The Cactus Creek Challenge

This novel is laugh out loud funny with witty comebacks in difficult situations. To balance out the funny parts Vetsch threw in some mystery, danger, love, and a whole bucket load of stretching opportunities for the challenge contestants.

I really enjoyed how this isn't your typical history nor romance novel. I was drawn into the story immediately and found myself from the beginning of the challenge, guessing who would win. In the end I wasn’t disappointed in how the story wrapped up.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Old West stories and enjoys a good laugh.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Joline's Redemption

Action packed, tense, and exciting to the end. This book was entertaining to read and worth the late nights. Although the story is set in the late 1800's, Vickie McDonough did a wonderful job incorporating current lessons for us to learn. One nugget that can be taken from Joline's Redemption is how to God, sin is sin; man ranks sin as some being worse than others, but God sees them all the same. She weaves God in the story so naturally and easily it didn't feel like a random "God drop".

I really enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys old west stories.

*This novel was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

The Gift

The Gift by Wanda E. Brunstetter didn't disappoint!!! We journey through love, sacrifices, loss, pain, and so much more. This is one of those books I struggle to put down because I'm always at a "good part". You seem to settle or calm one issue and suddenly find yourself building up in another area. We have unlikely meetings and chances for new beginnings. It's a whirlwind of a story that leaves me wanting to read more.

While all the relationships are growing, building and blossoming we learn of Leah's love for humming birds. This isn't just a little "I like hummers" and moving on. A lot of facts are shared about the little guys. It made me wish I had a feeder to put out so we can attract our own humming birds.

*This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Goodbye to Yesterday

I just finished reading Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  Oh Wanda you're so naughty!  I knew it was the first of six mini novels, but I missed the fact that they would end with cliffhangers!  I was so caught up in the novel I didn't check to see how much was left and then ((((BOOM)))) who shot JR?  Okay I know the who and no one was shot, but still!

Instead of the other Wanda E. Brunstetter novels I've read that are boy meets girl, they fall in love and wed, Goodbye to Yesterday begins 14 months after Meredith and Luke got married.  Luke is unemployed and Meredith is possibly pregnant.  Tensions are high and patients are short.  Luke catches a break when his uncle decides to get out of his engraving business and asks Luke to learn the trade.  He must leave Meredith behind for a couple weeks and travel in the dead of winter to get to his uncle's place, but if it gives him a steady income it's all worth it.

But the cliffhanger... what might it be?  Read the book when it comes out on February 5th and see for yourself.  Perhaps like me you will be in the middle of devouring the novel when it SUDDENLY ends.  Happy reading. =)

This honest review was given at the request of NetGalley.

A Lady in the Making

What a book!  Millie or Mildred Evans spends the majority of the book proving herself a trustworthy person to David Stone.  She doesn't try to convince him she won't steal or trick him; she shows him by how she lives.  After being held up for a couple months on their journey Millie started attending a church.  She told her pastor and his wife all about her past.  When David has a chance to start meeting with them he's able to confirm Millie really has changed.

One thing I'm reminded of from this book is the value of trust.  Trust is the most expensive thing we can give or receive.  Being trustworthy can take us far, but one wrong move and it's all gone.  It can take years to earn back and may not be fully restored.

We learn early on that David is traveling home to England to claim his inheritance.  His cousin's wife is very upset that her husband who is second in line for the title is losing out to someone who has lived out of the country for 20 years.  She sets out to have him killed... again.

I've stayed up late reading until I fall asleep at least twice because the story was so good.  I suggest you read the book.  By the way, I had no idea this was book three in the series and I didn't feel lost one bit.

I was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley.

Reading - Lady In The Making

I recently started reading Lady In The Making and I'm loving it!  It's written by Susan Page Davis and published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

So far I know that Millie Evens has a criminal half brother who wants her to come cook for his gang.  Actually, she has a history too.  But Millie has changed.  She's trying to turn her life around and make up for all her wrongs.  While on a LONG trip via stage coach she happens to board after a man she's stolen from.  The chance meeting helps her to resolve some of her past, but of course he doesn't trust a thing she tells him.

I know a bit more then I'm telling, but I can't give it all away.  Goodness, I feel like a lot has already happened in the book yet I'm only 18% into it.  This is going to be good. =)

One of the best things about reading a great book while working out?  Looking down to see you only have 3 minutes left.  I was so engrossed into the book that my hour flew by.