Book Review of A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

Title: A Heart Revealed (Winds Of Change bk.2)
Author: Julie Lessman
Genre: historical, romance , Christian
Stars(1-5): ****
Age rating: RE-17
Domestic violence, miscarriages and heated love scenes make this book intense, but perhaps too intense, and mature, than younger teen would enjoy.
Back cover:
 Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston, running for her life. Her emotional wounds have finally faded, and her life is now full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?

My Thoughts: 
Ask anyone, and they will tell you that I'm one of Julie Lessman's most devoted readers ( and that's not an exaggeration) and  loved every one of her books. So why didn't I give A Heart Revealed 5 stars? Probably because I just didn’t get to see Sean And Emma as I'd hoped,and instead we got a look at the other couples a bit more than usual.
The story picks up where A Hope Undaunted left off. Katie and Luke have finally been married, and the next one up on the marital chopping block is sweet-tempered Sean, who is purely focused on work and content to lead the life of a bachelor. But God has other plans, they in involve an equally sweet and shyly beautiful, Emma Malloy. However,  the story wouldn’t be Julie’s if it didn't have the sub-stories of our favorite Irish family, the O'Connors. Julie  writes her characters with a beating heart, and at times, I swear I can hear them breathing, which is why you end up falling in love with the whole O’Connor clan. One reason I couldn’t give AR a full 5 stars was due to  how slow the story seemed to start off. I mean Sean and Emma (the two main characters) didn't even kiss until much later in the book (which is practically a sin in romance books). In fact it almost felt as if Sean and Emma's story, as a whole, didn't really get going till chapter 12 or so. And I was excited to see more of them together, even from before I picked up the book.
When it comes to matters of faith, Mrs. Lessman is never at a lose. She tackles the gritty problems we don’t always see in Christian books, and  shows through her characters, that by putting our problems in God's loving and capable hands, we can find forgiveness, redemption, and our heat’s deepest desires revealed to us in blessings. I can never read her books without crying, because she writes with  a convicting passion, a true gift from God. And really, shouldn't that be what’s makes a wonderful novel? Of course the romance and drama doesn't hurt either.

Once again, Julie Lessman has written a romance novel that has more drama, passion and love for God in it, to keep you turning the page till the end. As always, I can't wait for her next novel.



Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
 

If you'd like to know more about Julie Lessman and her books, go to: 
WEBSITE 
THE PUBLISHER 
GOODREADS 

*Bonus* 

Read and excerpt of A Heart Revealed by clicking on the link! 

More Reviews to be coming soon!

Love Y'all, 

Ashley

*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of  A Heart Revealed in exchange for my honest opinion*

My Review Of: A Great Catch By Lorna Seilstad

 
 Title: A Great Catch (Lake Manawa Bk.2)
Author: Lorna Seilstad
Genre: Historical Christian fiction, with lots of romance and baseball.

Publisher: Revell Books
Date released: June 1st. 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3446-6
Stars (out of 5): **** 1/2
Age rating: PG
The content of this book was mild and for the occasional kiss (which there could always be more) and criminal  (don't want to give too  much away) the book would be fantastic for the romance beginner
Back cover (from Revell):

 She wants to change the world.
He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.
Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.
When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?
The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

My Thoughts:
Last summer I got to read Ms. Seilstad's first book, Making Waves, and LOVE it, and A Creat Catch was nothing short of baseball bliss. The heroin, Emily, was great (and I don't just say that about every heroin). She was real to the core and it was so easy to believe I was her, and had a handsome baseball player all starry-eyed with me, that's how realistic Ms.Seilstad writing style was. I loved that the author brought back characters from book 1, and continued they're story, without taking away from Emily's. Most Christian author strive to have a mini salvation message laced throughout the book, and I really enjoy read God's Truths, and biblical lessons applied to characters, that otherwise would be dull and lifeless. But, in A Great Catch, the author didn't do a salvation message, a lesson I sorely needed to hear, about not making time for God. As Christians, we can be saved since 5 years old, but without daily time with God, and building that relationship, our faith shrivels up and dies, like a flame.I loved that the message was speaking to us Christian that need that kick in the pants to remind us, we need that one-on-one with God, EVERYDAY!  Over all, this was the perfect read to get the summer going. So, have your Catcher's mitt out, cause you won't want to miss this home run of a romance.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group!

 
If you'd like to know more about Lorna and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,

Ashley

My Review of A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

Title: A Heart Divided (Heart Of The Rockies Bk. 1)

Author: Kathleen Morgan

Genre: Historic inspirational romance

Publisher: Revell Books

Date released: May. 11

ISBN: 978-0-8007-1884-8

Stars (out of 5): ****

Age rating:  PG-14:

There are only a few comments about the two main characters and their activates on their honeymoon, which might raise questions from a younger reader. 

Back cover (from Revell): 

When fate brings them together, they must choose between family ties and love.

The Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, heir of the Wainwright holdings, Sarah realizes things have gone too far.

As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they just might be falling in love. Can they betray their families to see where this attraction leads? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in 1878 comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

My Thoughts: 

A Heart Divided was a sweet, if superficial, romance that captured the Rockies with vivid and colorful writing that was a joy to read. When feuding families, the Caldwells and the Wainwrights, bring their children into the fray, things get sticky. Sarah and Cord are bitter enemies, because their no-good-rotten-cheatin'-scoundrels fathers let their hate run over unto their children. But, for Cord and Sarah, the feud took backseat to their new-found love. I found Sarah and Cord to be to typical, and I felt their romance was a very hasty affair. Even after things get really serious, Sarah believes she made a mistake in loving Cord.  I was hoping for a more exciting feud, with the Caldwell-Wainwright feud, but they weren't as trigger-happy as I would have liked (that came out wrong. LOL)  Ms. Morgan's writing style was very good and she didn't hold back when it came to thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like there was a clear biblical message in A Heart Divided, but I've never been one to catch on to these things easily. My favorite part of this book though, was Nick Wainwright, Cord's brother. He was sweet, handsome and had a heart for God that would make any woman swoon.  I can't wait to see if Ms. Morgan writes him his own book (which would be awesome!). Overall, A Heart Divided started out with so much promise, but after that, it fell flat like an open Coke. The characters were wonderful, but Sarah and Cord's romance was based mostly on attraction, and in the end, they were only a little closer to actually understanding true and abiding love. If you love western romances with action, then A Heart Divided is your escape to the Rockies.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

If you'd like to know more about Kathleen Morgan and her books go to:   

The Publisher

Her Website

Goodreads

Love Y'all,

Ashley

My Review of The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers

Here is a fun book I know you'll not want to miss...

Title: The Charlatan's Boy
Author: Johnathan Rogers

Genre: YA Fantasy Christian Fiction
Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Date released: Oct 5, 2010
ISBN: 9780307458223
 Stars (out of 5): **** 3/4
Age rating: 10 & UP
 Back cover (from Jonathan Roger's website):
As far back as he can remember, the orphan Grady has tramped from village to village in the company of a huckster named Floyd. With his adolescent accomplice, Floyd perpetrates a variety of hoaxes and flimflams on the good citizens of the Corenwald frontier, such as the Ugliest Boy in the World act.


It’s a hard way to make a living, made harder by the memory of fatter times when audiences thronged to see young Grady perform as “The Wild Man of the Feechiefen Swamp.” But what can they do? Nobody believes in feechies anymore.
When Floyd stages an elaborate plot to revive Corenwalders’ belief in the mythical swamp-dwellers known as the feechiefolk, he overshoots the mark. Floyd’s Great Feechie Scare becomes widespread panic. Eager audiences become angry mobs, and in the ensuing chaos, the Charlatan’s Boy discovers the truth that has evaded him all his life—and will change his path forever.

My Thoughts:
THEY ARE AMONG US...

Though no self-respecting Civilizer would believe the word of some country bumpkin husker. But, Proffesor Floyd has a plan: if nobody thinks theres proof feechies exist, than he'll give ‘em proof…and plenty of it.
Grady has been with Floyd as long as he can recollect, but he knows nothing of his parents or who he truly is. The life of a traveling showman is all he has ever known, and that’s just fine with him. Until Grady finds out he isn’t a feechie at all, just an ugly boy, and he's ok with that too, if it means he'll belong. But, Grady will the adventure of a lifetime before him, and before he finds the place called home.

I’m Jonathan Rogers biggest fans…or at least I’d like to think I am, and I was so very excited to get my little feechie-free hands on his latest book. The Charlatan’s Boy is not like Roger’s Wilderking Trilogy, yet is just as adventures, fun , action-packed and FULL of Feechies. The story line was a little slow in the beginning, but after chapter 5 or so, the story really picked up, and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. And though I'm a teenage girl, I loved all the action and mischief, and would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great adventure novel, witty characters and a WHOLE lot of green swamp people!

*Many thanks to WaterBrook press  for sending me a copy of The Charlatan's Boy. I was in no way paid for my review and this is my honest opinion of this book*

If you'd like to know more about
 Johnathan Rogers and his books, go to:
His Website
Publisher
Goodreads


I pray you guys are having a great week, full of blessings.
As always...
Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Last review!! WooHoo! I thought I'd never get to write those words. There have been so many great books this year, that, like all of my other blogging friends have done, I must comprise a list of my top 10 of 2010. So, be on the lookout for that post, later today.

Title: Masquerade
Author: Nancy Moser
Genre: Histroical inspirational romance 
Publisher: Bethany House
Date released: Aug. 10
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0751-8
Stars (out of 5):****
Age rating: PG-11
I found this book to be very clean and very Princess And The Pauper-like.

Back cover (from Bethany House):
1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

My Thoughts:
Masquerade is the tale of two friends; one rich, and the other a servant. When tragedy and disgrace befall the Gleason household, Mrs. Gleason arranges for her daughter, Charlotte, to accept the marriage proposal of a rich American. But sadly, Mrs. Gleason, who was going to accompany Charlotte on her voyage across the ocean, falls ill, and Charlotte’s maid, Dora, must take her place.
I really enjoyed this first encounter with Ms. Moser’s writing and I loved how she put drawings of the dresses, she wrote into the book. I liked the richness of her writing and the details. The characters were fun and had emotions that were real and often raw. The romance in the book was a little to...perfect, in my mind, but I did enjoy it none the less. I learned a lot while following Charlotte around Five Points and Dora around dress shops and mansions. One thing that I noticed, which really didn’t change the story or the plot, was the fact that when we happen upon Dora in New York, she always refers to herself as Charlotte and never Dora. But, other than that, the story was a nice read, which I would recommend.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

If you'd like to learn more about Nancy Moser and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads







Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter

Half a dozen left to go! WooHoo;)

Title: Driftwood Lane

Author: Denis Hunter

Series: Nantucket Love Story book 4

Genre: Contemporary inspirational romance

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Date released: July 6th 2010 

ISBN: 1595548009
Stars (out of 5): ****
Age rating: PG-12:
There is romance a plenty, but nothing untoward. But, some themes may be a bit mature for a middle reader.

Back cover (from Thomas Nelson):

Meridith can handle anything: guardianship of three distant siblings, a dilapidated Bed-and-Breakfast, even an ever-present handyman who's dismantling more than her fireplace--or can she?
When the death of Meridith's estranged father leaves her with custody of three siblings she's never met, she reluctantly goes to Nantucket to care for them--but only until their uncle returns from his trip. Little does she know, the uncle is already there under the guise of her friendly handyman, with plans of his own.

Will the love that grows between them be strong enough to overcome the secrets that brought them both to Driftwood Lane?

My Thoughts:

Driftwood Lane was a sweet and heartbreaking romance that I'm happy I got the chance to review.

The story centers on a strong and independent young women who has just inherited her three half-siblings.

Now, I did enjoy the story and I felt as if I was right there in Nantucket enjoying the misty winds and spectacular views, but some of the main characters got on my nerves.
The Uncle and the oldest girl were being unfair to the whole time and assuming the worst. I understood their feelings, but I just wish they could have been more open. And Meredith’s growing up years were full of uncertainties and hardship; not to mention emotional turmoil. I felt so bad for Meredith, and only a good author can make me feel for characters like that.
Of course, romance wasn't lacking in this book, as the story progressed it turned into borderline heartbreak, but at the end, everything that happened thus far, helped in shaping the relationship that Meredith and Jake now have together.

This was my first time reading anything by Denise Hunter and I can honestly say, I CAN'T wait for her next book, A Cowboy's Touch!

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

 
  To learn more about Denise Hunter and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads
 











Love Y'all,
Ashley

My review: The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

Two reviews down, only about a dozen left!

Title: The Anonymous Bride

Author: Vickie McDonough

Series: Texas Boarding House Brides Book 1

Genre:Inspirational,romance, historical
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Date released: April 1, 2010

ISBN: 978-1602606968

Stars (out of 5): ****
Age rating: PG-14

This book is pretty clean but, one of the characters does un-knowingly take part in pre-marital sex, but I felt that the author handled the situation with grace in a tasteful fashion.

Back cover (from Goodreads):

Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Flat Rock, Texas, who flippantly tells friends he’d get married if the right woman ever came along. When three mail-order brides are delivered to Luke a month later, he’s in an uncomfortable predicament. How will he ever choose his mate? Rachel Hamilton’s long-time admiration for Luke recently turned to love. So when three mail-order brides appear, she panics. Will she find the courage to tell Luke that she loves him? Or take an anonymous part in the contest for his hand

My Thoughts:
First off, I’m going to say I really liked this book! Some have said that though The Anonymous Bride isn’t "LOL" funny, the antics and the situation made it an overall fun read, I completely agree.

The book starts off with the fair town of Lookout welcoming back one of their citizens, Luke Davis, who just got of the military after eleven years of service. But not everyone is glad Luke has returned. Particularly he’s childhood sweetheart Rachel, who, eleven years ago, ran off and married the richest man in town, instead of Luke, like they both thought. Now Luke and Rachel, both of who are still hurting, avoid each other like the plague. Unfortunately, Luke's troublesome cousins make it their job to see Luke marry up, one way or another.
The story was well written and very entertaining. The relationship between Luke and Rachel was heartbreaking. When the mail-order bride troubles start, Luke turns to Rachel for help, as a friend; which neither really wants. But Luke refuses to forgive Rachel for what she did. And Rachel can't tell a soul the reasons behind her impromptu wedding.

I liked all of the characters in Anonymous but, Luke’s two cousins and little Jack really stole the show for me. They were fun and interesting and I look forward to reading more about them in the second book, Second Chance Brides. More importantly this book really showed how forgiving other isn’t easy and that we are selves can’t do it, only God can give us the strength. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mail-order bride romance or someone who needs a book that will brighten up an otherwise dreary day.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

To learn more about Vickie McDonough and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads
Make sure to check out her upcoming and new releases page. Second Chance Bride has just come out and I can't wait to get my lil' hands on it. LOL;)




Love Y'all,
Ashley

Revell Blog Tour review: A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

First off, I'd like to apologize to Donna Hausler for not getting any of these latest reviews to her on time. Things have been more than crazy around here, and I'm so sorry I haven’t been the best reviewer and have made your job a little more difficult.

Now onto my review of ...

Title: A Memory Between Us (Wings Of Glory Bk.2)

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Historical, Christian, Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date released: Sept.1 2010

 ISBN: 978-0-8007-3422-0

Stars (out of 5): **** 1/2

Age rating: PG-15:
Rape is a central theme in this book, though; it's shown from a Christian stand point.

Drinking and smoking are also mentioned, but hey! It was the 40's, everyone was doing it, and I think it made it seem more authentic and less like a overly censored war novel

Back cover (from Revell):

Can they overcome the past to find a brighter future together?

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man. As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

 My Thoughts:
 I never got the chance to read the first book in The Wings Of Glory series, but I found after finishing this book, that I really didn't need. Though, now I can't wait to get my hands on bk. 1, A Distant Melody.

Jack Novak is a dashing military man, who can't resist a challenge.
Ruth Doherty is just the challenge Major Novak has been looking for.
When these two finally butte heads, can you say "sparks"?

I love the high flying adventure we experience every time we hop into the cockpit with the handsome Jack Novak. Ms. Sundin's attention to detail and historical facts are second to none. I truly felt as if it were the 1940's and in the thick of war. The characters each had their own back ground; even the secondary characters had no lack of detail to keep them well-rounded and richly written.

Ruth had a tragic past that has kept her from loving anyone, especially a man. I found Ruth's story gripping, and if there was anyone who needed to know that God as in control, it would be Ruth Doherty. I loved how, as the story progressed, Ruth and Jack came to rely on God more, and the spiritual message of giving up our control and giving it to God, was convicting and really spoke to my heart. The scenery that Sarah Sundin used, especially the birds-eyed view of war-torn Europe, gave me, the reader, a breath taking trip into history. Though, I’d have to say that Jack Novak was my least favorite character. Yes, he was handsome, and yes, he did learn a lesson, but I felt his story was too rushed and that his emotions were all over the place. One moment he'd be in love with Ruth and the next condemning her to Devil's domain. Towards the end, he got better, but I wish that he could have been a little less confusing in his feelings and actions.
Besides that, I really enjoyed this book and if you're looking for a GREAT WWII novel, look no further.

*Many thanks to Donna Hauler @Revell for sending me a review copy of A Hope Undaunted. This review is my honest opinion of this book and I am in no any compensation for a good review from the publisher and/or the author.*

 

To learn more about Sarah Sundin and her great books, go to:

Her Website

The Publisher

 Goodreads

Also, make sure to enter her latest contest.

Here are the datails:

To celebrate Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Movie and Memory Prize Package! One grand prize winner will receive:

•Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com (Capture your own Memories)
•Netflix Subscription (New or Nostalgic Movies delivered right to your house)
•Starbucks gift card (To keep your engine revvin’)
•Gourmet chocolate (A favorite in the 1940’s and now)
•British specialty teas in carved wooden box (Timeless tradition)
•Miniature model of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber & C-47 cargo plane (Everyone needs a few toy planes)
•Big Band music CD (Break out your dancing shoes)
•WWII authentic poster playing cards (Cards – a perfect game for two)
•Keep Calm and Carry On (Uplifting sayings WWII, a boost for troubled times)
contest runs 9/27 - 10/17!

 Click HERE to go directly to the contest link.
I hope Y'all  get a chance to enter and that you have a GREAT week!
Love Y'all,
Ashley 

My review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

Title: Courting Morrow Little

Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Publisher: Revell Books

Date released: July 1st. 2010

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3340-7

Stars (out of 5): ****
Age rating: PG-13

There were about half a dozen "pecks on the cheek" and only a hand full of kisses, throughout the whole book. Of course, the main characters are a married couple in the book, and so expurgate to see some things like that. Although, those scenes are very  brief . 

Back cover (from Revell):

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love.

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop you as it takes you from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.

 My Thoughts:

There aren’t many books out market today  that are set in the pre-Rev war time period or have Indians as the main characters. So right off the bat, Courting Morrow Little procured my interest. And as soon as I started reading, I fell in love……with almost everything. I loved how richly written it was and how the whole story flowed with literary grace (you know that I mean?). Yet, it wasn’t so wordy, that I felt like I was reading the Geneva Bible. CML is my first encounter with author Laura Frantz, but from what I had heard about her and her debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, I knew her books would definitely be going on my “keepers’ shelf”. The characters were believable and well rounded with pains, sorrows and struggles of their own. The excitement and dramatic tension, which there was plenty of, made me never want to put it down. My only problem with CML and the reason I only gave it 4 stars, was the fact that we only got to see things from Morrow’s POV. I really wish we could have seen a chapter or two from the POV of another characters besides just Morrow.

But, Laura Frantz revealed to me a little bit ago, that her next book coming out will have both hero and heroin’s POV narrating, explain and describing scenes (I hope its okay, Ms. Frantz, that I said that). So, I’m SUPER excited about her newest book to come out!!! I would recommend this book to other “history nuts” like me, for sure.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.” To learn more about Laura Frantz and her books go to:

The Publisher

Her Blog

Goodreads

  Love Ya,

Ashley



*My many thanks to Donna Hausler @ Revell Books, for providing me a review copy of Courting Morrow Little.  These are my honest thoughts on this book and are in no way determined by the publisher and/or the author of Courting Morrow Little.*

Review: Disaster Status by Candace Calvert

Title: Disaster Status (Mercy Hospital bk.2)

Author: Candace Calvert

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Date released: April 1. 2010

ISBN: 978-1-4143-2544-6

Stars (out of 5): ****1/2

Age rating: PG-13:

There are a few kisses and issues such as: marital infidelity, traumatic family situations , post-traumatic stress and the like. There are a few "scary" parts when we get a some-what graphic glimpse into the head of a traumatized war veteran and what he saw while in the war.

Back cover (from Tyndale House):

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work on the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she’s put to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department’s handsome incident commander, who thinks her strategy is out of line. Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he’s learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he’s forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?

My Thoughts:

I had first hear about the Mercy Hospital series on a fellow blogger's , Renee (a.k.a Steelergirl83), blogaversary and I instantly loved . Then, I heard from another friend that Tyndale was offering it up for review (Thanks Casey!), so I knew I had to put my name on the list. And I'm soooo glad I did. The story is about the strong and independent Erin Quinn, charge nurse at Pacific Point hospital. And Scott Mckenna, a hunky firefighter who lives by the proverbial book. And when they butt heads, oh my! do the sparks fly. Now, from the cover I was expecting half the city to be burning down but, the book centers mainly on the ER, and it alone had enough drama and excitement to write more then a couple books. I liked Ms. Calvert's writing style and how her story just flowed, and at a good pace that wasn't too fast, but that wasn't so slow that you'd fall asleep There were several different stories going on at the same time and yet the blending of them all into the one story plot, wasn't overwhelming or confusing. My only "thing" with Disaster Status was Erin Quinn. I LOVED all the other characters (well,...maybe not Sarge so much) but, Erin kind of grated on my nerves the way she was always so impatient and anxious. She just annoyed me little during the story but, perhaps that was the feeling Ms.Calvert was trying to illicit from the reader. And towards the end, Erin eventually won me over. Overall, Disaster Status is a great story that is full romantic tension, a little suspense, and charged with a whole lot of drama. And the ending of this book, had me in major need of an oxygen mask and maybe a gurney or two to faint upon. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves ER , House or a great dramatic romance.

*My many thanks to the Tyndale Blog Network for providing a review copy of Disaster Status. This is my honest opinion of this book and is in no way influenced by the author and/or the publisher*

If you liked to know more about Candace Calvert and her books (and believe me you will. She is just a fantastic writer) go to:

Her Website

The Publisher

Goodreads

I can't wait for Code Triage: Mercy Hospital bk 3.!!!

Love Y'all,

Ashley