A Bride's Portrait by Erica Vetsch

When I started reading A Bride’s Portrait by Erica Vetsch I first noticed her excellent crafting skills. From page one I was drawn by her choice of words and the pictures they created. If the authority were mine I would crown Erica “Queen of show don’t tell”

A Bride’s Portrait takes place in Dodge City, back when the west was young. Description from the back of the book: Adeline Reid, once the sweetheart of a notorious train robber, is determined to keep her shady past a secret and her heart protected. Her newfound focus on her work has gained her two things - a successful portrait studio in Dodge City, Kansas, and a life free of romance. Unfortunately, Addie's inquisitiveness brings trouble back into her life when she unwittingly holds a clue that can expose a killer's identity. Will she find herself looking down the end of a gun barrel, or will a handsome deputy nab the murderer before the shooting starts?

This book calls to mind one of my favorite quotes by Paul Sweeny: “You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”

Still today there’s a scene I’m not ready to let go because of the emotions it created. I can’t say any more than that without giving too much of the story away. I defiantly do not want to ruin it for you, but trust me it will touch your heart.

I read a lot of books. Some I’ve been gifted, others I’ve won on blogs but most I’ve been asked to review. The majority have been well written books that I enjoyed. One or two I’ve plowed my way through, anxious to get to the end. I know it takes a lot of work to write a book and the author deserves to have it read to the end. Then there are a handful of books that carried my imagination away to a place I did not want to leave. A Bride’s Portrait is one of the handful that’s more than just a good story.

His Steadfast Love

His Steadfast Love, written by Golden Keys Parsons takes place in Texas during the civil war. This powerful love story takes during a time in our country's history when strong beliefs clashed. The reader is taken back to a time when our country was young and conflicting points of view tore us apart. Families and friendships were tested by loyalty and convictions. This book is well written and the historical information flows with details that opens the readers eyes to the human side of a war we recall only from our history books. I found it very hard to put the book down!

Product description from Amazon:

It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.

Once Upon a Cowboy by Pamela Tracy

I really enjoyed this Love Inspired book. Pamela Tracy has a real talent for characterization. I felt connected to Joel and Beth through out the story. The small town with the typical 'everyone knows your business' atmosphere was spot on. Living in a small town myself, I know it has its pros and cons. The author did a wonderful job of showing us the growth of her characters relationship with God, the community and each other. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romance with suspense and mystery.

From the back of the book:

A bull-riding injury has sent Joel McCreedy crashing—literally—into his tiny Iowa hometown. But the last thing the prodigal son wants is to stay. On top of a bruised head and ego, he has relationships to mend and a reputation to clear. And then there's lovely Beth Armstrong, his nephews' teacher, who's willing to give them all lessons in family and forgiveness. But Joel isn't the dutiful "family first" man Beth deserves. Or is he? Suddenly, instead of wrangling bulls he's helping with homework. And instead of craving his next win, he's determined to be Beth's once-in-a-lifetime love