UNMENDING THE VEIL by Lisa Heaton

If you haven't read Lisa Heaton's books then you are missing out on great stories.  This is her second book I have read and both have been excellent!   I can't say enough about how much I enjoy the way she writes.  This story caught my attention right away and it took me places I wasn't even expecting.  There was so much in this story I could talk about that touched me as I read it.  There was sorrow, heartache and despair, but the joy and peace that comes from a heart that is right with God is something that is so precious words cannot describe how it makes one able to deal with life.  Is forgiveness possible when horrible things have happened to someone?  Yes, but I believe only through a person who has a right relationship with their God.  I want to just say a big "thank you" and "well done" to Lisa Heaton for her gift of storytelling.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book, "chaos and torment are the absence of peace.  The absence of peace means you have somehow stepped away from God.  And make no mistake, He will never leave you nor forsake you, so absence means you have moved, if you are a believer, that is."  Page 59 does a great job of explaining the whole concept of "unmending the veil" and makes total sense in this story.  Regarding this veil, "With the wall in place, they mistakenly believe God doesn't see them, or probably more accurately, they are hoping not to see Him.  In this way they run from His presence rather than run into it. They live out the Christian experience missing the One they really need, Jesus.  It becomes a lifetime filled with ritual and routine, but never a relationship with Him."  "Learning the secret of contentment came as a result of unmending the veil.  Once every barrier in her heart intended to keep God away was removed, she could see, and know, and be in His presence as He died to achieve."  I could go on, but don't want to make this review too long.

What is this story about.  It is about a young lady who flees a perfect marriage that gradually turns ugly and dangerous.  About a man who comes to the Inn she runs and helps her find the peace she is looking for in her life.  About a husband who finds himself in jail, but also finds a Savior, Jesus Christ.  About forgiveness, about starting over, about being sensitive to God's leading in their lives.  It is a story that will stay with me a quite some time and one I will keep on my shelf to read again.  The picture on the cover was great and went so well with this story.  Be prepared to shed a few tears as you read this thought provoking and heart stirring story.

Print Length: 312 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1481290304
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 28, 2013)
ASIN: B00E80O1CQ

EVERLASTING by Amanda MacLean

This is book three (and the last one) in this series, and I must say I was impressed with the whole series.  This story is about Callie's good friend, the young Irish lady Sheridan O'Brian.  You will have met her in book 2, so I highly recommend you read these stories in the order in which they were written.  This story will take you to the California gold fields and you will experience the dangers, the greed and the lifestyles of those who only wanted to make it rich.  You will also discover though those whose hearts are good and who delight in doing good.

Sheridan begins her quest to California in search of her twin brother who has gone missing after he supposedly struck gold.  She writes to the editor of the newspaper in town and requests a detective to help her find her brother when she arrives.  Marcus Jade takes on the detective assignment, even though he actually owns the newspaper.  He wants to discover what is going on with the miners who are suddenly disappearing.  It will be an exciting and perilous journey and these two will eventually find themselves taking on two orphans to watch over.  Sheridan will have to learn to guard her tongue and her temper and Marcus will learn how to show himself faithful and trustworthy.  Together, with the help of the Lord, they will discover a love that is "Everlasting".

STONEHAVEN by Amanda MacLean

This is book 2 in this series and I liked it a little better than book 1.  You could read it as a stand alone, but I don't recommend it as this story is about Callie, the younger sister you were introduced to in "Westward" (book one).  Callie is now a young lady who has continued to live with her sister and her new husband in New Mexico.  But Callie has always vowed she would return home someday to their father's plantation and discover what her uncle did to gain control of it.  When her life as a secret underground railroad leader is discovered while she is in college she finds herself fleeing to her southern belle status at her plantation home, enduring her uncle while she tries to discover a way to expose him and his evil business tactics.  Hawk, a man she would trust with her life, but who finds a way of irritating her oftentimes will finds her and help her as she struggles with treachery and intrigue, danger and sacrifice.

The author did a good job of historically writing about the underground railroad and the dangers of being involved in it.  She brought out the way people's eyes were blinded to what was happening all around them. There was a lot happening in this story and it kept me turning the pages to see what happens next.  I liked how Hawk and Callie interacted with each other and the way their feelings for each other were finally admitted by each other.  Looking forward to book 3 next, "Everlasting"!  Good job Amanda MacLean.  I like the way this author weaves the caring and forgiving God into her stories and how He never leaves nor forsakes us, even when we completely ignore Him at times.

WESTWARD by Amanda MacLean

Juliana St. Clair has had a southern plantation born lifestyle.  But when her father suddenly dies, Juliana and her younger sister Callie must suddenly leave the plantation behind and run from their uncle who has plans for them they want nothing to do with.  They head West, with a goal of reaching New Mexico.  Along the way Juliana will be be torn between the attraction she has for the rugged captain of their wagon train and the protection offered by another man who seems to say and do all the right things.  There will be adventure, danger and intrigue and of course a beautiful romance in the historical drama set in the 1800's.

I found the story very interesting and was always wondering what would happen next to these two young ladies.  I did have a hard time liking Miss Juliana St. Clair.  She seems to be intelligent in some of her decisions but very lacking in her ability to see the true worth of some men.  She was a hard lady for me to become friends with, but by the end of the story she seems to get her act together.  This had  a lot of interesting characters in it and a very good theme throughout of how God interacts with folks by loving, forgiving, guiding and always being there for us when we need Him.  I look forward to book two in this series, "Stonehaven".

THE PROMISE by Kathleen Sherwood

I loved this story!  It was a story about not casting judgement upon someone without knowing all the facts; of letting your light shine before men that they will see your goods works and glorify God; of keeping a commitment to God (as a young woman) to wait until marriage before having a physical relationship with a man; of how important it is to have a firm foundation of faith so you have something to lean on when tragedy strikes.  I say well done on telling this story Kathleen Sherwood!

Connor Christianson is a successful New York lawyer who promises his younger brother on his death bed that he will find his child that he has never seen and take care of her and tell the mother he is sorry.  Connor sets out to find and take care of the child, but is mad that the mother wasn't there with the child at the end of his brother's life, and he plans to get custody of this little one.

Kaley Mills if trying to get her life on track as she raises her young daughter Macie.  She works at a diner at night and goes to school during the day to become a teacher.  When a stranger enters the diner one night it will be the beginning of a different kind of life for Kaley and for Connor.  Connor is a bitter man and Kaley will have a tough time softening his heart with her life style and witness for her Lord.  They both have broken pasts and will find themselves drawn to each other by a love that is strong and true.

I fell in love with the story from the very beginning.  I was so glad the story continued on even after Connor and Kaley finally got together.  There was so much love and understanding between these two.  The growing and sharing and openness they finally found with each other was refreshing.  I grew quite found of these two and of little Macie and the other characters in this story.  There were unexpected things that happened in this story that I wasn't expecting and I always like to be surprised.  A book I can easily see myself reading all over again!  All in all I highly recommend this story and this author.

HEAVEN SENT by Colleen Coble, Jill Stengl, Tracie J. Peterson, Andrea Boeshaar

This was four very different historical stories filled with romance, but also filled with a very clear biblical view of what it means to be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.  I was thrilled with the way each author brought out the importance of believing, having faith and trusting in the Lord to get you through tough times.  I am not sure which story I liked best, because there were certain aspects of each story that was special to me as I read them.

In "The Cattle Baron's Wife" set in the late 1800's you have Lucy Stanton trying to make a life for herself and her siblings when a mysterious man comes along and offers her a home in exchange for marrying his son, Caleb in Wichita, Texas.  Lucy is desperate and accepts the offer and finds herself in Texas with a husband who is furious at her and at his father.  But marriage is for keeps and they both will find true value in one another. A favorite quote from this story, "God loves us for who we are, Margaret.  We can't work our way to His love.  That doesn't work here on this earth, either.  You either love someone for who they are, or you can forget it.  Love that is earned is no love at all.  It won't last."

In "Myles from Anywhere" Myles Trent left a promising future at home at a young age and never looked back.  Now he is falling for the boss's daughter, Beulah, but knows he is not worthy of her and has a past that can separate him from the woman he loves.  Forgiveness is there for the taking, Myles just needs to surrender.  Favorite quote from this story when Myles is questioning why God doesn't prevent evil or crush wicked people,  "There are things we won't know until we reach eternity.  You see, Myles, our faith is based not upon what God does but upon Who He is.  God tells us that He is just, loving, merciful.  We must take Him at His word and know that He will do what is best.  He doesn't explain Himself.  He doesn't guarantee prosperity and good health.  But He does promise to be with us always, guiding and directing our lives for His purpose.  Once you place your faith in Him, you will discover, as I have, that He never fails, never disappoints.  He will give you perfect peace if you will accept it."

Then there is "Logan's Lady" where the prim and proper "English folk" arrive in America to journey by horseback into Estes Park, Colorado.  Logan is the guide for this group of uppity folk, including Lady Amelia Amhurst who is being forced into an arranged marriage by her father and has no faith whatsoever in God.  Logan will have his hands full with enduring this group of whiners, but Amelia will stand out in the crowd and take to the rugged life in Colorado.  Logan will just have to work on her unbelief in God and he is up for the challenge.  I would give a favorite quote here but feel my review is getting a little long right about now.

In "The Unmasked Heart"  Angie Huntington has had a past she is trying to forget and a future she is looking forward to with the charming sea captain Garrett Witherspoon.  When Paden Montano shows up as Garrett's cousin, Angie is fearful.  Paden is the man who helped rescue her from her past.  Now she must face whether or not to tell Garrett about it and have him reject her, or continue to live a lie.  She must also come to terms with whether she truly loves Garrett, or has feelings for Paden, a secret Pinkerton man.  Both men will strive for her affection but only one will win in the end.

All in all this was a special volume of stories that I enjoyed very much and would recommend to anyone wanting to read inspirational, historical, romantic fiction.  Enjoy!

A DECEMBER BRIDE by Denise Hunter

This was a fun quick read.  How quickly a little lie can blow up into a huge misunderstanding.  Layla needs a date to her ex-fiance's wedding..  Seth isn't who she wanted, but he was available and willing.  When the bride and groom ask them  if they are together they quickly cover by saying yes, they are dating and then further entangle themselves when a December wedding is mentioned.  Because of her "engagement" to Seth, he convinces a big client to look at her work and possibly give her a job with his agency.  It would jump start her "fledgling home-staging business".  So the couple must put up with each other, which won't prove hard for Seth, who has cared about Layla for a long time.  Now this is his chance to make their fake wedding plans become a reality.

I enjoyed myself while reading this.  It was enjoyable watching Seth do his best to make this work and Layla doing her best to try to get out of an awkward situation.  Together these two will finally turn their deception into a beautiful love story with a happily ever after ending.

HIS BROTHER'S WIFE by Charlotte S. Snead

I liked this book from the very beginning chapter.  There was a sadness over the senseless death of a loved one, but there was so much tenderness of heart and love between those left behind that you find great joy in reading this book.  The two main characters, Jonathan Carter and Angelique Carter didn't hit it off right away, mainly because Jonathan thought she was a gold digger and only after the family money.  Angelique (who we will call Angie) had married his twin brother, helped him get rehabilitated after his war injuries and then he was suddenly killed by a gang.  Now Angie is trying to make it on her own, pregnant, with no family.  Jonathan never wanted anything to do with this wife of David, but he made a promise to his twin brother to look after her if anything happened to him, so now he must fulfill that promise.  But Angie is hard not to like.  She is a determined lady, full of spunk, but also full of sorrow.  Together they will attempt to get to know one another, and find a common love in the birth of this little baby.

 I fell in love with both these people and thought the author did a great job of bringing them together in a very natural and lovely way.  Jonathan had some wrong opinions of Angie, but Angie also had some snobbish opinions of all people with money.  Together they will bridge that gap and find something wonderful between them.  Through tragic circumstances you will find "courage, triumph, and lasting love".  I highly recommend this story.

THE RANSOM by Mary Lu Tyndall

First off, loved the cover of this book.  This is book 4 in the Legacy of the King's Pirates. It takes place in Port Royal, Jamaica in 1692, when pirates were alive and well.  You will find yourself on board the pirate's ship and feel the salty breeze in your face as you try to gain your sea legs.  Mary Lu Tyndall does a great job writing pirate, sea-faring adventures.  As it states at the back of her book, "she makes no excuses for the deep spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures.  Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure."  And to that I heartily agree.

Juliana Dutton is a young woman who works at an orphanage when she is not trying to handle her father's shipping business and take care of her dying father who has never showed her any love.  She has lost her mother and is trying to keep her twin brother from spoiling the family name by his lifestyle.  So it is no wonder she questions where God is in her life.

The Pirate Earl finds himself attracted to this young woman and has to keep rescuing her from the precarious positions she keeps finding herself in. But Juliana doesn't seem to realize to what lengths this pirate will go to help her and when she discovers his secret she may never forgive him or learn to ever trust him.

Get ready for some high seas adventure.  This story can easily be read as a stand alone.  The Pirate Earl's father is the pirate from The Redemption so this story takes place years later.  There is also a very severe disaster at the end of this story, which I thought was a little over the top, but then as a historical side note at the back of the book the author gives the facts of how this really did take place.  If you like high seas adventure, pirates and romance then be prepared to enjoy yourself matey!

FIRETHORN by Ronie Kendig

What a great ending to a great series!  This story will keep you on your toes as you try to figure out what went wrong and who is responsible for it and who can you really trust?  No one if safe and new people will be called in to help get the Nightshade team back together.

One of the team members that needs help getting busted out of prison is former marine Griffin Riddell, aka Legend, and covert operative Kazi Faron has been given the task to reassemble the team and she begins with Legend.  She is very good at what she does, but lacks the trust factor and the ability to work as a team with Legend.  He knows her well and tries hard to break down her defenses, but Kazi has a lot of secrets and one of them could get everyone killed.  Legend and Kazi must work together to help get the team safe once again.

From the very first chapter I was taken by surprise and things just seemed to go from bad to worse for the Nightshade team, but strength and honor and the bond between these men (and women) will get them through.  I learned to appreciate all the people in this series.  They were "discarded heroes" but they turned themselves around and became a "band of brothers".  It will be hard to say goodbye to this series.  I appreciate the way the author also wove into her stories the strong spiritual thread that got these men through some very rough times.

If you are thinking of reading this book as a stand alone I would discourage anyone from doing that.  There is so much you need to know about this team of men that it is really a good idea to start at the beginning and read the whole series.  You won't be disappointed.

WOLFSBANE by Ronie Kendig

What a great series this has been!  The first two books in this series have been great, but this one so far is my favorite.  The fast-paced, gripping action going on makes you want to stay glued to your story until the very end.  The "Nightshade" team of soldiers are a group of men that live up to a code of honor, but who also all have secrets and tragedies in their lives that they are learning to deal with.

In this story former Green Beret medic Canyon "Midas" Metcalfe is going to have to learn how to handle a feisty Dani Roark, who was with the Army Corps of Engineers when she was captured in Venezuela, taken into captivity into the jungle for 6 months, managed to escape with her life and some secrets and now is being accused of espionage and must return to Venezuela to  prove her innocence.

A lot will go wrong on this Nightshade mission and there is a lot of family issues and heartache to deal with, a broken promise that will need to be resolved and a lot of courage and strength in people will be revealed.  In the midst of all this there is a strong bond of love that will hold together until the very end in this gripping action packed adventure that will leave you wanting to read more.  This series has grown better and better and I anxiously await the next book, "Firethorn".

Jesus Freaks by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs

If you want to be challenged to live the Christian life in spite of those who would disagree with you, then read these stories of people who died for what they believe in. It will give one a whole new perspective on standing for what you believe in.  I have to ask myself if I could be as strong as these people were, and pray that I too would take my stand for Jesus as these people did.  It also causes me to pray for those in countries where the gospel is not allowed to be proclaimed freely.  Be prepared to be challenged!