Author Kaye Dacus will ignite your love of romance with book 2 of her Matchmakers series. Dylan Bradley, who once illustrated steamy romances under the name Patrick Callaghan, has moved into his grandparent’s guest house in Nashville. Caylor Evans, having once written titillating novels under the penname Melanie Mason, lives with her grandmother. When their lives collide, due to the machinations of meddling matriarchs, the pasts of Dylan and Caylor threaten to derail their futures. Will they accept each other for who they now are—and once were? Or will they never discover the true art of romance?

My Comments: I found this book sweet and a little different in that it really seemed to cover life as it is today.  The characters were all older – there were significant age differences, which resembles today more than years past, and the education level of the characters was high (post graduate).  Yet this book appealed to me because it was clean and clearly stated Christian values without preaching.  I loved the idea of grannies match-making their grandkids.  If I have any areas of criticism it would be that the romance moved along too quickly.  I would have liked to to see it develop more slowly – over a little bit longer time period.  However, I liked it enough to order Book 1 in the series and look forward to reading Book 3 as well.

This book was released May 1, 2011.  I received a review copy from NetGalley.

Together for the first time, three Amish romances from Kathleen Fuller.

“A Miracle for Miriam” from An Amish Christmas

Miriam fell for Seth, but he broke her heart. Years later, after he’s nearly killed in an accident, Miriam sees him at a Christmas party and notices something is different about him-not just how he looks, but how he acts. When Seth pursues her, she must decide whether to guard her heart or accept his love.

“A Place of His Own” from An Amish Gathering

When Josiah left Paradise the first time, he didn’t even say good-bye. Now he’s back, ten years later, and he’s changed. Why is he so distant and bitter? Where is the boy who used to be Amanda’s best friend? Amanda is learning that there are things even a capable Amish girl can’t fix. But can she stand there and watch him walk away…again?

“What the Heart Sees” from An Amish Love

A tragic accident rocks a peaceful Amish community, leaving Ellie Chupp blinded and Christopher Bender’s future shattered. But they find love and forgiveness in a place they least expect.

My Comments: I had already read two of these stories and loved them, but this time I read the third one and also loved it!  Kathleen seems to tackle ideas that nobody else has yet in the Amish book world.  This story (the one I hadn’t read before), A Place of His Own, touches on physical abuse.  Kathleen Fuller is one of my favorite new author of Amish stories.  Each has touched me in a special way.  This book with three excellent stories is worth getting and reading.  The stories are happy and full of hope, although throughout the story that’s not always the case.  Other stories could be written as spin-offs, and I would definitely want to read them!

Product Description

In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamlin takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, Ruth.

They’re driving to Florida for Ruth’s 50th high-school reunion. A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life. She’s heard he’s alone, too…and, well, she’s curious. Maybe even hopeful.

Bethanne herself needs time to reï ¬ ‚ ect, to ponder a decision she has to make. Her ex-husband, Grant—her children’s father—wants to reconcile now that his second marriage has failed. Bethanne’s considering it….

Meanwhile, Annie’s out to prove to her onetime boyfriend that she can live a brilliant life without him!

So there they are, three women driving across America. They have their maps and their directions—but even the best-planned journey can take you to a turn in the road. Or lead you to an unexpected encounter—like the day Bethanne meets a man named Max who really is a hero on a Harley. That’s when Bethanne’s decision becomes a lot harder. Because Grant wants her back, but now there’s Max….

From Seattle’s Blossom Street to the other end of the country, this is a trip that could change three women’s lives.

My Comments: I love road trips and I love the Blossom Street series, so this book was a hit with me.  I love that Bethanne became a savvy business woman and could become independent after being a stay-at-home living basically for her husband and children.  She is a roll-model for women – single AND married who need to be their own person, not just an extension of her husband.

I love the way this book ended, although I wasn’t sure how it would end until it did (if that makes sense).  I wasn’t sure the best choice would be made – but it was!

Debbie Macomber writes great, warm and fuzzy romantic stories, and this one is another great addition to the Blossom Street series!

This book will be published the end of April.  I received an e-copy from NetGalley.

Elizabeth Avery could easily be the girl next door.

But what she has planned will make your blood run cold.

At first glance, the crimes appear random. Arson. Theft. Fraud. Murder. But these are more than random crimes. They’re moves in an increasingly deadly game. And the one element they have in common: a woman who is gorgeous, clever . . . and lethal.

Elizabeth Avery has a winsome smile and flawless figure, but underneath is a heart of ice. She’s a master at manipulating people, convincing strangers to do the unthinkable. And she orchestrates it all without getting too close. Until now.

When Elizabeth ruthlessly disposes of an inquisitive young reporter, her crime catches the attention of Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce, FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges, and crime reporter Cassidy Shaw. They know they’re dealing with a cold-blooded murderer who could strike at any time. What they don’t know is that they’re already on a first-name basis with the killer.

And one of them may be next on her list.

Because Elizabeth has no intention of getting caught – not when she’s having this much fun. She learned a long time ago that the safest place to hide is in plain sight . . . and the greatest way to defeat those weaker than her is to make it personal.

My Comments: Heart of Ice kept me on the edge of my seat, and I had a hard time putting it down.  I have often read about a male serial killer, but never a female.  This book is the third in a series (Triple Threat Novels) and I will be looking for the first two soon.

I always wonder what makes someone who can kill someone without a second thought tick.  I am pretty sure I couldn’t even hurt an animal, let alone a person.  I don’t think a person becomes a killer without many complex issues in their lives.  Of course everyone is an individual and there are many different type issues involved.

The heroines in this story are not your average amateur detectives – we have a reporter, an FBI agent, and a Federal Prosecutor – three very capable, very strong women.  They each have their own issues but easily could be somebody you know or have known.

Heart of Ice has a light Christian emphasis – not preachy at all – and could be enjoyed by anyone – person of faith or not.  The main characters are a mixed bag as far as faith is concerned.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys suspense novels.

This book will be released the beginning of April.  I received my e-book copy via NetGalley. Thank you!

Hey, come follow us on twitter – http://bit.ly/fH79o6.

Faithful Christian Deidre Clark-Morris is a professional career-minded woman with a loving husband and beautiful home, but no children. Kenisha Smalls has lived in poverty her entire life and has three children by three different men. After learning that Kenisha has inoperable cervical cancer, the relationship between these two women becomes a catalyst of hope, leading them both to a place of redemption and healing.

My Comments: I cried throughout this book – it was so sad, yet had a very satisfying conclusion.  The struggles the characters had with their faith in God were so real-to-life.  The author made it easy to relate to each character.  I love the idea of one of the main characters being the principal to the other main character’s child.  Even the problems the principal faced at school and with her superintendent struck a familiar chord.  I “know” some of these people close and personal and you may also.  I highly recommend this book to anyone strong in the faith, weak in the faith, or without faith.  You will find hope.

The cover is beautiful, don’t you think?  I look forward to reading more books by Vanessa Miller!

Thank you NetGalley for an e-copy of this book!

Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.

Music has set the tone for most of Zoe Baxter’s life. There’s the melody that reminds her of the summer she spent rubbing baby oil on her stomach in pursuit of the perfect tan. A dance beat that makes her think of using a fake ID to slip into a nightclub. A dirge that marked the years she spent trying to get pregnant.

For better or for worse, music is the language of memory. It is also the language of love.

In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people—even those she loves and trusts most—don’t want that to happen.

Sing You Home is about identity, love, marriage, and parenthood. It’s about people wanting to do the right thing for the greater good, even as they work to fulfill their own personal desires and dreams. And it’s about what happens when the outside world brutally calls into question the very thing closest to our hearts: family.

INCLUDES A COMPACT DISC OF ORIGINAL SONGS

Music by Ellen Wilber

Lyrics by Jodi Picoult

All songs performed by Ellen Wilber

My Comments: This was not a “fun” book to read for two reasons: first, the content was same-sex marriage, of which I am opposed, second; the author depicted Christians in a negative light, and I am a Christian.  She broadbrushed believers and made us look small-minded and somewhat radical.  Well, we may be radical, but most of us are intelligent and thoughtful.  Most of us do not protest outside courthouses, or treat people like second-class citizens.  I do not believe this is the way Jesus wants us to act at all, and just because there are a few who do, it is not at all the majority, and I get tired of seeing us depicted that way.

I thought I would stop reading about half-way through because I found the content offensive, but kept at it because I wanted to see how the story would end.  There was a great twist at the end which made me realize what a talented and creative writer Jodi Picoult is.  I honestly just have to say I didn’t care for the subject matter.  I have read other books by her that I loved, however, such as My Sister’s Keeper.  I won’t stop reading her books or anything like that.  I’m just disappointed that she would choose this issue to write about.  I am sure many will love this book and will agree with her, I’m just not one.  Other issues brought to light in this book are infertility, IVF, miscarriage, and infidelity.

This book will be available on March 1 and is available for pre-order.  We received an Advance Reading Copy from Simon & Schuster.

How do you react to the “book police”? (people who judge what you are reading, and try to make you feel guilty) Do you respond to their judgements? Or, do you keep quiet? Do you let what they say influence your reading, or do you do your own thing, regardless?

Amy here. I decided to answer this very interesting question on Musing Mondays and I hope that Sally and Leah will chime in with their thoughts in comments.

I have to admit that nothing gets under my skin like people judging my reading choices. I read a huge variety of books and I find value in many different kinds of reading. I love everything from children’s books to chick lit to “literary fiction” to nonfiction. Generally, I may try to pick a little bit of a fight by expressing what I think. Sometimes I don’t think people realize how elitist and snobby they come off and I can usually chalk it up to the fact that they haven’t read very much outside of what they consider read-worthy. But that’s a little judgy of me as well. At the end of the day, we all approach reading differently and we should know better than to assume anything about anyone by what they read. Including why they are reading it.

Read everyone else’s responses at Musing Mondays!

Time and time again, I reach for Phyllis Pellman Good’s Fix-It and Enjoy it Cookbook while menu-planning and looking for cooking inspiration. The recipes in this book are for truly “home-cooked” meals. Good started with over 3000 recipes sent to her from cooks across the country and narrowed them down to over 675 of the best ones. Most are simple and use common ingredients that we are all familiar with. This book provides a huge variety of recipes – over 675! – for appetizers, breads, salads, vegetables, snacks, main dishes, and even a large dessert section. Some of my favorites out of this book include Trees and Seeds Salad, Oven-Roasted Vegetables, Chicken Broccoli Lo Mein, and Amazing Apple Pie. My kids like the Baked French Toast and the Cheesy Chicken Casserole – and many others! If you are looking a cookbook that gives you recipes you can really use and that will taste good without spending a lot of money on expensive ingredients, you might consider giving this one a try. It is very well-used in my house!

Hello All!  It’s been quite awhile since I took a turn writing a post for this blog.  I’ve missed you and hope to be writing again regularly.  One of my new adventures and challenges these past few months has been homeschooling my 3 beauties.  My youngest daughter will be 5 this spring and is showing a real interest in reading.  I was thrilled to find these books at our local library.

Brian P. Cleary’s Sounds Like Reading series includes 8 books that begin with learning to read short vowel sound words and advance to reading words with diphthongs (gliding vowels used in words such as clown and cow).

My daughter was at the stage where she could easily read book one.  Book two introduces consonant blends.  Each page introduces 3 words with a picture of each word.  The child reads the three words using the picture clues and then reads a silly sentence using all of those three words plus one or two that sound similar (use the same ending sound).  This technique was awesome.  By the time we completed reading book 2, I felt she had a much better handle on how to read consonant blends.  Can’t wait to read book 3!

Well done, Brian P. Cleary!