Dawn Comes Early - Fiction, Old West

Dawn Comes Early

By Margaret Brownley

When Kate Tenney finds herself the victim of a real-life Old West bandit’s town heist, she begins to wonder what she has gotten herself into.  Newly arrived in the Arizona Territory, disgraced author Kate has hopes of becoming the heiress to a large cattle ranch.  The conditions are simple – 1. Survive the trial period; 2. Never marry.  It sounds easy enough, but when Luke Adams is the good-looking town bachelor, condition #2 gets complicated.  Will Kate live through the exhaustion and misery of learning the cattle business and win the ranch, or will Luke ruin everything by stealing her heart?

I thought this book was a fun and entertaining read.  The author did an excellent job of developing the characters and engaging my attention from the beginning.  I like how the author depicts Kate’s struggle with faith and her baby-steps toward God.  The main issue I had with the book was I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN!  I really enjoyed reading it.  Now, my only disappointment is that the next book in the series doesn’t come out until Jan. 2013 – a whole YEAR away.  I can’t wait that long for it! 

Grade: A – great read!

I received a free e-book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

Everything Romance - Non-fiction

Everything Romance

Published by WaterBrook Press

The book’s cover accurately describes this easy to read book as, “A Celebration of Love for Couples.”  Inside I found love letters and poems from ancient pens to modern ones.  The book also includes trivia facts on love and romantic practices throughout the ages.  Recipes add suggestions on aphrodisiacal things to tempt lovers.  There are also conversation starters and ideas for dates – free, cheap, moderate, and expensive.  Gift ideas are included as well.  I also appreciated the “love busters” that clearly explain what NOT to do with the one you love – such as letting your eyes linger upon someone else attractive when out and about.  The publisher also included “love boosters” to help you enhance your relationship.   

I liked the layout of the book because all of these things are mixed together, so you don’t get bogged down in one subject.  It has a great mix of funny and serious, dos and don’ts, understandable romantic gestures and downright unbelievable ones!  The index also partitions things up, so it is easy to find specific things in the book.  It is an effortless read and gave me lots of ideas for better loving my husband.  I recommended this book for men or women; or as a great book to read together.  Grade: A

The publisher sent me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Heart of Ice - Fiction, Modern

Heart of Ice

By Lis W. Wiehl and April Henry

Elizabeth Avery is bent on vengeance – do it her way, or she’ll take you out of the way.  She operates flawlessly when she commits crimes, covering her tracks, or using someone else to do her dirty work.  But, when she kills a young investigative reporter, she draws the attention of crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, and her friends Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges.  As the “Triple Threat Club” works to put the clues together, will they realize they are in close contact with the culprit, before Elizabeth knows they’re on to her?

This book had me from the first chapter.  The authors did a great job of making the characters real and believable – drawing the reader into the story.  I love how the authors mix faith into the equation, while not making the Christian’s life out to be always rosy, and never troublesome.  The storyline is well written and engaging.  Makes you wonder what the people around you are REALLY like behind their “perfect” façade.  I give this book an A – great read!  You’ll love it!

The publisher provided a free e-book copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.