Groom Wanted by Debra Ullrick

Love Inspired Historical author Debra Ullrick has once again created a delightful tale of romance in the old west. I love books that take us back to an era when family and faith were foremost. Leah and Jake are best friends searching for love through the mail. They grow closer, feelings change and we meet some very interesting characters in this sweet mail-order bride story.

As in any well-written romance there  are obstacles to overcome and Leah and Jake both have past experiences that need to be resolved before they can truly be happy. The book had me rooting for them to find their way and cheering by the time I reached the happy ending.

From the back cover:

It's a perfect plan—best friends Leah Bowen and Jake Lure will each advertise for mail-order spouses in the papers, and then Jake will help select Leah's future husband, while Leah picks Jake's bride-to-be! Surely the ads will find them what they seek: a wife who'll appreciate Jake's shy charm and a groom who'll take Leah away from the Idaho Territory she detests. When the responses to the postings pour in, it seems all Leah's and Jake's dreams will soon come true. But the closer they each get to the altar, the less appealing marrying a stranger becomes. Is it too late to turn back—or to turn around and find the happiness they truly seek together, at last?

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Don't you just love the cover! Through Rushing Water is one of the best books I've read in a while. This is the first of Catherine Richmond's books that I've read and I was impressed with her writing skills. As a reader I was pulled right into the story and enjoyed every word. The characters growth throughout the story is believable and commendable. The love story is sweet and touching.

Book Description

Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.
With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.
It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban

This is a well written love story that I would highly recommend. Young lovers kept apart by those who believed they know best are reunited years later but not until dealing with the pain from the past and correcting misunderstandings. I loved the strong believable characters and cheered for them to find
their way back to one another. Great ending to a story I fully enjoyed.

Surrendered Hearts. Interwoven Grace

Isabelle had always envisioned Charlie Hamilton as the hero depicted in the romantic tapestry hanging in the Hamilton home. Then Charlie abandoned her to make decisions no one should make alone. Now, six years later, Charlie's back, and despite Isabelle's best efforts, she can't ignore the longing his presence reignites. Charlie wants a second chance, but can Isabelle trust the man he's become? Can she surrender her threadbare heart long enough for God to weave Isabelle's own happily-ever-after tapestry?

Another excellent book by Susan Sleeman

When photographer Jennie Buchanan's life becomes threatened she has to rely on an old flame to keep her safe. From the first chapter, no first page, you are pulled into the breath taking chase. As Jennie discovers who is after her and why she becomes more dependent on the Justice Agency to keep her alive.

The Justice Agency is a family dedicated to law enforcement and they work together to protect their client. Ethan Justice takes the lead in this case and he's determined to keep Jennie safe at all cost. He's just one of the five member team, I can't wait to see what Susan Sleeman has in store for us in the next addition to this excellent series.

Overview

Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer's next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie's love, he's willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

"Arms of Love" by best-selling author Kelly Long is not your typical Amish novel. Set in Lancaster Pennsylvania during the American Revolution of 1771 Ms. Long gives us real life problems that people dealt with at the time. The gripping writing lets the reader feel the character’s pain as they keep promises that go against their hearts true desire. Their faith strengthens as they deal with the turmoil of war and faith.

As a fan of historical fiction and Amish stories I highly recommend this book.

 

Book Description

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different than today.
Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn’s Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.
Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amishmen were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.
Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he’s ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he’s made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman is a spellbinding book. Darlene, the mother of three teenagers struggles with a sense of failure while trying to help one of her children fight emotional problems. Her marriage is affected and even her faith.

The real life issues covered in this fiction story will pull you in from the start. Darlene faces real challenges and needs many women deal with daily. Her search for answers keeps the reader rooting for the family until the tender conclusion.  

Book Description

The first installment of Beth Wiseman’s new women’s fiction novel, Need You Now.
When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.
Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.
Married life hasn't always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.
While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of Darlene’s students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.
If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s now.

Experience a family’s triumphant defeat over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.

Race Against Time

This newest suspense novel from Christy Barritt is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from the start. I could not put it down. Well written, this suspense novel kept me guessing till the very end.

Book Description:
Were it not for her cop neighbor, widowed mother Madison Jacobs would be dead. Thankfully, Detective Brody Philips interrupts an attempt on her life in the nick of time. But the would-be killer hasn't given up, and each tick of the clock brings the madman closer to finishing what he started. Brady vows to catch the serial killer plaguing the sleepy Virginia town…especially when he realizes the danger has followed him from the big city. With everyone around him at risk, it'll take everything Brody's got to do his duty and keep Madison and her son safe.