The entertaining storytelling style of author Regina
Jennings is in full force in "For the Record", Book Three in her
"Ozark Mountain Romance" series. Betsy Huckabee, intrepid journalist,
writes articles for her uncle's small-town newspaper in rural Pine Gap, Missouri. Her
imagination leads her to create a serial of stories featuring a brave lawman
sworn to protect his territory and bring down those live on the wrong side of
the law. Deputy Joel Puckett, newly arrived from Texas, is the embodiment of Betsy's
fictional hero, and she can't help but follow his heels to gather material for
the stories she sends to big-time newspapers outside the area. Deputy Joel came
to Pine Gap with his own set of troubles, and he has his hands full with trying
to rid the community of masked marauders while being hounded by a persistent
female reporter. An undeniable attraction grows between Betsy and Joel, but
each of them must resolve issues from their past with hopes for their future.
The promise of a lasting love, along with a leap of faith, just might lead them
to the reward of a bright future filled with happiness.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
“An Uncommon Courtship”, from author Kristi Ann Hunter, is a
treat for lovers of Regency Romance. Book Three in the “Hawthorne House” series
tells of an unconventional relationship where the courtship comes after the
marriage. Lord Trent Hawthorne is the younger son, happy to be free of the
obligations inherited by his older brother, Griffith. His plans for the future
include marrying a wife of his own choosing and enjoying a life of his own
making. He did not envision a turn of fate that would have him proposing to a
virtual stranger after an unfortunate incident lead to a night spent together
under circumstances which would be deemed compromising by the merciless tongues
of society. Lady Adelaide Bell was happy to dwell in her older sister’s shadow
if it meant dodging the glare of her mother’s disappointment in her second
daughter. A forced marriage to escape societal censure is the last thing she
expected. Trent and Adelaide must grow as individuals before they
grow into a loving couple, and a strong measure of faith, along with respect
and appreciation, could just lead to a lifetime of joy and fulfillment.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
"Still Life" is the chillingly-apt title for Book
Two in author Dani Pettrey's "Chesapeake Valor" series. After
controversy had forced photographer Avery Tate to take a different path in her
career, she worked for a time assisting crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell
with his investigations. Her feelings for Parker progressed beyond friendship
and coworker, but she knew that he still deeply grieved for his lost love, the
victim of a murder. Leaving his employment was the difficult choice she felt
she had to make. Now, returning to the world that once rejected her, Avery is
attending a gallery exhibit where one of the featured images will be that of
her friend, Skylar. The eerie theme of the showing is beautiful women posed as
if dead, but something about Skylar's photo is all too deathly-real--and Skylar
is nowhere to be found. To make matters even more frightening, the photographer
claims that the image of Skylar is not his work--someone replaced the photo
that he created. Reuniting with Parker to solve the crime is emotional and
intense, and it will take all of their faith and special skills to overcome the
deadly threat they face to their future happiness and their very lives.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
“The Artisan’s Wife” is Book 3 in author Judith Miller’s
“Refined by Love Series”. Set in the beautiful mountain state of West Virginia, these
books blend history and skilled craftsmanship with abiding faith and sweetly
poignant romance. In “The Artisan’s Wife”, Ainslee McKay must pick up the
responsibility of managing the family tile work business after her twin
sister’s surprise elopement and departure. Always somewhat in her sister’s
shadow, Ainslee must make decisions which will affect the futures of many
people. Even with her brother along for assistance, Ainslee is still set on
selling the business. The arrival of talented designer Levi Judson is a boon to
the success of the tile works, but both he and Ainslee are keeping secrets of
their own. They work together as friends, and soon their hearts are also
involved. When both of their inner truths are revealed, will their relationship
grow stronger, or will they grow apart? Can they merge their own hopes and
plans and find happiness as well as prosperity for all? Judith Miller is an
excellent writer of inspirational historical romance, and I highly recommend
reading the first two books in the series, “The Brickmaker’s Bride” and “The
Potter’s Lady”.
Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
"A LOVE
REFORMED" by Tracie Peterson
“A Love Transformed” is the third and final book in author
Tracie Peterson’s “Sapphire Brides Series”. Clara Vesper is a talented jewelry
designer, making the stunning sapphire creations sold by her husband Adolph’s
company. Their arranged marriage was a business relationship which had appeared
profitable, but upon Adolph’s sudden death, Clara learns that she is a widow
without means. She and her two small children must leave New
York and return to the home of her relatives in Montana. She had once known happiness at the
ranch of her aunt and uncle, and there she had also met the love of her life,
Curtis Billingham. Much has changed since she left so long ago. Curtis is
recovering from serious injuries he received in a mining accident. His spirit
seems as broken as his body. Clara is followed to Montana
by her late husband’s brother, Otto, and he intends to force Clara to bring her
design skills back to the company in New
York. Otto is not the only threat to Clara and her
children—secrets from her husband’s hidden life are a looming danger. Clara
must reconcile the disappointments of her past with new hope for the
future—abiding faith must fill her heart and give her the strength she needs to
keep her family safe. Will there be a new and happy life for them all, one
filled with love and promise? Author Tracie Peterson’s love of history and in-depth
research once again blend with her personal faith and admirable storytelling
skills as she brings this series to a close.
Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
Author Michael Phillips continues his enthralling “Secrets
of the Shetlands Series” with Book 2, “The Cottage”. When Loni Ford learns of
her unexpected inheritance of property in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, her
first thought is to settle a sale of the estate and return to America as soon
as possible. However, the more time she spends in the rustically beautiful
countryside, the more muddled her thoughts become. The land and its people
weave a spell of their own, and then there is David Tulloch, the man the locals
had long presumed to be the rightful heir to “The Cottage” and all it entails.
Complex and compelling, David is much more than Loni expected. Adding menace to
the mix is David’s cousin, Hardy, whose dangerous ties to oil investors are
propelling his own forceful claim to the inheritance. Author Michael Phillips’
estimable storytelling skills combine with the magic of the Scottish Isles for
an involving romantic suspense read.
Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
