tidewater Inn and look forward to reading book two in the Hope Beach series when it releases. If you enjoy mystery novels with some sweet romance, then I think you might enjoy Tidewater Inn as well. Good read!

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of the book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Teaser Tuesdays ~ Jan 29

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser:

"Draw the guy out. Take his focus off the girls." 

- Page 70, Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason

Find the book on: Amazon, Goodreads, B&N.

FYI, this book is FREE right now on Amazon Kindle and Nook!!

Weekend Wrap-Up & Giveaway Winners!

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and hope to read this coming week, and (when applicable) the current giveaways/giveaway winners. Occasionally I'll post some other stuff as well.

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've accomplished (reading-wise) this past week. :)

 What I've read this week:



What I'm currently reading:

  What I hope to read next week:

Hope to read a few of those this week. :)

Reviews posted this week:

Choices of the Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport

Waiting for Spring by Amanda Cabot

  Current Giveaways!

Enter to win an eBook copy of After the Snow Falls by Carey Jane Clark! Open Internationally!

Giveaway Winners!



The winner is...

Meghan (mestith@...)*



The original winner failed to contact, so the new winner is...

Rhonda (mimosarose63@...)!*

*Winners have been contacted and have until 2/1 to claim their prize.

There you have it, that is what I accomplished (reading-wise) this week! What about you?

Review: Waiting for Spring by Amanda Cabot

Waiting for Spring by Amanda Cabot

Westward Winds: Book Two

Revell / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

A new identity may protect her family--but can it protect her heart?

After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But she can find no rest from the ghosts of the past and flees to Cheyenne to put the pieces of her life back together.

Wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry must make a sensible match if he is to be elected senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming. He needs someone with connections. Someone without a past. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.

Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Waiting for Spring is only the second novel I've read by Amanda Cabot (the first being Summer of Promise), but I can already tell I'm a fan of her work! Waiting for Spring was a very enjoyable read that kept me interested throughout.

I loved the characters in Waiting for Spring, and couldn't help feeling for Charlotte and all she had gone through. She seemed like a very courageous woman, in spite of her fears. I loved the scenes with Barrett and David. It was so cute the way they interacted.

While the identity of "The Baron" isn't kept a secret from the reader, there was still a little bit of suspense to Waiting for Spring, which I really liked.

I was never bored while reading Waiting for Spring, but I will say I was surprised by the length of the story. At one point, I thought things were nearing the end, and I couldn't believe there was still a good chunk of the book left to read.

Overall, I loved Waiting for Spring and am looking forward to reading book three of the Westward Winds series, With Autumn's Return, which should release spring of 2014.

I recommend Waiting for Spring if you enjoy historical romances. I don't think it is necessary to read Summer of Promise first.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.* 

 “Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Review: The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport

Avenue of Dreams: Book Two

Revell / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

The whole world is coming to Chicago. 

Charlotte's whole world is coming down around her.

While the rest of Chicago focuses on the enormous spectacle of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, Charlotte Farrow's attentions are entirely on one small boy--her boy--whom she has kept a secret from her wealthy employers for nearly a year.

When the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him to the opulent Banning home, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child's fate. Can she face the truth of her past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life's struggles determine her path?

This compelling story of courage, strength, and tender romance captures the tension between the glittering wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Having read (and loved!) The Pursuit of Lucy Banning last year, I was really looking forward to The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow and it did not disappoint! I loved learning more about Charlotte Farrow (who was introduced in book one) and was surprised by quite a few things in her story.

The characters were great and even though I found one person very frustrating, it was in a good way. ;) I particularly liked Archie, which surprised me because at first I wasn't sure I'd like him, but as the story continued I realized what a wonderful guy he was. I also found it interesting and unique that both of the main characters in The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow were servants.

Overall, I loved The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow and recommend it if you like historical romances. I don't think it's necessary to read The Pursuit of Lucy Banning first in order to enjoy this one, but doing so will ensure you'll know more fully what had happened earlier in the Bannings' lives. Great read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you!

Review: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss

Summerside Press / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams-a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests-her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA's pressures. In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children's governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover-as Ellie did-that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

My rating:

My thoughts:

I'm pretty sure Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska is only the second Love Finds You book I've read, but I hope to read many more in the future. I enjoyed this book a lot more than I had thought I would and loved the ending!

The characters were really nice and I especially like Brett, Brett's Grandmother, and Ginny. I loved the setting and how small the town of Glacier Bay was.

I also loved the "letters" that were in Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska - they were one of my favorite parts of the story. I found it interesting to read Ellie's story firsthand. =)

Overall, Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska was a great read and I recommend it if you enjoy good, sweet romance stories.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you!

~

Celebrate with Tricia and Ocieanna by entering their "Glacier Bay" Giveaway and RSVPing for their Facebook Party on Feb. 12th!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A gorgeous handmade “Glacier Bay” bracelet
• A handmade cowl in "Glacier Bay" blues and greens
• A bottle of custom-made "Glacier Bay" sparkle polish in blue
• Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss and their two other “Love Finds You” titles {Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana, and Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the "Glacier Bay" Author Chat Party on February 12th. Connect with authors Tricia and Ocieanna, get a sneak peek of their new book projects, try your hand at the Alaska trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways—gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, and join Tricia and Ocieanna on the evening of February 12th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!