Review: The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

WaterBrook Press / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

A grief that knows no boundary. 

A love without any limit. 

A need that doesn’t end at death. 

Corrie Saunders grew up in a life of privilege. But she gave it all up for Jarrod, her Army husband, a man she knew was a hero when she vowed to spend her life with him. She just didn’t expect her hero to sacrifice his life taking on an Iraqi suicide bomber. 

Six months after Jarrod’s death, Corrie retreats to the family home her husband inherited deep in the Missouri Ozarks. She doesn’t know how to live without Jarrod—she doesn’t want to. By moving to Saunders Creek and living in a house beloved by him, she hopes that somehow her Jarrod will come back to her.

Something about the house suggests maybe he has. Corrie begins to wonder if she can feel Jarrod’s presence. 

Jarrod’s cousin Eli is helping Corrie with the house’s restoration and he knows that his dead cousin is not what Corrie senses. Eli, as a believing man and at odds with his mystically-oriented family members, thinks friendly visits from beyond are hogwash. But he takes spirits with dark intentions seriously. Can he convince Corrie that letting go of Jarrod will lead to finding her footing again— and to the One she can truly put her faith into?

My rating:

My thoughts:

The Widow of Saunders Creek was a very interesting read and different than most other books I've read - I really liked it! The characters were great and I think my favorite was Eli, although I also really liked Corrie and Lola.

The story was good and I liked how it dealt with ghosts: whether or not they are real, and if there is a "presence" in a house, what is it - a demon or departed soul? All of that made for an intriguing read! :)

The ending to The Widow of Saunders Creek was a little abrupt/rushed (in my opinion), but it was still a nice ending... even though I would have preferred a few more details about certain things.

The Widow of Saunders Creek had suspense, romance, and even some humor at times. I really enjoyed the book and am kind of hoping for a sequel. If you like suspenseful reads dealing with the paranormal, then I think you'd enjoy The Widow of Saunders Creek! I recommend it. :)

*I received a complimentary ARC 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!

Please rate my review on Blogging for Books via the form below. Thank you!!

Check out an excerpt from The Widow of Saunders Creek! The Widow of Saunders Creek; A Novel

Read More

Review: A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner

Waterbrook Press ~ Oct. 4, 2011
Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

A house shrouded in time. A line of women with a heritage of loss. 

As a young bride, Susannah Page was rumored to be a Civil War spy for the North, a traitor to her Virginian roots. Her great-granddaughter Adelaide, the current matriarch of Holly Oak, doesn’t believe that Susannah’s ghost haunts the antebellum mansion looking for a pardon, but rather the house itself bears a grudge toward its tragic past. 

When Marielle Bishop marries into the family and is transplanted from the arid west to her husband’s home, it isn’t long before she is led to believe that the house she just settled into brings misfortune to the women who live there. 

With Adelaide’s richly peppered superstitions and deep family roots at stake, Marielle must sort out the truth about Susannah Page and Holly Oak— and make peace with the sacrifices she has made for love.

My rating:

"I shouldn't have to tell the world that things aren't always what they seem," Adelaide had said. "Just because you hear a rustle in the trees, that doesn't mean that the bogeyman is preparing to pounce on you the minute you turn your back. Sometimes the rustling is just God sending a breeze to cool your skin after a hard day in the blazing sun. But I suppose the notion of the bogeyman makes the story more interesting." ~ Page 87

My thoughts:

Holly Oak is a house rumored to be haunted by Susannah Page's ghost seeking peace from her troubled past. But is that what is really happening in that mansion, or is the rumor just that - a rumor?

I haven't read any books by Susan Meissner until now. A Sound Among the Trees is a beautifully written contemporary novel with a lot of history and when I was reading "The Letters", it felt like a historical novel.

At first, I thought "The Letters" in the book were going to be my least favorite part, but after reading a few of the letters, I actually loved reading them. It was great to read what Susannah was going through and what had happened back then.

While some people might not like the talk of ghosts, curses, and other similar things in this book, I think if you continue to read, you will come to really like A Sound Among the Trees!!

I have two favorite characters from this book: Susannah and Marielle - both of them were very interesting to read about and I just really enjoyed their stories!

I wish there would have been a couple of more pages/chapters because I would have liked to have known how a certain character reacted to reading the journals (I'm not going to say who).

Overall, A Sound Among the Trees was a great novel that I recommend! :)

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

Please rate my review!

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Read More

Book Review: Shadows on the Sand: A Seaside Mystery by Gayle G. Roper

Shadows on the Sand: A Seaside Mystery by Gayle G. Roper

My rating: 

I've read and enjoyed other books by Gayle Roper, and I'm happy to say 'Shadows on the Sand' was no exception! Once I actually started to read this book, I found it interesting almost from the beginning.

Some of the character's stories in 'Shadows on the Sand' I found sad. Carrie Carter and her sister Lindsay ran away from home seventeen years ago because of horrible circumstances, and Greg Barnes' wife and kids are dead because of something that was meant to kill him!

I, personally, really liked 'Shadows on the Sand'. While I normally prefer books that have a LOT of suspense,   this book had a really great story and a nice amount of romance that, I found it very enjoyable.

There are a couple of things that may not be suitable for young readers. One of them is there is a cult called 'The Pathway' that practices polygamy.

Overall, 4 stars and I recommend 'Shadows on the Sand' if you enjoy a nice, cozy mystery with romance.

*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion.*

Please rate my review! Thanks in advance if you do!

Read More

Book Review: Reluctant Smuggler (#3) by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

My rating: 

THEY SAY KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER... BUT WHAT IF YOU CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE?


'Reluctant Smuggler' is the third book in Jill Elizabeth Nelson's 'To Catch a Thief' series and my favorite of the three.

Desiree Jacobs is trying to plan her wedding, run her business 'HJ Securities', and avoid dangerous situations. But her plan isn't working - it seems as though danger follows Desi everywhere.

While she's in Mexico, she was robbed three times in the same day, was held at gun point, and many other similar incidents.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Tony Lucano was stuck in Boston...literally. A blizzard made airports close, phone lines go down, and cell phone service unavailable. And when Tony goes on a mission during the storm, he ends up in a coma fighting for his life.

"Don't even try to tell me you're a victim. The reluctant smuggler. Hah!" - Page 301

'Reluctant Smuggler' is my favorite in the series (so far). I don't know whether there will be another addition, but if there is, I will definitely want to read it.

As usual, I loved Desi's, Tony's, and Max's characters, but I also enjoyed Mama Gina and even Stevo's character.

I loved this story - it had so many twists and kept me guessing. There were many times I was "on the edge of my seat" waiting for what was going to happen next.

I won't mention one other thing that I really liked about this novel because I feel it would spoil parts of the book for you -  should you decide to read it.

I recommend 'Reluctant Smuggler' if you enjoy a good, clean suspense/mystery book (with romance)!

PLEASE rate my review. Thanks in advance if you do!  :)
Note: You need to submit your email address for it to count. 

Read More

Book Review: Reluctant Runaway (#2) by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Reluctant Runaway by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

My rating: 

Stolen Indian artifacts...A murdered museum guard...A missing woman...A baby in danger...Only Desiree can unearth the horrifying secret that links them all.


'Reluctant Runaway' - the second book in the 'To Catch a Thief' series by Jill Elizabeth Nelson - continues Desi and Tony's relationship.

They both have strong feelings for each other - maybe love? - but Desi feels Tony is shutting her out and not sharing stuff from his life with her. Tony doesn't know if he can handle being with Desi when she continues taking risks and getting in danger.

Karen (Desi's best friend's niece) was either kidnapped or has runaway - abandoning her husband and baby. She is one of the lead suspects in a museum robbery that was secured by HJ Securities - which makes Desi somewhat involved in the case.

"She had to be wrong about the reason those artifacts were stolen, because being right was an alternative too awful to imagine." - Page 173

I really liked 'Reluctant Runaway' - more so than 'Reluctant Burglar'. There is more drama and (clean) romance, plus I loved the plot/mystery.

With a TV ministry that's more like a cult, talk of cannibalism, kidnapping, drugging, and evil spirits - 'Reluctant Runaway' leaves the reader with much to ponder.

I really liked a theme in this book that Jill mentioned in her letter to the reader at the end of the book. She talks about how Christianity is unique from other religions because Christians believe that God Himself became a man - Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human.

Overall, I really liked 'Reluctant Runaway' and I recommend it if you like reading books that have suspense with romance and a good message.

PLEASE RATE MY REVIEW!

Read More

Book Review: Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Mercy Come Morning: A Novel by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My rating: 

Krista Mueller and her mother, Charlotte, aren't close. Charlotte has had Alzheimer's for more than a decade and is now dying of heart failure.

Krista, upon Dane McConnell's (Krista's first love and the director of the nursing home) insistence, drives the 5 hour drive to Taos, New Mexico to sit and hopefully mend the relationship she has with her mother.

This is the third book I've read by Lisa Bergen, but it's the first book that wasn't YA.

I thought 'Mercy Come Morning' started off a bit slow and didn't really grab my attention until I was about half-way through. I didn't at first connect with the characters but, as I continued to read, I found that I liked them more and more.

I found Krista's story really sad - she longed for her father who was never there, she felt like her mother never loved her, and something terrible happened to her when she was seventeen.

I loved the story of grace and forgiveness, but I didn't like the Spanish words and phrases (even though it fit the story) because at times I found it difficult to interpret and follow along (I only know a little Spanish).

All in all, I liked 'Mercy Come Morning' and I think it had a good message.

3.5 stars

*I received 'Mercy Come Morning' from the publisher through their Blogging for Books program. The opinions I've expressed are my own.*


PLEASE rate my review. Whenever anyone reads and ranks my review, they will automatically be entered to win a free copy of the book that I reviewed.



Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Read More

Book Review: Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

My rating: 

I had been wanting to read 'Reluctant Burglar' for awhile, but never got around to reading it until just recently because I finally had the time.

I found the plot very interesting - Desi's father is accused of stealing expensive art, but Desi didn't believe it until her father is murdered and she finds the stolen art. She then decides to return the stolen art to the rightful owners - by secretly swapping it with the frauds that had gone unnoticed.

Combine that with a handsome FBI agent and a hint of romance between Desi and him, and 'Reluctant Burglar' looked to be a promising read.

I enjoyed the book, but I think it started out a bit slow and took awhile to get to the main plot. When I was midway through, 'Reluctant Burglar' became very good.

I loved the characters and I kept trying to guess who 'The Chief' was, but I ended up being wrong. :( There were many twists, a lot of drama, little hints of romance, and suspense which kept me intrigued.

Jill Elizabeth Nelson wrote a great novel that I think would keep most mystery lovers happy! I thought I had the culprits figured out; but by the final revelation, I realized I only had one culprit slightly right.

Overall, I recommend 'Reluctant Burglar' if you enjoy mysteries.

Please rate my review, so I will be able to review more Christian books.

Read More

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck: A Novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck: A Novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo

My Rating: 


One thing I loved when reading Kathleen Y'Barbo books ('The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper', 'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun', & 'The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck') was seeing how the characters' stories unfolded. It is sad to see the "Women of the West" series (as Kathleen Y'Barbo dubbed these books in her acknowledgments) come to an end.

The first time I "met" Charlotte Beck she was a spoiled, trouble-making child, but in this book she's now a young lady getting ready for adulthood.

On her journey, she still gets into some trouble - including getting a man pummeled in the face, stealing that man's pocket watch, breaking a telescope, and performing in a wild west circus show!

At her 'unofficial' debut into proper society, Charlotte meets a highly irritating man, Mr. Hambly. When she tells her Uncle Edwin Beck something less than truthful, Mr. Hambly ends up with a black eye.

Edwin Beck had been itching to punch a Hambly for years. At least since the day Martin won Edwin's favorite polo pony in a race Edwin claimed was fixed. It wasn't, of course, but the younger Beck brother had never been a good sport or a good loser. That Alex had been the one to offer an excuse for fisticuffs irked him almost as much as the slight to the Hambly name. - Page 21


Alex Hambly has enough trouble without Charlotte Beck. His family is in debt, and he is the one responsible to help fix that. One of his many options is to marry a rich American lady, although the thought doesn't sound pleasant to him.

Charlotte wants to go to college and then join her father's company, but he has a stipulation: agree to marry Alex Hambly and I will allow you to go to college and after you graduate, having a four year engagement, you will marry Alex Hambly.

"Papa!" Charlotte rose. "You're not serious. You wouldn't dare trade me for some silly title. You've got one of your own. Why add another? Especially his."
    "I assure you, Charlotte, my interest in seeing you yoked to the viscount has nothing to do with nobility." Mr. Beck laugh held little humor. "It is because I've never seen anyone handle you and your outrageous behavior as well as Alex does." - Page 162

'The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck' was really good. I continued reading it well into the night, until I had to stop. I really liked Alex's and Charlotte's characters and how their relationship blossomed. I found myself laughing when reading this book - some of the situations were just very humorous.

One of the only things I didn't like was how quickly the book covered some topics. I felt that had I not read the other books, I wouldn't have known what Charlotte's father was talking about when he mentioned her birth certificate. Also, I would have liked an epilogue that showed a couple of years later, how things unfolded. I hope there will be a book in the future featuring some of the same characters - I just don't want to say goodbye to them yet.

I liked this book so much that I will probably reread this in the future. I recommend this if you enjoy reading romance novels with a western theme mixed in!

* I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I've expressed are my own.*


Please Rate My Review:




Click here

• Author's Website: www.kathleenybarbo.com
• Author's Twitter: twitter.com/KathleenYBarbo
• Publisher's Website: waterbrookmultnomah.com

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Product details:

Price: 13.99

Format: Trade Paperback

SBN: 9780307444820

Categories: Fiction - Christian - Historical

Read More

Anna Finch and the Hired Gun: A Novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Anna Finch and the Hired Gun: A Novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo

My Rating: 

Soon after I finished 'The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper', I started 'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun'.


I was pleased when I saw that many of the same characters from 'The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper' made an appearance in this book (Jeb Sanders, Anna Finch, Charlotte Beck, and Daniel Beck - to name a few).

There was about a 5 year gap between books (1880-1885), but it didn't feel like that much time had passed.

'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun' gave me a completely different view of Anna Finch. When I read 'The Confidential Life of Eugenia Beck', I kind of thought that she was just a wealthy woman seeking to find a husband - mainly Daniel Beck. Now I see that it was really her father that wanted her wed and that her dream was to be a reporter.

"When a female of marrying age is no longer amenable to remaining under the guidance of her father, it is my opinion she should be handed off to a husband who can perhaps do a better job of it." His eyes, the color of her own, narrowed. "And you, Anna Finch, have proven by your audacious behavior today and, I daresay, on many as-yet undiscovered occasions in the past, that you are well beyond any control I might have over your person and behavior." - Page 16

I was shocked, relatively early in the book, when I found out an interesting fact about Miss Anna Finch. I'm not going to say what it is, because I feel it would spoil both books if I did, but I will say that it was unexpected!

Anna Finch first met Jeb Sanders when she accidentally shot him (he was hidden in a log that she was using for target shooting). She at first thought that he was an outlaw - little did she know he worked as a Pinkerton Detective Agent and that her father would end up hiring him to be her hired gun.

He saw her socializing with Wyatt Earp and outlaw Doc Holliday, and formed opinions of her that weren't true. He longs to see justice for Ella, the woman he loved and thought Doc Holliday murdered, but now that he's a believer, he knows that vengeance is the Lord's, not his.

I loved how there were history facts mixed in with a ficticious story. This book kept me entertained and wanting more. I found 'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun' comical, romantic, and (at times) adventurous.

This book was just as good, in my opinion, as 'The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper'. I loved 'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun' and I recommend it! The next book I'm going to read is - 'The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck' by Kathleen Y'Barbo.

• Author's Website: www.kathleenybarbo.com
• Author's Twitter: twitter.com/KathleenYBarbo
• Publisher's Website: waterbrookmultnomah.com

Please rate my review:

Anna Finch & The Hired Gun by Kathleen Y'Barbo (Chapter 1)

Book trailer for 'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun'

Product details:


Price: 13.99
ISBN: 9780307444813
Categories: Fiction - Christian - Historical

Read More

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper: A Novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper: A Novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo

My Rating: 


I'm going to be reading 'The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck' soon, so I decided to read 'The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper' by Kathleen Y'Barbo first and then I plan to read 'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun' by Kathleen Y'Barbo.


This is the first book that I've read by Kathleen Y'Barbo, but it reminded me of 'A Lady Like Sarah' by Margaret Brownley which I've recently read. Both books have a historical/western theme.


'The Confidential Life of Eugenia "Gennie" Cooper' is a historical romance book set around 1880. Gennie enjoys reading Mae Winslow, 'Woman of the West' dime novels, but she has to read them under her bed covers for fear that her parents will find out.


'Someday, if Gennie ever had the nerve, she'd just head west down Fifth Avenue and keep walking until she reached South Dakota or Wyoming. Colorado maybe, where she could pan for gold or dig for silver. Maybe save some hapless child or even a whole town from whatever evil preyed upon it. Gennie smiled. Wouldn't that be an adventure?' - Page 3


Finally that day has come.


When Gennie's new chambermaid, Fiona McTaggart, tells Gennie about how Fiona's sister has to leave the man she loves before they can wed - to be the governess of Miss Charlotte Beck - Gennie gets an idea.


Since Gennie will be leaving New York for a month to go visit relatives in Boston, while Gennie's family is on a ship for their silver anniversary; why can't Gennie instead of going to Boston go to Denver, Colorado to be the Charlotte Beck's Governess and get the adventure she's dreamed of. Then once Fiona's sister is married and arrives in Denver, go back home to New York with her need for adventure filled.


The beginning of every chapter begins with a portion of a Mae Winslow 'Woman of the West' story. I found this interesting, because it was like reading two books in one. Mae Winslow story as well as Gennie's story.


Upon arriving in Denver, Gennie realizes that Charlotte Beck is not the sweet child she thought she would be. Instead she's a trouble-maker and thief. Gennie soon realizes this "job" won't be as easy as she first thought.


I found the entire story very charming, humorous, and captivating. Gennie and Daniel Beck's relationship had such depth and layers that I didn't want to stop reading 'The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper'.


I loved how the story unfolded and had many twists that I didn't expect. I am very much looking forward to reading 'Anna Finch and the Hired Gun'. I highly recommend 'The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper'.


Please Rate My Review:

• Author's Website: www.kathleenybarbo.com
• Author's Twitter: twitter.com/KathleenYBarbo
• Publisher's Website: waterbrookmultnomah.com

The Confidential Life Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y' Barbo (Chapter 1)

Book Trailer:

Book Details:
Price: 9.99
Format: Trade Paperback
On Sale: Jun 2, 2009
ISBN: 9780307444745
Categories: Fiction - Christian - Historical

Read More