GLEANINGS IN THE GODHEAD by Arthur Pink

I am a lady who LOVES to read, especially Christian fiction! BUT I also like to always be reading a good devotional book (reading through the Bible every year is just a given). This book took me a long time to read, but it was worth every minute!

I like the description of this book fhat Amazon has posted: "Few who occasionally read the Bible are aware of the awe-inspiring and worship-provoking grandeur of the divine character. That God is great in wisdom, wondrous in power, yet full of mercy is assumed by many as common knowledge. But to entertain anything approaching an adequate conception of His being, nature, and attributes, as revealed in the Scripture, is something which very few people in these degenerate times have done. God is solitary in His excellency. "Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Ex. 15:11).

This is a book that makes you stop and think as you read each sentence, paragraph and page. It is not an "easy read", but well worth the time it takes to ponder what the author has written about our great God. It is all about knowing Him, His holiness, power, faithfulness goodness patience love, etc., etc.. I can't say I agreed with everything 100%, but for the most part I was captivated by his thoughts on God.

THE ARROW THAT FLIETH BY DAY by Erin Rainwater

This is an author that knows how to write a story that takes you on a real adventure, where you never know what will befall the characters next! This is my second book by Erin Rainwater and I couldn't read the story fast enough. I will definately be looking out for more of this author's work to read!

This is a story of Mandy and Dakota, two people from very different backgrounds, who find themselves thrown together and must find confidence in God's workmanship in their lives, whether they can recognize it at times in their life or not. They will become secure in their relationship and will "need not fear any terror by night, nor arrow that flieth by day".

Mandy is on her way home to Colorado when her stagecoach stops at a waystation. Things happen, she gets "captured" by Indians and this is where she meeets Dakota. He is a "half-breed" who falls in love with Mandy and seeks to get her home to her family. But WOW, stuff happens and I couldn't believe all the things taking place in this couples life. Through it all though is this love for one another that could not be broken. There are not many stories that have me stopping in the middle of my day to read, but this one had me hooked. A great historical, action packed adventure with a truly special love story.

TRUE COLORS by Erin Rainwater

This is my first book by this author and I must say I am very impressed with her style of writing and looking forward to reading more of her work. I was truly so taken with the story line that is was hard to put down, and when I wasn't reading, I was wondering what was going to happen next. She also did such a good job of making one of her characters so despicable that I had to remind myself, "he is not real, don't get so upset". There were twists and turns I didn't see coming which always makes for a good story. It was also a historical novel, which makes you feel as if you are learning as you read. All in all a very good book and I am looking foward to reading "The Arrow that Flieth by Day" next, as it tells the story of one of the characters that are mentioned briefly in this story.

Cassie and Michael are two people caught up the the tragedies of the Civil War. They fall in love quickly, decide to get married in secret and then their life is torn apart in ways I wasn't even expecting. Can their love and marriage survive all that is happening to them? Secrets, war, lies and deceit are happening all around them, but real love is a bond that cannot be broken.

Be prepared to fall in love with "Sassy Cassie" and Michael, a true hero, who will eventually show his "true colors".

TWILIGHT'S SERENADE by Tracie Peterson

Another gorgeous cover, another great story and a really good ending to this series. The back of the cover talks about the author - "Authentic historical detail, as well as adventure and romance, highlight her writing." I could not say it better! You get a feel for Sitka, Alaska in the early 1900s and come to love the Lundquist family and their children and their strong faith.

This story revolves around the youngest Lundquist child, Britta, who left Sitka six years ago, but has returned to see if she can free herself from the love of her life, Yuri Belikov. She left because Yuri got married and broke Britta's heart. Now she returns to find that Yuri is gone and his wife is about to deliver a child. Tragedy happens and Britta finds herself caring for Yuri's two children, waiting for him to be found or come home.

Yuri, who can't seem to get his life together finds himself drinking, gambling and no hope for a happy marriage. When an accident nearly takes his life, a young man helps him recover both physically and spiritually. Yuri returns home a different man, to find Britta caring for his children. He has never seen Britta as more than a "kid sister" almost, so is not ready for the love Britta has to give to him. Can Britta win Yuri's heart?

This story also dealt with other family members that you met in books one and two of this series. I highly recommend you read these books in the order they were writtin so that you can grow to know the whole family and their saga. You won't regret the time you spend in Sitka, Alaska!!

MORNING'S REFRAIN by Tracie Peterson

This was another historical, romantic adventure story set in the land of Sitka, Alaska. It is book two in the 'Song of Alaska Series' and does a great job of continuing the saga of the Gray-Lundquist family. I have always enjoyed stories set in Alaska and Tracie Peterson does a good job of giving you the chance to feel and read what life was like in Sitka in the late 1800's.

This story begins with Dalton Lundquist, now a grown up man who is beginning to question his family background and the dark family secrets. He has a close friend Yuri, a desire to begin his own boat building business and a special interest in the new young lady who has just moved to Sitka with her family, Phoebe Robbins.

Phoebe is not very excited about her family's move to Alaska but she is excited about her growing feelings for Dalton. But as in all good stories there are conflicts, heartaches and struggles to work through. I like the way this author beautifully weaves in throughout her stories the dependency and help we all need from God and His word.

I look forward to finishing this series by reading "Twilight's Serenade" next! Could these stories be read as stand alones? Yes. Would I recommend doing that? No.
I also really appreciate the care and attention given to each of the book covers in this series. They just draw you in and say, "read me".

DAWN'S PRELUDE by Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is an author that writes with attention to historical detail and in this story you learn a little of life and the conflicts of the people in Sitka, Alaska in the late 1800's. It is a story full of romance, adventure and danger. I am a big fan of Tracie Peterson and this first book in the 'Song of Alaska' series is off to a good start.

Lydia Gray finds herself a widow when her husband (who married her for money after his 1st wife died), is in an accident and dies. She is relieved to be free of him as he was a cruel taskmaster to her. What she was not expecting was to become the sole recipient of her late husband's fortune. The grown stepchildren are furious that she gets "their" money and plan evil ways to get it. Lydia secretly leaves the life she was never happy with and flees to Alaska, where her aunt Zeralda lives. There she finds peace and contentment and learns, with the help of the Kjell Lindquist, the owner of the local sawmill, what true love really looks like. But when the "family" finally finds Lydia things go very wrong and it will take trust and faith in a God who can and will work all things out for good. Bad things do happen to good people and the author does a good job of dealing with the doubts and questions that arise in this story. I am looking foward to reading the rest of this series.
As a side note, the covers on the books in this series are really beautiful and draw you into wanting to read what is inside. It also taking place in Alaska is another draw for me as it is a part of the country I have always enjoyed reading about and would love to visit someday.

SHORT-STRAW BRIDE by Karen Witemeyer

This was a delightful story from start to finish, that will leave you smiling at the end. It is my first time reading anything by Karen Witemeyer and I am looking forward to reading more of her books. I don't often give out 5 stars, but this story I just found a pleasure to read all the way through. There was, of course, romance, but there was also laughter, danger, sacrifice and gallantry. I also really liked the cover of this book as it went so well with the story.

Meredith Hayes has overheard a plot that someone is going to burn down the Archer brothers ranch. The Archer brothers have grown up literally on their land, without venturing off, and someone is out to do them harm. Meredith must become the first female to trespass on to their land and warn them. She is pretty and feisty and not afraid to put herself in danger because she also has a tender heart. When trouble breaks out she finds herself stuck on the ranch with the 4 brothers, who must draw straws and one of them must marry her to keep her reputation from being ruined. Travis, the oldest, draws the short straw and from there it is just a matter of time before they both learn what the other is truly feeling about the marriage.

There was alot going on throughout the story and it was fast paced. I liked each of the brothers and the closeness they had with each other and it would make a great series to get to know what happens to each one of them. This story is similar to Mary Connealy writing style, so if you like her books, you are going to love this one. It is a warm-hearted story that will leave you with a smile on your face.

I would like to thank Bethany House for sending me a copy of this book for my honest review.

THE VISIONS OF RANSOM LAKE by Marcia Lynn McClure

Vaden Valmont is a young adventurous lady who sees the good in people and loves life. Ransom Lake is a recluse who lives in the mountains and has little interest in people. But Ransom wasn't counting on running into Vaden. Together they both will experience the passion and joy of each other, but also the heartache they each will bring to one another. They both feel the passion (and trust me there was alot of good passionate scenes), but neither one can verbally commit to each other by admitting their love for one another. But when tragedy strikes one of them, their true feelings for each other will finally come forth.

I enjoyed the story and once again Marcia McClure does a great job of writing a romantic tale and is always good in the romance department, without ever going 'to far' in her passionate scenes (at least in the stories I have read so far). This is a clean romance, with the main character, Ransom, who is handsome, tender and protective and full of passion. What is not to like about a guy like that.

FIRESTORM by Jeanette Windle

Any book that is over 600 pages long and can continually keep me in suspense and wanting to keep turning the pages is a great book in my opinion. Jeanette Windle does another excellent job of writing a story that seems so true to life, with alot of suspense, danger, and intrigue. As one reviewer so adequately stated, 'she tells a credible gripping story'. This is easily a stand alone story, but there is a book one, Crossfire, which tells you how Sara's troubles all began.

Sara has survived escaping the Cortez drug empire which she unknowingly married into (what book one was all about). Special agent, Doug Bradford, is the one who rescued her and would like to continue to take care of her now that she is back safe in Miami. But Sara feels she needs to stand on her own for awhile, so she sort of walks away from a promising relationship. But trouble follows both Sara and Doug and there are people who want them both dead. So once again, they both will need to trust each other. Doug will come up missing and Sara will be the one to come to the rescue this time. There are many dangers to endure, but also many valuable lessons to learn.

I loved the message throughout this book and Doug said it well, "real faith isn't believing that God's going to make everything turn out with a fairy-tale ending. It's believing in God's goodness and love, even if it means going through the valley of death all the way to the bitter end and out the other side." I also liked the Psalm 91 verses they kept going back to (which is too long to print here, but trust me when I say is really has verses to claim and cling to when you have someone you love doing a dangerous job). Then there is the phrase Sara kept claiming, "safety is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God". The story was not "preachy" at all, but it did weave into the lives of these folks the importance of relying upon the promises of God. You will find yourself in the jungles of Paraguay and from Miami to Washington in the USA and as you are flying across the country, you will find yourself flying across the pages of the book so you can see what will happen next. Another great job Jeanette Windle!

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS by Bonnie Blythe

Bonnie Blythe is just a great Christian romance writer. I always enjoy myself when reading her books. In this story, which is book 2 in her Oregon in Love Series, Julia Wilcox finds herself recovering from a bad car accident at her brother and sister-in-law's B and B in Oregon (you meet them in book 1-"Restorations"). She is weary and a little dissatisfied with her life and wakes up most days wondering how she can "muster the energy to accomplish anything at all".

Marc Dorin is a teacher at a Portland college, wishing he could support himself "strictly by freelance, leaving the noise and frenetic pace of city life behind". Both Marc and Julia needed to remind themselves that God is in control of their future.

I loved the way this book started, with Marc having a very bad day and things just seemed to get worse and worse for him, including his first encounter with Julia at the Bed and Breakfast. It was kind of funny. The chemistry between Julia and Marc was definately there, they just needed to work on the commitment issues and their communication skills a little. It was a thoroughly enjoyable story, but then Bonnie Blythe's books usually are! If you want to curl up with a good Christian romance, then I suggest you try Lights and Shadows. Although this is book 2, you can easily read it as a stand alone, although I aways recommend you read them in the order they were written (#1-Restorations, #2-Lights and Shadows, #3-Milagro for Miranda).

Usually this is where you thank a publisher or author for sending you this book to read for your honest review. Well I want to thank a great book-reading-buddy, Sherry K. for letting me borrow another one of her books to read. It is great having a friend who loves reading as much as me and who watches out for good stories and shares them with me!

You can check out Bonnie's other books on her website. http://www.bonnieblythe.com/

LOVE IS GRAND by Annalisa Daughety

This is book 3 and the final book in the "A Walk in the Park" series by Annalisa Daughety. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my 'walk in the park' with each new story I read in this series. I liked the fact that they were each at different historical national landmarks and were tied together by three special girlfriends who worked as Park Rangers at each location, and who had to depend on each other and in their faith to help them through difficult times.

In this final story Ainsley Davis, whose husband unexpectedly died 2 years ago, is left raising her baby, Faith, alone and is trying to get over her unexplainable fears. She has finally decided to leave her parent's home and return to her job as a park ranger at the Grand Canyon. Now she just needs to face her fears, and she has two nice men who want to help her; fellow ranger Dustin Cooper, who has known Ainsley for years and whose friendship is special, and police officer-on-leave-of-absence, Jake McGuire, who wants to protect her from all her fears. Both men are likeable, but only one will win Ainsley and her daughter Faith's heart. Can someone who has loved and lost really love again? Ainsley will find that even the second time around, "love is grand"!

I found myself always feeling refreshed after reading each of these stories. The author always does a good job setting up a nice romantic ending that makes you smile and your heart go "pitter-patter". I also enjoyed reading this story because of the places at the Grand Canyon that I have been to and could understand the awesomeness that the people in the story experienced when they would stand at different places along the rim of the canyon and on the trails. It really is a breathtaking place to visit. This is a series I hope someday to "walk" back through again.

LOVE IS MONUMENTAL by Annalisa Daughety

The author, Annalisa Daughety, really knows how to right a relaxing and enjoyable romance series, which I think would make a great "chic flic" movie. In book two (which you can read as a stand alone, but I recommend you read book one first), park ranger Vickie Harris is working in Washington D.C.. She loves her job working at the different monuments, but her personal life is pretty much non-existent. She makes a promise to her girlfriends (other park rangers you will get to know by reading book one), that she will ask the next eligible man she meets out on a date. Enter Professor Thatcher Torrey who needs an assistant to help him on a research project about Lincoln. He listens to Vickie give her presentation at the Lincoln Memorial and asks her if she would like to go out for a meal with him. Vickie is thinking it is a date, he is thinking it is for business only and therein is their first misunderstanding. Vickie can't read Thatcher's intentions and he can't seem to make his real feelings known. Then throw in a surprise for both of them and things get even more interesting. But once again this author brings about a great romantic ending that just makes you go "AHHHhhhhh" at the end!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself in this story. It is just a "feel good" type story showing how opposites do attract to each other and can find that love is monumental for each of them. This series also shows the special bond these girlfriends have with each other and I liked the way the author keeps you up to date with what is going on with each of the other two friends (that you will read more about in book 1, "Love is a Battlefied" and book 3, "Love is Grand"). Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great romantic story with a great romantic ending. Way to go Thatcher!!