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The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris Published by Bethany House Genre: Historical Fiction ISBN #9780764208041 Reviewed by: Jan Marie Order Now!

The year is 1884. The nation is in the midst of a severe depression, jobs are scarce and young Emily McCarthy is being forced to leave Aldersgate Home for Girls, the only home she has ever known. The wealthy widower, Bartholomew Axel, has advertised for a wife in the Chicago Daily Tribune and the board of directors of Aldersgate has accepted his offer on Emily's behalf. Young Emily, at the age of 18 and with no other prospects in sight, reluctantly agrees to accept the marriage proposal and sets off for the Montana Territory. Meanwhile, Luke Sullivan, a handsome young cowboy, who has a personal score to settle with the rich land-owner, Bart Axel, decides to intercept a shipment headed for Axel, unaware that the shipment includes the beautiful Emily, en route to her wedding. Thus the stage is set for an exciting, sometimes humorous, ofttimes dangerous adventure which includes all the elements of a good Western - cattle rustling, Indian battles, and gunfights. Although events that occurred in his childhood had convinced Luke that God doesn't listen or even hear his prayers, throughout the pages of this book Luke learns how wrong he was as the writer skillfully brings him to a place of spiritual renewal and a new life. The Vigilante's Bride is not the kind of book that is normally found on my reading table. I tend to gravitate more toward contemporary fiction and usually avoid books that take place before 1950. However, when I first heard about this book, I was intrigued by the sound of it and decided to give it a try. I was not sorry. Yvonne Harris has written a truly engaging account that seems more like fact than fiction. She quickly transports us to a time in our history when the difference between life and death was often measured by who had the fastest reflexes. The book is historically accurate and the landscape descriptions are so spectacular that it is easy to form a vivid picture of the era. The characters are not just some two dimensional figures, but are realistic and very true-to-life in their dialogue and actions. The plot is well developed and the pace does not lag but continually builds to the very satisfying finale. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Vigilante's Bride and look forward to more books in this genre by Yvonne Harris. A copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes by Bethany House Publishers. I received no compensation for this review nor was I under any obligation to provide a favorable review. All comments are the true and unsolicited observations of this writer.

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Published by Abingdon Press Genre: Historical Fiction ISBN #978-1426702266 Reviewed by: Vince Mooney Order Now!

“Highland Blessings” A Heroine Like the Sun – Brilliant & the Center of Events! “Highland Blessings” opens in April 1473 as history opens a new chapter throughout Europe! Leonardo di Vinci turns 21 this very month, Christopher Columbus begins sailor school and Nicolaus Copernicus is just thee weeks old. The Sistine Chapel is completed. It will soon be made famous by Michelangelo. Change is in the air! Change will also come to Scotland but as “Highland Blessings” opens, the old Scottish ways are still firmly in place in the northlands. It may be the end of an era but it’s also a last look at everything that makes the medieval period so beloved to historical fiction enthusiasts. “Highland Blessings” is an appropriate title because the book is about the blessings bestowed on those faithful souls who trust in God, are faithful in the face of adversity, and who are true to themselves as well as loyal to their clan. While “Highland Blessings” is packed with action, it is not “Braveheart”. It’s not about battles and wars. It’s about finding peace and the courage it takes to keep the peace. It’s about love and sacrifice. It’s about one of the most memorable heroines in historical romances. The story opens with the kidnapping of the heroine, Akira, on her wedding day. Her intended does not try to rescue her from the rival clan kidnappers. She is forced into a marriage arranged years before by her father and the head of the enemy clan. It’s a marriage designed to end decades of strife. While this is all well and good for a Highland romance, what makes “Highland Blessings” extra special is the heroine, Akira. Like many romance heroines, Akira is at the center of the love story but unlike most other heroines, she is also at the center of the larger world she lives in. She is also an amazing young woman: She’s a healer. She’s a teacher. She’s a diplomat. She’s a swordsman. She’s a believer. She’s a seeker of peace. Akira is all these things with a passion that rings true throughout the entire story. She’s also a real woman. She fears and trembles at the thought of being whipped. She’s deeply hurt when disappointed. In her world she has the beauty of Helen of Troy but unlike Helen she’s fully willing to take up the sword and fight. She has the passion of Joan of Arc but she is also the heroine in a love story and deeply in love with the hero. Akira is one of my all time favorite romance heroines. “Highland Blessings” is the story of an entire people who share in the beauty and blessings of their Lady, Akira. A must read for Highland fans! I just loved it! “Highland Blessings” Christian Fiction to Cheer About!

Angel Song by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman Published by Thomas Nelson Genre: General Fiction ISBN #1595546855 Reviewed by: Sidney W. Frost Order Now!

This is the story of Ann Fletcher, a New York City home and office staging designer, who finds herself at a crossroad where she must choose between success in the big city and what she knows deep down is the right thing to do. She is happily progressing in the business world until the death of her sister Sarah brings her back to her childhood home in Charleston and the reality that she is all alone in the world. Sarah's friends show Ann the same Christian love they had shared with Sarah, but Ann only wants to sell the house and get back to New York. She is torn between wanting to let Sarah's friends into her life and pushing them away so that it won't hurt her so much when she leaves Charleston. Sarah's neighbor Tammy and her son Keith get close to Ann as does Ethan, who feels compelled to help Ann. Keith, who has Down's Syndrome sees angels, and points out the ones who are always with Ann. Ann doesn't believe in angels, but she hears music (angel song) she can't explain. The overall message of Angel Song is inspiring, without being preachy. Because of the way it is crafted, the angel element of the story is believable. The book moved slowly in places and it wasn't until near the last one-fourth of the book that I became more emotionally involved. One message in the book is that we always have choices. Even when Ann had to make decisions that might negatively impact the lives of her friends and her friend's children, she had a choice. Another message is that no one is alone in the world. This book is worth reading, just give it time to hook you. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” After reading the book, I gave it to San Gabriel Presbyterian Church Library in Georgetown, Texas.

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall Published by Barbour Genre: Historical Fiction ISBN #9781602601659 Reviewed by: Casey Herringshaw Order Now!

What is it about a ship on the high seas, filled with action, drama, and a love story that never fails to send a quiver through my heart and make me sigh, that just so enthralls me? The answer can only be found in two words: MaryLu Tyndall. This author never fails to deliver an entertaining story that sweeps me off my feet and transports me to another time and place. The lyrical prose paints a picture until I can see the ocean and taste the salt on my lips. Envision the cannons belching black smoke and fire and best of all, truly know the characters both inside and out. See their amazing growth and transformation until I am confident they can survive without me. Though known for her sweeping pirate epics, MaryLu has taken her story a few centuries forward in time and given us a story set in the war of 1812. She has proven she is very competent of writing a story without the pirates and still entertain her faithful readers. I for one loved this book and if you are a fan of her Charles Towne Belles series, this book is a must read. I can’t wait for book two in this series!! This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.

Flashpoint by Stephanie Newton Published by Steeple Hill Love Inspired Genre: Suspense/Mystery/Thriller ISBN #978-0373444014 Reviewed by: Vince Mooney Order Now!

How Did a Nice Pastor’s Wife Write a Story like "Flashpoint"? "Flashpoint" is a high-intensity suspense thriller that begins with a house fire the produces a meth-lab explosion that almost kills the hero and heroine on the first page! Both hero and heroine are firefighters! One is targeted to be killed for seeing too much at a fire scene. Every Kind of Action! After the opening near death experience, “Flashpoint” really starts to heat up with killings, bombings, beatings, arson, crack houses, meth labs, killer drugs, overdoses, addicts, dealers, and medical emergencies. Oh yes, and there is still more! Real…All Too Real! The descriptions are so detailed that at one point I actually turned my head away from the book before I realized that I was not actually looking at anything except a page with words on it! To say “Flashpoint” is very well researched would be an understatement. A High Conflict Romance! The romance is high conflict as well. The problems between the hero and heroine are real and believable. Because of their past life experiences it is painful for the hero and heroine to move closer together. However, the outside world keeps putting enough pressure on them to force their relationship -- regardless of the pain. This makes for a very original and interesting love story. Given all the action in “Flashpoint”, the romance still commands center stage. Genuine Inspirational Power! The inspirational power of the story comes from the authentic way the hero and heroine live their lives and how their beliefs shape who they are. There’s no preaching here. The inspiration is more, ‘do as I do’ rather than ‘do as I say’. Suspense Unlimited! If you like your suspense stories to be very heavy on suspense, then “Flashpoint” is one book you won’t want to miss! High Intensity Thriller – 5 Star Excitement!

Formula for Danger by Camy Tang Published by Steeple Hill Love Inspired Genre: Suspense/Mystery/Thriller ISBN #978-0373444090 Reviewed by: Vince Mooney Order Now!

Suspense! Love! Faith! If you enjoy suspenseful action that’s skillfully woven around a growing romance and blessed with an abiding faith in God, then “Formula for Danger” should be your kind of book. What I particularly enjoyed was how the romantic relationship between the hero and heroine developed for the full length of the novel. Often in suspense romances, it is not until the end of the novel before the hero and heroine discover that they are in love. This realization occurs because of some life-threatening trauma that the couple has shared. I find this experience to be a weak foundation for a lasting relationship. This late approach also makes the romance seem like an afterthought. This is not the case in "Formula for Danger". I also enjoyed how the inspirational elements of the story play an essential role in the entire plot. The heroine has what could best be called a ‘religious experience’ when she looks down the barrel of a gun and is about to be killed. “Formula for Danger” makes excellent use of the inspirational format. Of course, the main reason for reading a suspense novel is for the action, the trills, and the danger. “Formula for Danger” has enough danger episodes to satisfy even the most ardent fan of suspense. The Story “Formula for Danger” takes place in Sonoma, at the same in Napa Valley location as the author’s first book “Deadly Intent”. The heroine, Dr. Rachel Grant, PhD in dermatology, is working on a scar reduction formula for her family owned company, the Joy Luck Life Spa. The hero, Edward Villa, raises exotic plants for his own company and is growing plants for Rachel’s formula. As the story opens someone tries to kill Rachel and steal her formula. When this attempt fails, the villains keep trying. Edward is there to help protect her. What follows is constant action, romance, and an affirmation of the belief in God. Suspense! Love! Faith! Inspired Reading!

Heart of a Cowboy by Margaret Daley Published by Steeple Hill Love Inspired Genre: Romantic Fiction ISBN #9780373876099 Reviewed by: Vince Mooney Order Now!

“Heart of a Cowboy” Makes Ideal Use of the Inspirational Format! “Heart of a Cowboy” is an enjoyable 'hidden child' theme romance. What makes the story extra special is its use of the moral and spiritual consequences inherent in the ‘hidden child’ theme. Normally, as one would expect, inspirational considerations are not dealt with in secular ‘hidden child’ theme romances. This inspirational difference makes “Heart of a Cowboy” really stand out. The author, a very experienced writer, deals with the theme's important considerations with sensitivity and insight. “Helping Hands Homeschooling Series” I found it very interesting that the author, a longtime special education classroom teacher, would present such a well balanced portrait of the homeschooling movement. Homeschoolers will surely be pleased with this story. About the Story Both the hero, Zachary Rutgers, and heroine, Jordan Masterson, are sympathetic and interesting people. Their son, Nicholas, has been hidden from his father for a decade as the story opens. The boy is gifted with a high IQ but is small for his age. He also has a history of heart problems which makes his mother over-protective. Because of his small size and gifted intelligence, Nicholas is teased at school which he dislikes with a passion. This problem at school works well with the “Helping Hands Homeschooling” theme as his mother looks into homeschooling as a solution. The father, Zachary, is a former rodeo champion who is now retired, because of injuries, to a horse ranch which he bought with his winnings. The boy instantly wants to become just like his father in every way! This creates a lot of interesting conflict and good reading. Wonderful book! Excellent Inspirational "Hidden Child" Romance!

Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris Published by Zondervan Genre: Multi-cultural ISBN #978-0-310-31905-4 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

Sometimes a book is so true to life you have to remind yourself it is fiction. Other times a book is so fast-paced and action filled your heart races with the characters. And every now and then a book's characters touch your heart and your own life. The treasure is when you find one that does all of the above. Lisa Harris' book Blood Ransom is such a book. From page one she had me hooked. Her characters are real, her descriptions are vivid, and her action is exciting. This is a clear your calendar book, because you will not want to put it down once you start reading. I give it five stars, and I am stingy with my five star ratings. If you like action, you will not be disappointed.

So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones Published by Thomas Nelson Genre: Romantic Fiction ISBN #978-1-59554-543-5 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

If only my high school life could have been as exciting as Bella's. No wait, an ex-boyfriend who cheated, a murdered circus star, a new boyfriend stalked by his ex, inability to trust him, a father marrying the wrong woman, and a mother dealing with a new marriage is more than any teenager should have to handle. But handle it Bella does and she does so with humor, sensitivity, stubbornness, and a personality that draws the reader into the story until the last page. Jenny B. Jones has a great way of telling stories for young people that will entertain all ages and teach important messages also. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series also; So Not Happening, and I'm So Sure.

Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer Published by Abingdon Press Genre: Historical Fiction ISBN #978-1-4267-0192-4 Reviewed by: Chandra Lynn Smith Order Now!

Robert Elmer did it again. When I began reading this book I found myself in a story world so real I had to continually remind myself it was fiction. Some would say that is because the story is based on true historical events. And, while there is truth in the statement, only Robert Elmer could make the line between history and fiction eschew this way. Hanne Abrahamsen is a nurse in Denmark during the fall of 1943. When the Gestapo begins deporting Jews to concentration camps, her chance meeting with Lutheran pastor Steffen Petersen opens a doorway to freedom. Steffen is drawn into the resistance and as he risks his own life to help Hanne and her family, his faith is challenged and strengthened. Can love bloom in the darkness as wildflowers grow in concentration camps? Readers will be drawn into the story, the history, and wish with all their hearts they could change the way things happened. I highly recommend this book!

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