Book Review: "Fit To Be Tied" by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book 2 in "The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" Series

Product Description (from Amazon):
It’s 1916, and Idaho rancher Cleo Arlington knows everything about horses but nothing about men. So when charged with transforming English aristocrat Sherwood Statham from playboy into cowboy, she’s totally disconcerted. So is Statham, who’s never encountered a woman succeeding in a man’s world. Their bumpy trot into romance is frustrating, exhilarating, and ultimately heartwarming.

My overall feeling of the book:
I loved the character’s and the storyline of this book. I’ve always enjoyed books set in England and books set in the West. Combine those two and I would call it awesome

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Cleo. She was so strong physically and strong spiritually, completely dependant on God. She was willing to go wherever God’s plan for her life sent her even though she loved her ranch.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was the first kiss. These two characters were so completely opposite that it made the first kiss all the sweeter.

It Would Have Been Better If:
If Woody’s father had been more accepting. I hope to hear more about him in the next book of the series.

I Would Recommend This Book To:
Horse lover’s, ranchers and farmers, tomboys, twins, those who are waiting for God to send them their mate, all Robin Lee Hatcher fans.

Rating:
9/10. Fantastic, couldn’t put it down.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

Book Review: "A Vote of Confidence" by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book 1 of "The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" Series



Product Description (from Amazon):
Beautiful and single, Guinevere Arlington knows her “place” in the early twentieth century. She just refuses to stay there. Gwen loves her life in Idaho—the mountains, the town, her independence. But when she runs for mayor—and falls in love with her opponent—Gwen realizes winning may come at too high a price.

My overall feeling of the book:
I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the characters, the time period and the location. It took place in a time where old was converging with new to create a very interesting storyline.

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was the hero, Morgan. Sigh....What a man

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scenes were the piano lessons. There was so much chemistry and the sparks were flying.

It Would Have Been Better If:
This was actually a very good book and nothing struck out at me majorly that I would want to change.

I would recommend this book to:
Twins, piano players, confirmed bachelorettes, anyone who has ever ran for an office, and all Robin Lee Hatcher fans.

Rating:
8/10. Very good.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

I listed my copy of this book in my store. Click here to see it or click my store button on the sidebar to see all my items.

Book Review: "Sweetwater Gap" by Denise Hunter 10/10!

Product Description (from Amazon):
Josie Mitchell's sister Laurel thinks she's come home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard. Her brother-in-law Nate thinks she's there to talk the overworked, very pregnant Laurel into finally selling the family business. The orchard's new manager Grady Mackenzie just thinks she's trouble with a capital T. They're all right . . . and all wrong. Because no one really knows what drove Josie from home in the first place. Why she's never come home before, even for her own father's funeral. Why she pushes herself so hard . . . and what she's running from. And nobody, not even Josie, is prepared for the surprising new fruit she'll find on her last trip home.

My overall feeling of the book:
It had been a really long time since I last stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish a book that I had started that same night. This book ended that dry spell. I couldn’t put it down!

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was the heroine, Josie. She had so many struggles and inner turmoil and I so badly wanted things to turn around for her so that she could find happiness.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is actually a combination of two scenes. Those of us who live in small towns know that renting a movie for the evening is sometimes the highlight of a Friday night. Such was the case for Josie and Grady. They were hanging out and having a movie night, two Fridays in a row. The first week “Jaws” was rented and the second week “Sleepless in Seattle”, “Lake House” and “You’ve Got Mail” were the rentals. The reactions of Josie and Grady to the movies were what made these scenes my favorites. And the popcorn!

It Would Have Been Better If:
I would say if Josie hadn’t made a controversial decision based on her guilt and self-loathing in the first place but it actually made the ending all the sweeter. Therefore, I wouldn’t change anything.

I would recommend this book to:
Photographers, people who have dealt with depression and guilt, apple lovers, those who enjoy a good movie night, anyone who has a family legacy that they are trying to continue. If you’ve read Denise Hunter before or if you’ve never read a Denise Hunter book, this is a must read.

Rating:
10/10. One of the Best Books I’ve Ever Read!!

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
What’s In A Name Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.


This book has been posted in my ebay store. Click the button on my sidebar to go to my store.

Book Review: "A Lady Like Sarah" by Margaret Brownley

A Rocky Creek Romance

Product Description (from Amazon):
She's an outlaw; he's a preacher. Both are in need of a miracle.
Sarah Prescott has never known a respectable life. Just a hardscrabble childhood and brothers who taught her to shoot first and ask questions later.
Justin Wells left Boston in disgrace, heading out alone on the dusty trail to Texas. But when the once-respected clergyman encounters a feisty redhead in handcuffs with a dying U.S. Marshal at her side, their journey takes a dramatic turn.
His high society expectations and Sarah's outlaw habits clash from the start. With a price on her head and towing an orphaned baby rescued from the brink of starvation, Justin and Sarah make the difficult journey toward Rocky Creek. There, justice will be meted out. Perhaps--they hope--with a healthy portion of grace.
Filled with mishaps, laughs, and adventure, Margaret Brownley's inspiring romance will keep readers cheering for Sarah as she struggles to become a true lady.

My overall feeling of the book:
This was a good read. It had all the elements that I like in a Western romance. A tough girl, an honorable man, a mule, a goat and a baby. There was even a quilting bee I connected well with both main characters. I enjoyed the “inspirational” elements and morals while showing the human struggles to do what is right and maintain your faith through difficult times.

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Justin, the hero. He is a preacher that had to leave his ministry in Boston via the “Potipher’s Wife” method. He is struggling to find his place in a new land and is questioning his calling. Through it all he perseveres and maintains his faith and overcomes very realistic doubts and fears.

My Favorite Scene:
It was hard to pick a favorite scene but I finally chose the “quilting bee” scene. Go figure Justin wants to know the fastest way to have certain news spread to the whole community and is directed to the town’s quilting bee. Worked like a charm with nothing but the best of intentions of the fine ladies of the Rocky Creek Quilting Bee.

It Would Have Been Better If:
If Sarah had decided to go to Rocky Creek with Justin instead of heading off to find her brothers. It broke my heart when she left Elizabeth.

I would recommend this book to:
Tough girls with soft hearts, mothers, those who have been in trouble with the law, anyone who has had a “divine interruption”.

Rating:
8/10. Very Good

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
What’s In A Name Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

Book Review: "Becca By the Book" by Laura Jensen Walker

Getaway Girls Book 3

Product Description (from Amazon):Sales clerk, barista, telemarketer, sign waver … At twenty-five, free-spirited Becca Daniels is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. What Becca doesn’t want to be is bored. She craves the rush of a new experience, whether it’s an extreme sport, a shocking hair color, or a new guy. That’s why she quit her bookstore job, used her last bit of credit to go skydiving, and broke her leg. And that’s why, grounded and grumpy, Becca bristles when teased by friends for being commitment-phobic. In response, Becca issues an outrageous wager—that she can sustain a three-month or twenty-five date relationship with the next guy who asks her out. When the guy turns out to be “churchy” Ben—definitely not Becca’s type—she gamely embarks on a hilarious series of dates that plunge her purple-haired, free-speaking, commitment-phobic self into the alien world of church potlucks and prayer meetings. This irrepressible Getaway Girl will have you cheering her on as she “suffers” through her dates, gains perspective on her life’s purpose, and ultimately begins her greatest adventure of all.

My overall feeling of the book:
I really enjoyed the first two Getaway Girls books and was really looking forward to reading more about Becca. Becca was the only non-Christian Getaway girl and I was looking forward to a good conversion story. I didn’t quite get everything that I wanted. It was still a very good book but I wish it wouldn’t have left me hanging. The book also wasn’t as “conservative” as I am so I had a few issues.

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Lucy. She wasn’t a main character and yet she had such an impact on the main characters of the story. I loved her attitude.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is when Becca breaks her ankle while skydiving and all the Getaway Girls come to her at the hospital immediately and take over caring for her. They work out a meal rotation and a driving schedule and show their support and love for Becca without a second thought.

It Would Have Been Better If:
The book had a sequel. I’ve always heard that sometimes one person will plant the seed (of faith) and another person/s has to water that seed. I want to know more about what happens with Becca and her seed being watered as suggested in the last few sentences of the book.

I would recommend this book to:
Those who have read the other Getaway Girls books, book lovers, thrill seekers, those who have ever had a broken leg/ankle/foot.

I do suggest reading the first two books in the series in order to get to know Becca’s character better before reading this book.

Rating:
7/10. Good

Click here to see this book on Amazon.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Chick Lit Challenge

Book Review: "The Husband Tree" by Mary Connealy

Product Description (from Amazon):
Hit the trail into the Old West, where a tough lady rancher and a seemingly aimless wrangler attempt to avoid the matrimonial noose. When Belle Tanner hires Silas Harden to help her get her cattle to market, the last thing she’s looking for is romance. So why does she turn into jelly whenever he’s near? Silas wants nothing to do with women, but he can’t seem to resist the pull of love when it comes to Belle. Can they make it through this cattle drive without getting hitched? Or will they steer straight into a commitment neither one counted on?

My overall feeling of the book:
True of all Mary Connealy’s books, I loved it!!!! I couldn’t wait to read this book after I read Montana Rose. I enjoyed everything about it.

My Favorite Character:
Belle. She was everything I would expect of a lady rancher.

My Favorite Scene:
The first night Silas comes to Belle’s ranch and sits down to supper with her and the girls. The whole scene is hilarious but mostly his reaction is what cracked me up.

It Would Have Been Better If:
It never had to end!! I could read more and more about Belle and Silas. I’m looking forward to the third book in the series featuring Wade.

I would recommend this book to:
Everyone. Especially if you enjoy Mary Connealy books. DON”T miss this one. I do recommend reading “Montana Rose” first because a lot of Belle’s back story takes place in that book and you’ll “know” her a lot better.

Rating:
10/10. One of the best books I’ve ever read!

If you would like to purchase this book from Amazon click here.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

(See my challenge posts on my side bar.)

Book Review: "Talk of the Town" by Lisa Wingate

Product Description (from Amazon):
The show American Megastar is the hottest thing on television but its associate producer, Mandalay Florentino, is worried. She's just arrived in the tiny town of Daily, Texas, to arrange a surprise "reunion concert" for hometown finalist Amber Amberson. Only it turns out everyone in town seems to know the secret. And paparazzi are arriving. Word from Hollywood is that Amber has disappeared with a "bad boy" actor. Can anything go right in this tumbleweed town? Imagene Doll loves her town of Daily, Texas, but things are lonely without her beloved husband. Life seems dull. At least until that fancy-dressed woman pulls into town, looking terrified and glamorous all at once. Soon life's not the least bit boring as Imagene and the rest of Daily find themselves at the center of a media maelstrom--with a young girl's future on the line.

My overall feeling of the book:
It was really, really hard to get into this book and stay interested enough to finish reading it. I pushed through because I already had so much time invested in it. It took me forever to finish it and I was ready to move onto another book.

My Favorite Character:
I really didn’t have a favorite character.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was when Imagene Doll, an elderly lady, rode the rollar coaster for the very first time.

It Would Have Been Better If:
I didn’t like how the book flipped back and forth between the two women with each chapter. I would just start “feeling” what I was reading and then it was pulled away. It frustrated me.

Rating:
5/10. An “ok” book but don’t really recommend it.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Chick Lit Challenge

2010 Christian Historical Fiction Challenge

This is the final reading challenge I'm signing up for this year.

The goal is to read and promote Christian Historical Fiction by reading at least 24 titles. That is two per month, but anyone who wants to commit to more or less is welcome to join in on the fun. This challenge runs 1/3/10 through 12/31/10.

Go here to sign up.

Book read:

1. The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy

2. A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2010

The Royal Reviews are hosting an Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.

Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.


Go on over to the Royal Reviews to sign up.

I'll sign up for the Obsessed level and read 20 Historical Fiction books.

1. The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy
2. A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

Romance Challenge 2010

The Royal Reviews is hosting a Romance Challenge for 2010.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Romance Fiction novels.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 Romance Fiction novels.

-- Addicted – Read 12 Romance Fiction novels.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 Romance Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

Head on over to The Royal Review to sign up.

I'll sign up for Obsessed and read 20 Romance Fiction novels.

1. The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy
2. A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley
3. Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter

Reading Through the Seasons 2010 Challenge

Book Dragon's Lair is hosting a "Reading Through the Seasons" Challenge.

These are the rules:

1. Four books, one for each season.

2. Title must have a season, not holiday, winter, fall, autumn, spring, summer

3. Jan 1 to Dec 31

Go on over to Book Dragon's Lair to sign up.

Chick Lit Challenge 2010

Twiga 92 at The Twiga Blog is hosting a Chick Lit Challenge to read 8 Chick Lits in 2010. Books can overlap challenges.

Click on the cute little chick to go sign up.

1. Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate
2. Becca By the Book by Laura Jensen Walker

What's In A Name 2010 Challenge

Beth at What's In A Name is hosting an interesting reading challenge for 2010. Its only 6 books and can overlap other challenges. Easy peasy!!

So here's how it works: Between January 1 and December 31, 2010, read one book in each of the following categories:

1.A book with a food in the title: Clockwork Orange, Grapes of Wrath, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
2.A book with a body of water in the title: A River Runs through It, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, The Lake House
3.A book with a title (queen, president) in the title: The Murder of King Tut, The Count of Monte Cristo, Lady Susan
4.A book with a plant in the title: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Wind in the Willows, The Name of the Rose
5.A book with a place name (city, country) in the title: Out of Africa; London; Between, Georgia
6.A book with a music term in the title: Song of Solomon, Ragtime, The Piano Teacher

The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know
•Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
•Books may overlap other challenges.
•Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
•Creativity for matching the categories is allowed.
•You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
•You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.
•There will be a single prize at the end of the challenge. Readers who complete the challenge and write up a wrap-up post (or wrap-up comment) are eligible.


You can click on the picture for a link to the blog.

2010 100+ Reading Challenge

I've been looking for a good reading challenge for 2010 and this one seems like the perfect one for me. I can read anything I want at any time through the year. I just have to read 100 during 2010. No problem.

If you want to join, click on the picture above and sign up with Mister Linky.

Here are the rules:

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count.

My List of 100 Books:

1. Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate

2. The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy

3. Becca By the Book by Laura Jensen Walker

4. A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

5. Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter