Back in the Saddle Review

About the Book

 

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is a new author to me so I wasn't sure what to expect. I always like a cowboy story and this one was good, a little twist and a romance. The only thing is I felt like I had read this story before and it was a little difficult for me to get into. I do like Angelina and I think the author did a great job with her character. I guess I was expecting something different but for a ranch romance this is a light read. 

Four stars.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

Game Over Book Review

 

 About the Book

After multiple trips in and out of The Realm, Rick is becoming a part of it—a direct connection point has formed in his brain. He’s now slipping back and forth in his dreams and has become linked to The Realm and its creator in ways no one anticipated.



That link is an asset in terms of what Kurodar is planning . . . but it’s absolutely detrimental to Rick personally. If he doesn’t destroy Kurodar and The Realm quickly, he’ll be completely absorbed by them. But destroying The Realm will mean destroying Mariel, and Rick is still torn by his love for her and his love for Molly. How can he lose either of them?



Meanwhile, there’s still a traitor in their midst. So even if Rick figures out what he needs to do, actually doing it will be exponentially more difficult. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

First of all this is the third book in the Mindwar Trilogy, so really you should read the previous two books before diving into this one. This book has been highly anticipated and we could not wait to read it. I say we because my husband loves this author and this trilogy. This book continues the fast paced exciting computerized world and Klavan has done it again on making it easy to turn the page!

I recommend this series (and so does my hubby!)

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

All Aboard the Ark Children's Book Review

 

 About the Book

All Aboard the Ark pairs simple rhyming text with charming watercolor illustrations in this delightful board book. Perfect for bedtime or any time, this sweet story is told from the point of view of the animals who board the ark.

 

 

My Thoughts

 

I LOVE this book! A small board book, which I prefer for kiddos, it is a sweet tale of the animals who board the ark. It starts, "Sun is high. Rain is coming. God calls out. We come running." Followed by delightful illustrations I think this is a wonderful book for kids. Also big letters so if a child is learning to read it would be easier for them to read to themselves. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mermaid Mood Book Review

 

 About the Book

Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.” Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point. Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago. When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together. (Goodreads)

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1J0PXVl

About the author:

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Her books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Connect with Coble: website, Twitter, Facebook

My Thoughts

I have really been enjoying this series and this book is very similar to previous Coble books. It was challenging for me to get into as the suspense didn't seen very suspenseful to me. The romance didn't intrigue me and I really wish I loved this book. I couldn't get into the story line and I didn't care for the characters as much as previous books. 

I wish I could say otherwise but while I love Colleen Coble this book just didn't capture my attention. 

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

To move forward past a life of shame and confusion, Mallory Davis must go back to Mermaid Point to find out who murdered her father in Colleen Coble's new book, Mermaid Moon. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

Celebrate the release of Mermaid Moon with Colleen and a mystery e-reader prize pack giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Mermaid Moon
• A Kindle Fire
• A mermaid necklace
• A pair of mermaid earrings

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 1st. The winner will be announced February 2nd on the Litfuse blog.

PASSION Salvation's Tide Is Rising CD Review and Giveaway!

About Salvation's Tide Is Rising:

This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill.  It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016.  Release Date is January 29, 2016.  

Track List:

1.  Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

2.  My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder

3.  Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker & Melodie Malone

4.  God & God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin

5.  Simple Pursuit - Passion featuring Melodie Malone

6.  I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman

7.  Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels

8.  All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder

9.  Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity

10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill 

GIVEWAY 

I have the opportunity to give away one physical copy of this CD to one of my readers!! Just enter through the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. US only please. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

About Passion albums:

Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City".  Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single "Even So Come", which went Top 5. 

About The Passion Movement:

The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God.  From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others.  Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA.

My Thoughts

I haven't listened to much from Passion but I will say this album is great! I am always searching for new worship music and this CD has it's own unique sound and I highly recommend to those who need worship music!

Thanks to Flyby Promotions for offering me a free copy of this album to review. 

Thin Ice Book Review

About the Book

 

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Irene Hannon is a terrific author and I was so excited to read this book. I love the ice skating background of Christy and I really liked her character. The first part of the book moves quickly and the reader tries to figure out what is going on. As typical suspense the bad guy weaves in and out of the story line. About the middle of the book things got a little slow for me to be honest. I felt like I already knew what was going to happen and the romance predictable. I did enjoy the characters but the story line dropped off for me and it ended up not being my favorite. Hannon is still a great author and if you want a lighter suspense read you will enjoy this book. 

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Undaunted Hope Review

 About the Book

Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won't be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can't help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she's the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

 I am a huge fan of Jody Hedlund and have been anxiously awaiting for this book to come out! I love the cover, it's one of my favorites. But there were a few things that just didn't click with me and I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. First of all it is very similar to When Calls the Heart. Tessa is a new teacher in a new town and the main livelihood is mining. There is also a mean guy who thinks he runs the place (which he sort of does) but with all those things I felt like I was reading or watching When Calls the Heart. The only difference is that Alex works for the lighthouse which is a good I just felt like I had read this story before. Now if you haven't seen or heard of When Calls the Heart then you won't notice and will enjoy this book, as it is well written. The only other thing that started to annoy me was the dialogue. I know a lot of readers like it but it was far too sarcastic and flirty ALL the time. I understand friendly banter between characters but it seemed like they never had a serious conversation and the back and forth silly remarks just were a bit too cheesy for me.  

That being said, I know so many people will enjoy this book and I am still a fan of Jody Hedlund as she really is a talented writer. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."

Salsas and Moles Cookbook Review

 

America has a new favorite condiment: salsaAnd with good reason—a great salsa makes a big impression with just a little bite. In Salsas and Moles, award-winning chef Deborah Schneider explores a wide variety of favorites, from classic table salsas to mole and enchilada sauces, plus chunky salsas and snacks. While some people think salsa is all about heat, Schneider teases out fresh flavors from chiles, fruits, and herbs, creating authentic recipes that showcase the unique flavors of Mexico.

With serving suggestions for each salsa, and recipes for popular sauces such as Salsa Verde, Enchilada Sauce, and Mango-Habanero Salsa, any salsa lover will be able to find their perfect match. (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts

 Yum!!!! This book has been way better than expected! Most books like this are huge and rather heavy but this one is more compact and easier to put on the counter when cooking. Simple and delicious recipes for any type of salsa! Everything from green salsa, mole, mango salsa, black bean salsa, or pico de gallo. The first part of the book is neat as it talks about different spices and peppers along with how to prepare them. 

This would be a wonderful gift for someone or for people like me who enjoy making their own salsa! 

Five stars!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Buford

Here is our new addition to the family. Buford. Chance picked the name after a guy in the Civil War and I think it rather suits him. : ) He loves his grain and hay and doesn't like to share.We had four cows in with him for a bit and he just didn't understand why they were there and it made for my entertainment. He knows that I am the one who gives him grain so we get along pretty good. He waits for me very impatiently every morning and it is fun to watch him every day.  

Also, I thought I would include this picture (below), it wasn't quite sunset but it was so beautiful. 

Sled Day