Anita Mae Draper

Book Review: Dangerous Game

2008-07-20T20:16:00.003-06:00

Dangerous Game (Harbor Intrigue) by Lyn Cote - Love Inspired Suspense #53 - May 07

This is the best book I've read by Lyn Cote. I can take or leave Suspense books but this one kept me intrigued and I didn't want to put it down. It's the story about a deputy, Trish Franklin and an ex-con Grey Lawson. In the book Trish, a Christian, can't understand why she has feelings for a man who recklessly took other lives, drunk or otherwise. But you can't control your heart. I believe God has chosen one special person for each of us. Whether you feel the pull of your heart and accept it or ignore it is up to you. And that's the decision Trish and Grey must face.

In Dangerous Game, Trish is not only fighting her own feelings for Grey, she also has to contend with her father and family's hate for the man who killed her uncle. When Grey returns home and the ‘chicken' games start again, Trish's family is determined to believe that Grey is at fault once more. For whatever reason, Trish knows he's not. It doesn't help that every time she makes an overture of affection toward Grey he pushes her away. She should be relieved - right?

Grey can never forgive himself for the irresponsible stunts he pulled as a young man. He became a Christian in prison. Upon his release, he wants to go far away where no one has ever heard of him but the aunt who raised him is ailing and needs his help. Grey goes back to his hometown determined to ignore everyone while taking care of his aunt and making her last days comfortable. After she's gone, he'll leave town and find a family for himself, somewhere. He can't seem to stop the way he feels for Trish but he's not going to acknowledge it either. Grey knows her family will never stand for a liaison with him and anyway, he's leaving soon.

This is the 2nd book in the Harbor Intrigue series. After reading this one, I went looking for the other books in the trilogy but was only able to find book 3. I wished I'd been able to find the first book, however because I always had the feeling something was missing. I had an inkling that book 1 was about Sheriff Keir Harding and Audra Blair and I was correct there.

I finally figured out that the reason I felt something was missing was when one of the characters looked outside and talked about the ice on the Lake Superior and being able to see an Island. And then it dawned on me - I didn't know the setting. Sure, the series is called Harbor Intrigue and it's on Lake Superior but that's a very big lake. No boats were mentioned in this book or how close to the lake they actually are. Fog is mentioned frequently so they must be close, right? The fact that I didn't know the setting distracted me enough to keep this book from hitting my top ten list.

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Great! - 4 ½ stars (a keeper)

Books in the Harbor Intrigue series:

1 - Apr 07 - Dangerous Season LIS 47

2 - May 07 - Dangerous Game LIS 53

3 - July 07 - Dangerous Secrets LIS 62

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2008 Harlequin 100,000 Book Challenge:

Total books Read: 76 Harlequin Imprint: 72 Others: 4
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Book Review: Of Men and Angels

2008-07-17T01:48:00.002-06:00

Of Men and Angels by Victoria Bylin - Harlequin Historical #664 - Jul 03

This book is going on my 2008 Top 10 list. I was hooked from the 1st page. Vicki has the ability to write compelling, totally believable characters in realistic situations. She puts you right there where you not only see and hear the action, but you feel like you're a part of it.

The story opens when a deluge of rain takes out a stagecoach, leaving the heroine, Alexandra Merritt, alone in the middle of nowhere, attempting to help a stranger give birth. Her only aid is the good sense God gave her.

Jake Malone is minding his own business when he hears an angel singing. Curious, he follows the voice and comes upon a scene he'll never forget.

All Jake wants to do is high-tail it out of there but something holds him back. He's drawn to Alex and against his better judgment, he escorts her home, and even stays to work her parents' peach farm. Regardless of what he's done, Jake finds love and acceptance here. It's his for the taking.

But Jake is on the run and he doesn't want to face his past. Until he realizes that the only chance he has of a future with Alex is to go back and right the past. If he does that, however, he can never be with Alex again.

Warning: Before reading this book, ensure you have a box of tissues handy.

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Heat Level: Sensual

My Rating: Excellent - 5 stars (one to re-read; definitely a keeper)

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Harlequin 100,000 Book Challenge:

Total books Read: 75 Harlequin Imprint: 71 Others: 4

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Book Review: Where Love Abides

2008-07-14T20:40:00.000-06:00

Where Love Abides by Irene Hannon (Heartland Homecoming) Love Inspired 443 - May 08

This is the final book in the Heartland Homecoming Trilogy. We met Sheriff Dale Lewis in the first 2 books. He's the compassionate law officer with integrity.

Unfortunately, Christine Turner has been betrayed by her ex-husband and the law so she doesn't trust her feelings where Dale is concerned. But Dale has such a precious daughter who wants a mommy.

Dale's already been married to a woman with emotional scars. He doesn't want to do it again. But is Christine emotionally scarred? Or can she overcome them with his love?

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Heat Level: Sensual (due to one scene in her memory)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Books in the Heartland Homecoming series:

1 - Nov 07 - From This Day Forward LI 419

2 - Feb 08 - A Dream to Share LI 431

3 - May 08 - Where Love Abides LI 443

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Harlequin 100,000 Book Challenge

Total books Read: 74 Harlequin Imprint: 70 Others: 4

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Book Review: A Dream to Share

2008-07-12T23:55:00.001-06:00

A Dream to Share by Irene Hannon (Heartland Homecoming) Love Inspired 431 - Feb 08

Mark Campbell is a playboy. I didn't like him much. Until his father sends him to a small Missouri town that rolls up its sidewalks at 6 pm. Mark can either find something useful or useless to do with his time. Thankfully, he chooses the former and I start to like him as a hero. And then we find out why he is the way he is.

Abby Warner is the workaholic editor of a small town newspaper that Mark's father is looking to acquire. Mark is told to take 3 months doing a financial and operational audit of the newspaper. Shouldn't be too bad with a pretty lady like Abby to spend time with at the end of the day. Except Abby keeps her door closed and avoids Mark like the plague.

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Books in the Heartland Homecoming series:

1 - Nov 07 - From This Day Forward LI 419

2 - Feb 08 - A Dream to Share LI 431

3 - May 08 - Where Love Abides LI 443

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Harlequin 100,000 Book Challenge

Total books Read: 73 Harlequin Imprint: 69 Others: 4

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Book Review: From This Day Forward

2008-07-11T19:42:00.004-06:00

From This Day Forward by Irene Hannon (Heartland Homecoming) Love Inspired 419 - Nov 07

I really enjoyed this book. I'm always sad when I hear a couple is splitting up after years of marriage whether they have children or not. In this book, Sam and Cara Martin are childless which seems to be a blessing to their hectic lives especially when they separate. The story starts about a year after their separation.

Cara has suffered a traumatic experience that triggers extreme panic attacks. After an exhausting month with no sleep where she huddles in her home refusing to go anywhere, she accepts an invitation from her husband for refuge. But she makes it clear that one betrayal was enough. She'll never trust him again.

Sam was an esteemed surgeon when he realized he was human. A patient's spouse took offense and ended his career as he knew it. And he took it out on Cara. Her leaving was his wake up call. Unable to operate, he moved to small town America and became a family practitioner. He's not very good at it and he doesn't know why.

Although he doesn't want to benefit from Cara's trauma, he still loves his wife and he'll do anything to get her back.

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Books in the Heartland Homecoming series:

1 - Nov 07 - From This Day Forward LI 419

2 - Feb 08 - A Dream to Share LI 431

3 - May 08 - Where Love Abides LI 443

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Harlequin 100,000 Book Challenge:

Total books Read: 72 Harlequin Imprint: 68 Others: 4

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Book Review: Hearts in the Highlands

2008-07-05T22:20:00.004-06:00

Hearts in the Highlands by Ruth Axtell Morren - Love Inspired Historical #6 - Apr 08

This book is a fascinating look at the years just prior to the turn of the century when treasures were being discovered in the pyramids along the Nile. It's a sweet and warm love story of 2 people who find love despite their different stations in life.

Following his uncle's footsteps, Reid Gallagher has embraced the new field of archaeology. He's only back in England while red tape is hashed out with the politicians but he'll be going back to Egypt very soon. He's lonely but he's still loyal to his wife although he's been a widower for 10 yrs already.

Maddie Norton is the companion to Reid's aunt who seems on the brink of death several times a day if the subject of conversation doesn't suit her. But Maddie is gentle and patient with her. She's ‘on-call' 24/7 and yet she receives a pittance for a salary.

Maddie lives each day in that in-between world: she's a servant and yet she eats at the table with the family - she's just not supposed to speak or do anything to be noticed.

Of course, Reid notices her and that's when the problems start.

It struck me that Reid's aunt treated her dog better than Maddie, her loyal companion. I wonder if that was just because of the era or is it still like that among the well-to-do? It's a horrid thought either way.

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Harlequin 100,000 book challenge:

Total books Read: 71 Harlequin Imprint: 67 Others: 4

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Book Review: The Road to Love

2008-07-05T22:02:00.005-06:00

The Road to Love by Linda Ford - Love Inspired Historical #7 - May 08

Linda Ford does an great job of bringing history alive in a memorable tale of love, laughter and leaving.

Until I read this book, the closest I've been to the dirty 30's was playing an extra in the movie ‘Prairie Giant - The Tommy Douglas story'. For the movie, once we had our hair and make-up done, they took this bag filled with some kind of grey chalky stuff and proceeded to ‘dirty us up'. The result was a very authentic looking movie but at the end of our filming day, I was glad to take the clothes off, wash up, and climb into my relatively clean car.

Kate Bradshaw, the heroine in this moving book is an optimist. She's survived the death of her husband and she knows there are good times ahead. Her belief that God put her on that farm to preserve for her children is reflected in everything she does. Even when the crop is failing to grow due to lack of rain, or when the tractor refuses to budge, or friends tell her she's crazy for staying out on the farm, or even when the hay crop is barely worth the trouble to harvest, Kate still believes that she is exactly where God planted her.

One element of this story that I never considered before was the amount of hobos roaming the land during those years. I remember my mother talking of the hobos who stopped by their farmhouse looking for handouts. Because they lived near the railroad and close to town, it was a logical jumping off point for the hobos so they wouldn't get caught riding the rails into town without a ticket. The Red Skeleton Show made the life of a hobo comical. But in reality, it was a lonely, depressing life.

Hatcher Jones, the hero of this book, is a hobo. He's an intelligent, articulated and refined man. We have to delve into the book a bit before we find out why he's living the life of a hobo so I won't spill the beans here, but I will say that for the first time in 10 yrs of roaming, Hatcher wants to stay in the same place more than 2 nights in a row. He's drawn to Kate and her 2 kids. He wants to help and protect her. He even sees a future for them. He just refuses to grasp it.

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Great! - 4 1/2 stars (a keeper)

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Harlequin 100,000 book challenge:

Total books Read: 70 Harlequin Imprint: 66 Others: 4

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Happy Canada Day!

2008-07-01T00:13:00.005-06:00

In this blog, I'm usually talking about either my writing or what I've been reading. Today, in honour of Canada Day, I've decided to let you read what I've been writing.

I'm sure you've heard me mention the writing challenges on the eharlequin discussion boards. The last challenge just ended this weekend. We had to write a scene/story under 1000 words using a hero and heroine and it had to be a historical piece about our national day. Since my fictional historicals are usually set in the American Old West, this was definitely a challenge for me. What follows is my entry:

The Choice 998 words

On the eve of Canada's 10th birthday, Stephen Powers slipped his dusty boots out of the stirrups, swung his right leg over the back of the black gelding and slid to the ground. Shoulders slumped in weariness, he tugged the reins. The gelding plodded along, its head hanging down, bobbing in rhythm.

They passed the barracks, ignoring the men lounging on the wide wooden steps, enjoying an evening cigarette.

A few steps further, the aroma of roasted meat assailed Stephen's nostrils. The onslaught clenched his gut like a vise. The pemmican that had nourished his body on the trail had never filled his belly.

At the stables, he led his horse into a stall and forked hay into the manger.

With his nose in an empty bucket, the gelding blew a raspberry. He snorted when dust shrouded his face. Laughing, Stephen dumped a bunch of oats into the bucket, almost getting his hand knocked away by the hungry horse. With the animal chomping contentedly, Stephen drew the currycomb across its satin back, brushing through the day's dirt-crusted sweat. Soon, the horse glistened. After a final pat on its rump, Stephen headed toward the mess hall.

Hours later, his belly sated, he lay in his narrow bunk listening to the snores around him. After weeks of solitude except for the night sounds of animals on the open prairie, Stephen found the human sounds distracting. Almost intolerable.

Slanted moon rays lay across his feet. His saddlebag hung over the footboard. Grabbing his pillow, he twisted around, reached into one side of the leather bag and pulled out a worn photograph and a folded sheet of paper. With his head on the pillow, he tilted the photograph toward the moon and gazed upon the faded face of Lisette Dumonte.

Lisette. Beautiful Lisette. He closed his eyes. Their last meeting played in his mind. She had been so brave, saying she understood but he had seen the heartbreak in her shimmering eyes. Still, it hadn't stopped him. The Territories of the new Dominion of Canada were beckoning. It was a huge expanse of land that lay between Manitoba and the Rockies. Men like Sam Steele were becoming living legends out there. A man could either get lost or find himself. Stephen had wanted the latter.

Now he wasn't so sure. It had taken three years of patrolling this wild, empty land to realize he'd left the best part of himself behind. Lisette.

He unfolded the paper. It had arrived at Fort Pelly weeks ago. His three years of service was up. He had a choice. Re-enlist another three years or accept 160 acres of free land. He could choose any unclaimed land in the Dominion. And what land! They were growing some of the finest wheat in the world on the prairies north of the 49th parallel.

But without Lisette, he had no heart to work the land.

Yet, how could he go back empty-handed and say it was all for naught? That he'd chosen to sleep alone on the cold, uneven ground with only his saddlebags for a pillow instead of enfolding her warm, curvy body close to his during the long, dark nights?

Stephen stared at the photograph. Even with the paper's jagged crinkles and faded ink, he could see her smile. The secret one she'd give with her head tilted slightly downward. And he'd know she wanted his kiss. He'd always obliged. Except for that last day when he'd turned instead and headed west.

And to think he'd spent more time in Fort Pelly cutting firewood and looking for grazing land than keeping the peace or fighting contraband whiskey runners.

The papers wavered before his eyes. What a choice he'd made. The wrong choice. With his chest constricting, he tucked the items back in the saddlebag. Pulling his pillow down, he wrapped his arms tightly around it. And squeezed his eyes shut.

* * *

Lisette placed the sheet of paper onto the tympan, folded it over the type bed and rolled it under the platen. Rivulets of perspiration trailed down her temples. She swiped them with the back of one hand while the other grabbed the hand-press bar and pulled. Last one. She opened the machine and took out the newspaper, squinting at the fine print, looking for blots.

Dominion Day, 1877

On July 1st, 1867, the Queen sent out a proclamation for uniting the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into one Dominion under the name of CANADA.

Ten years ago on this day, bells pealed in every town and village to welcome Confederation.

Lisette placed the paper on the stack of others, ready for the morning. She should go home. It was late - almost ten o'clock. The sun had just sunk behind the houses to the west. But Lisette was drained. Not from the work. And not from the heat. Although both contributed to her lethargy to be sure.

For today was her anniversary. Of sorts.

Three years ago on June 30th, her beloved Stephen had left her for this land she now called home.

He had told her not to wait for him.

And then he'd ridden off in his scarlet tunic with the shiny brass buttons glittering in the sun. With her heart packed in his saddlebag along with his razor and strop.

She'd waited two years before following him. She couldn't move forward until he'd given back her heart. As if she wanted it back.

Trained as a printer, she'd been able to find work here in Winnipeg, where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers converge.

With crossed arms, she stood at the window looking towards the fort. The commander had sent word that Stephen had arrived this very evening. He was to report in after breakfast. No one had told him of Lisette's presence. She dropped her hands, clasping them together. Wringing them.

Tomorrow, July 1st, her country would celebrate. Would her day end in celebration or sorrow?

The End

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So, that was my entry. Instead of writing a fictional story about a hero in the NWMP, I felt compelled to write about a hero who had gone that route but always regretted leaving the love of his life behind. I hope you enjoyed it.

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A new challenge has just started and is due on July 10/11. Maybe you'd like to try? Go here for more info:

http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/write-stuff/writers-challenge-4

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Book Review: Abbie's Outlaw

2008-06-27T21:53:00.003-06:00

Abbie's Outlaw by Victoria Bylin - Harlequin Historical #750 - Apr 05

I cried buckets reading this book. A strong woman. A flawed hero. Wills that clash. Love that endures. Wow!

You want to know what the scariest part of this book is? How does Vicki know this stuff? How did she research for it? I cried enough reading the book without knowing what I'd do if I found out there's even a grain of personal experience involved. And no, I can't tell you what I'm talking about, but I'll give you a hint:

John Leaf is what we like to call a ‘bad boy'. He took Abbie's innocence, gave her a child and walked away without a backward glance to continue his bad boy ways.

Suffice to say that young Abbie Windsor did what she had to do to survive. Her main concern was for her daughter to have a decent life regardless of any personal sacrifice Abbie had to endure.

Now, 15 yrs later, Abbie and her daughter are back in John's life. Only, he's not a ‘bad boy' any longer. Now, he's the esteemed Reverend John Leaf with his own church. His congregation knows the awful deeds he committed before he was redeemed. But they also believe in God's grace.

The only thing is, John didn't know he had a daughter until she comes looking for him. She needs a father. But if John claims her as his own, will he be helping her or putting her in danger? He might be a minister now, but there's always someone who refuses to believe a person can change. Someone bent on revenge.

And how is John to deal with Abbie who now freezes on contact with his touch? Who put the fear in her eyes? The panic? And why does she seem destitute when she'd been married to a congressman?

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Heat level: Yummy (but some people might find some scenes disturbing)

My Rating: Excellent - 5 stars (one to re-read; definitely a keeper even if it's only to remind ourselves of the blessings in our lives)

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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 69 Harlequin Imprint: 65 Others: 4

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Book Review: The Bounty Hunter's Bride

2008-06-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Victoria Bylin Love Inspired Historical #8 - May 08

This is a great book! We all know that no one is infallible, but many people think that when you become a Christian, your brain is automatically washed and you never have another bad thought. That your hands never commit another bad act. That feelings of love overflow and you can't possibly dislike anyone, never mind hate them. But a Christian is still human with all the failings of our race. And it's an everyday battle to choose to walk the narrow path to heaven.

Beau Morgan is such a man. He believes in God - he might be angry with Him but he still believes. And, his best friend is a preacher. But he's filled with hate for the man who killed his wife six years ago. He can't shake the pain of her loss. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees her falling from the bullet that struck her down. And he's still trailing the guy after all these years. He's fixated on revenge.

Mail-order bride Dani Baker was in correspondence with Beau Morgan's brother for months before deciding to head west, marry him and adopt his 3 daughters. But when Dani steps off the train, she finds that her financé has been fatally struck by lightning leaving the 3 little ones with Beau, a known Bounty Hunter.

Dani is determined to adopt the 3 girls who are scared of their Uncle Beau and his guns, but Beau is equally determined to ship the girls off to either boarding school or a mean aunt.

Beau is determined to catch wife's murderer and he's not letting anyone - his nieces - a woman who tugs at his heart - or even God - stand in his way.

This is a terrific book that looks at human failings and redemption.

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Great! - 4 ½ stars (a keeper)

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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 68 Harlequin Imprint: 64 Others: 4

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Book Review: A Holiday To Remembe

2008-06-24T00:01:00.003-06:00

A Holiday To Remember by Jillian Hart (A Tiny Blessings Tale) Dec 07 - LI # 424

I loved the young teen in this book. She sparkles with hope and God's love. Every time she opened her mouth, I felt that God had his hand on her shoulder - so refreshing from the youth we usually read about.

Debra Watson wasn't true to her values as a young woman and had a child out of wedlock - not an uncommon event in this day and age. However, Debra's mother took the news hard and the mother daughter relationship deteriorated. Now, Debra's taken her 13 yr old daughter to Chestnut Grove, VA to meet her brother's family. He's the brother she never knew about until just recently when it was revealed that her mother, now deceased, also had a child out of wedlock but had given it up for adoption. I guess her mother didn't like Debra following in her footsteps.

Big Jonah Fraser, minister's son, has war medals to prove his valor in the Iraqi war. But Jonah considers himself a coward. He survived. His company of men did not. He barely functions day by day, while crafting beautiful furniture of wood. And his nights are achingly long and painful as he relives the horrors of his loss.

The first time Debra sees Jonah, she's struck by his size and his gentleness. Her daughter finds a rapport with the tender giant that brings him out of his shell and into the community. But can it last? Debra and her daughter are only there on a visit. She has a publishing empire to get back to. And Jonah just wants to be left alone to wallow in his misery.

This is the final book in the ‘Tiny Blessings' series. It is a stand-alone book but like the rest of the series, a thread runs through it that links the series together. Because this is the final book however, the loose ends are tied and the mystery is solved. The theme of the Tiny Blessings series, is: Loving families and needy children continue to come together to fulfill God's greatest plans!

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Look here for the complete list of 'Tiny Blessings' books.
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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read 2008: 67 Harlequin Imprint: 63 Others: 4

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Book Review: Giving Thanks for Baby

2008-06-22T17:46:00.004-06:00

Giving Thanks For Baby by Terri Reed (A Tiny Blessings Tale) Nov 07 - LI # 420

This book was a fascinating look at a pastor and a member of his congregation. I mean, there's no law that says a Pastor can't date a member of his own flock, but what happens when the member happens to be a recent divorcee and her husband wants her back? Suddenly, the pastor is caught in a conflict of interest. How can he come between a man and his wife, ex or otherwise?

Lawyer Trista Van Zandt has recently moved to Chestnut Grove, VA to be close to her brother and his family. A divorcee with an infant, she's struggling to overcome her failed marriage. Lonely, she joins an on-line chat group for singles and starts looking forward to emails from a ‘chat buddy'.

Assistant Pastor Scott Crosby keeps himself busy with volunteer work with the church and the youth centre. It's not that he doesn't want to go looking for a wife, he just doesn't have the time to find the right one. It takes a special woman to be a pastor's wife - Scott knows b/c he was in a relationship once with someone who could't cut it - and didn't want him to either. So, Scott stays busy.

But then he meets Trista and his hopes stir. Their dates are just 2 friends going out for coffee - regardless of how they really feel toward each other. He's also joined an on-line chat group and there's this lady who is searching for God. Scott has lots to keep his mind off Trista and her infant...so why isn't it working?

Now, if there was one negative thing about the book it's the question of Scott's eyes. I realize that authors are busy and are stressed especially when working with edits on a deadline, but in another of my book reviews, I commented on a book where the hero's eye color kept changing, so it's only fair that I do the same here:

So what color really are Scott's eyes?

- Pg 47 Line 2: "His blond, green-eyed good looks aside..."
- Pg 84 Line 7: "She met his gaze, noting the darker blue ring around the lighter blue irises."
- Pg 87 Para 5: "She held his warm brown gaze, seeing the tenderness of his soul."
- Pg 202 Line 3: "His blue eyes stared at her intently."

I guess I'm an eye girl. I notice eye color and when it's off, it stops my reading and I go back and check. Well, I guess it would be the same for hair color, length, etc. But even with this, I still enjoyed this book.

This book is part of the ‘Tiny Blessings' series. It is a stand-alone book but like the rest of the series, a thread runs through it that links the series together. The theme of the Tiny Blessings series, is: Loving families and needy children continue to come together to fulfill God's greatest plans!

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Look here for the complete list of 'Tiny Blessings' books.
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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 66 Harlequin Imprint: 62 Others: 4

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Book Review: Little Miss Matchmaker

2008-06-19T21:19:00.006-06:00

Little Miss Matchmaker by Dana Corbit (A Tiny Blessings Tale) Oct 07 - LI # 416

I really liked this book, particularly the part where the heroine's dad chases all her boyfriends away. I mean if they can't take it, they have no right to date her, right?

Dinah Fraser is a PK - that's Preacher's Kid. As a teen, she did what most PK's do and rebelled, but she's older now with a respectable teaching job. Never mind the fact that she lives at home and her dad is still checking out her boyfriends - that is when anyone dares to ask her out - she's a teacher and she takes her job to heart. She feels for the little girl in her class who's mother is away facing chemo treatments. In an attempt to help her, she calls in her student's guardian and life isn't the same after that.

Alex Donovan is not just the hero of the story, he's a real life hero - a firefighter - and he takes his job seriously. With his cousin away facing cancer treatment and her husband in Iraq, Alex becomes guardian to their 2 children, loosely referred to as his niece and nephew. He's trying to juggle his work with their school and his nieces's playtime and his nephew who's a teen, and he's doing a pretty decent job. Until his niece gets the idea that Uncle Alex is lonely and wouldn't it be nice if he dated her teacher?

As for Alex, he's never seen a PK with curves like Dinah's or an attitude to match. He's drawn to her in more ways than the obvious but his life is on hold - not only b/c of the kids, but also b/c he's just found out that he was adopted. He doesn't want to dishonour the people he considers his parents and go looking for his biological ones, but he feels like he doesn't know who he is anymore.

As part of the ‘Tiny Blessings' series, this story delves into the emotions of adoptions - in this case from the viewpoint of the adoptee. It is a stand-alone book but like the rest of the series, a thread runs through it that links the series together. The theme of the Tiny Blessings series, is: Loving families and needy children continue to come together to fulfill God's greatest plans!

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Look here for the complete list of 'Tiny Blessings' books.
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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 65 Harlequin Imprint: 61 Others: 4

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'Tiny Blessings' Books

2008-06-19T14:46:00.004-06:00

Here are all the books in the 'A Tiny Blessings Tale 'series:

#1 - Jul 05 - For the Twin's Sake by Jillian Hart LI #308
#2 - Aug 05 - Brought Together by Baby by Carolyne Aarsen LI #312
#3 - Sep 05 - On The Doorstep by Dana Corbin LI #316
#4 - Oct 05 - The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley LI #320
#5 - Dec 05 - Past Secrets, Present Love by Lois Richer LI #328
#6 - Jul 07 - For Her Son's Love by Kathryn Springer LI #404
#7 - Aug 07 - Missionary Daddy by Linda Goodnight LI #408
#8 - Sep 07 - A Mommy in Mind by Arlene James LI #412
#9 - Oct 07 - Little Miss Matchmaker by Dana Corbit LI #416
#10 - Nov 07 - Giving Thanks for Baby by Terri Reed LI #420
#11 - Dec 07 - A Holiday to Remember by Jillian Hart LI #424

Book review: A Mommy in Mind

2008-06-15T16:13:00.005-06:00

A Mommy in Mind by Arlene James (A Tiny Blessings Tale) LI #412 - Sep 07

This was a 3 tissue book for me. Remember the story of King Solomon when he had to decide who was the real mother? Well, this book is reminiscent of that story.

Three months after accepting a newborn to foster parent, Lucia has fallen in love with the child and is in the process of adoption. Unfortunately, the child's biological mother wants her baby back. Lucia is torn between her love for the child and the knowledge that the infant's mother regrets her decision.

Ramon Estes is the lawyer hired by the biological mother to fight for her maternal rights. In fact, he jumped at the chance knowing that the mother was an illegal alien. There is no doubt in his mind that the baby belongs with it's mother. Until he meets Lucia and sees her with the baby. He can't deny that she's a wonderful mother and there is no question as to the care she's given the infant. But Ramon starts to develop feelings for Lucia. How can he represent one mother while wanting to kiss the other? Talk about a conflict of interest.

This book made me cry. It was wonderful!

This is the 8th book about the Tiny Blessings Adoption Agency set in Chestnut Grove, Virginia. The theme of the Tiny Blessings series, is: Loving families and needy children continue to come together to fulfill God's greatest plans!

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Look here for the complete list of 'Tiny Blessings' books.

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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 64 Harlequin Imprint: 60 Others: 4

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Book Review: Missionary Daddy

2008-06-14T01:34:00.005-06:00

Missionary Daddy by Linda Goodnight (A Tiny Blessings Tale) LI #408 - Aug 07

Have you ever gone someplace and met someone you couldn't forget? That's the premise of this book. Two people spend a sweltering day working together in Africa and then part. But they can't stop thinking about each other. A year later, they come together in Chestnut Grove, Virginia but something has drastically changed. He now knows who she is and he feels betrayed although he has no right to.

Beautiful, rich Samantha Harcourt is on a modeling assignment in Africa when she takes a side trip and ends up at a mission. For one glorious day, instead of being the face that everyone knows, she's just a woman helping to build an orphanage. Not wanting to ruin her image, she doesn't tell the handsome missionary who she is. But she can't forget Africa or the homeless children there.

Eric Pellegrino has spent years in the African mission field. He thrives on the land and the people. He's even in the process of adopting 2 young boys. When a beautiful woman shows up for work detail, he thinks she's one of the helpers. At the end of a fulfilling day, he bids her goodnight believing he'll see her in the morning. He doesn't. Months go by and then he accepts a job back in the U.S. Imagine his surprise when he finds Samantha's face ‘literally everywhere. Billboards, magazines.' And now, a year later, he's getting the biggest surprise of all...Sam's coming home.

This book shows you what a day in the life of a mission field worker feels like as well as that of a supermodel. It covers international adoptions as well as disillusionment.

I really liked this book.

As the 7th book in the ‘Tiny Blessings' series, it continues to weave the problems of the Tiny Blessings adoption agency throughout its pages. Like all the other books in the series, this is a stand-alone but the other rich stories in the series shouldn't be missed.

The theme of the Tiny Blessings series, is: Loving families and needy children continue to come together to fulfill God's greatest plans!

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Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Look here for the complete list of 'Tiny Blessings' books.
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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 63 Harlequin Imprint: 59 Others: 4

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Book Review: For Her Son's Love

2008-06-12T23:02:00.009-06:00

For Her Son's Love by Kathryn Springer (A Tiny Blessings Tale) LI #404 - Jul 07

Don't you just love books where someone is living a double life? Except usually, the double life entails deceit of some kind. Not this time.

If you believe only what you read, then you'd think rich Andrew Noble cared more about his social life than anything else. Hardly a newspaper goes by that doesn't have a photo of Andrew with a beautiful socialite hanging from his arm. But it's all a sham to hide his real life. You see, Andrew's secret job is locating missing children. And he's good at it. Andrew has never cared that the world thinks he's full of fluff. Until he meets Miranda.

Miranda Jones is running from a bad relationship. When her sister and brother-in-law died, Miranda took on the job of parenting her nephew, then a toddler. Bereft, she dropped her defenses and got entangled with a man who abused her. Now Miranda and her son are on the run, ready to move on at a moment's notice. She doesn't want ties to anything or anyone.

The problem with this whole scenario is that Miranda starts tingling whenever Andrew is in the same room. She's fighting a major attraction that's threatening to overwhelm her. And to top it off, Andrew has made a deep connection with her son of a level she's never been able to achieve. She must have a fatal flaw to fall in love with another ‘hollow' man.

This is the 6th book about the Tiny Blessings Adoption Agency set in Chestnut Grove, Virginia. If you read the original series from 2005, you'll notice elements of those stories weaved into the fabric of his new set but its done lightly with a sprinkling of information here and there. Just enough to keep you informed.

The theme of the Tiny Blessings series, is: Loving families and needy children continue to come together to fulfill God's greatest plans!

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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Look here for the complete list of 'Tiny Blessings' books.

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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 62 Harlequin Imprint: 58 Others: 4

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Writing Fun on the Net

2008-06-11T11:27:00.005-06:00

Other than working on my wip, I’ve been writing book reviews for here and my eharl blog (4 books behind at the moment). I’ve also been checking out some other writer blogs and having fun:

June 10th - I entered a 100 word writing contest using a photo prompt on Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner's blog. The 121 entries (mine included) were added as comments to her blog here:
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/

June 9th – Donna MacMeans was blogging at http://www.writersatplay.com/wordpress/
For my ‘creative description’ of a superpower (if I had one), I won a copy of Donna’s book, The Education of Mrs. Brimley.

June 4th – Cheryl Wyatt emailed about my entry to her May Prompt Contest. She said, ‘I LOVED this entry. While it didn't win this time...I hope you will finish their story. I truly felt the emotion in the opening with the boy and loved the attraction between your heroine and Gallagher’ (the hero). So, I didn’t win, but it was encouraging enough to try another one. Go here to see Cheryl’s June Prompt Contest:
http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/2008/06/junes-prompt-contest-aka-story-starter.html

May 31st – Judy Duarte was blogging at http://petticoatsandpistols.com/
For participating and commenting, I won an autographed book from Judy’s backlist. Since I’m trying to complete the Montana Mavericks Gold Rush Grooms series, I chose her book Their Unexpected Family.

May 31st – I posted my entry for the eharlequin writer’s challenge. We needed to create both protags as alpha characters this time around, so I’d made my heroine as a pirate queen. My 1,000 word historical entry was entitled Cunning Callie of the Calista Queen and I won 1st place. My prize was to create the criteria for the next challenge, to be posted June 5 or 6th. I’ve chosen this:

Criteria: A hero and a heroine, a pkg 'To Be Delivered only To:(fill in blank)' 1000 words or less
The setting: A courier has instructions to deliver a package. When the courier gets to the house, the front door is partially open. The courier rings the bell and when no one answers, the courier calls out the name of the person listed on the package. The courier hears a pop and a zing and realizes someone has taken a shot at him/her. Your story starts here.
Challengers: The courier must be either the hero or heroine with the name on the package being the other person.
The house can be any type of dwelling.
The shot can come from any direction

If you’re interested in attempting this writing challenge, go here:
http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/write-stuff/writers-challenge-3

If you’re not a member of the eharl community, it’s a simple matter to register and then you’re on your way. This is an effective way to find out if you are a writer or just a wannabe. Remember, if you can’t put your work out there for us, your peers, how can you get the courage to submit it to an editor/agent?

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Book Review: Her Kind of Cowboy

2008-06-09T10:48:00.005-06:00

This review was originally posted to my book review blog on the eharlequin site. I wasn't going to post this here because I didn't want to embarrass the author but I have 'heard' other authors wondering if they're the only ones making a mistake. The answer is NO and the proof is here:

Her Kind of Cowboy by Pat Warren Silhouette Special Edition 1638 - Sep 04

Except for the screw-up listed below, this book drew me in and kept me there! It's the story of first love and what should have been. Only it didn't happen that way. Jesse Calder's final words to 19 yr old Abby was that he'd be back. But due to a horrific accident, he couldn't keep his promise right away. And when he was finally able to contact her, he was told to stay away - that she'd married someone else. But 7 yrs later, unrecognizable due to the accident, he's back.

And this time, he not only falls for Abby again, but for her daughter as well who just happens to have familiar blue eyes.

I have to point out that somehow, Abby's eyes kept changing from green to blue. If you don't believe me, find a copy of the book and check this out:

Pg 12 - "...and huge green eyes."
Pg 46 - "Her incredible green eyes..."
Pg 49 - "Her eyes were that incredible cornflower blue..."
Pg 71 - "She'd probably gotten her blue eyes from Vern." (describing Abby's daughter)
Pg 75 - "In her beautiful green eyes..."
Pg 107 - "My blue-eyed golden girl."
Pg 108 - "Your eyes are the best part, so big and blue..."
Pg 128 - "...gorgeous eyes turn a deeper blue."
Pg 192 - "...and a green shirt that matched her eyes."
Pg 163 - "He studied her beautiful green eyes..."
Pg 199 - "An emerald to match her eyes..."

Heat level: Yummy

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

Originally posted here:
http://community.eharlequin.com/content/her-kind-cowboy-pat-warren-silhouette-special-edition-1638-sep-04

Book Review: Frontier Courtship

2008-06-03T21:00:00.004-06:00

Frontier Courtship by Valerie Hansen - Love Inspired Historical #4 - Mar 08

This book is going straight to my 2008 Top Ten List. I loved it! This is the kind of story that started me on my long journey of writing and reading. (Remember I'm a wreader )

I found it difficult to put this book down. The intense action, lively dialogue and captivating visual descriptions kept me turning the pages wanting more.

This book makes you think about what it meant to be a woman in the 19th century. Especially a single woman bent on crossing the continent in a covered wagon. In an atmosphere where the wagon train boss made his own law.

It's the story of unwavering faith in a seemingly godless land. When her mother dies, aptly named, Faith Beal takes her younger sister on a journey west to look for their father in the California gold fields. After 2 months of demoralizing travel, with still weeks to go, Faith gets run down in Ft. Laramie.

Connell McClain's fiancée was on her way to join him when she disappeared. He's in Ft. Laramie showing her photograph around when he sees Faith get knocked to the ground. The street is filled with people but everyone ignores her. A Christian and a gentle man, Connell carries her to safety.

Thus starts the love story of Faith and Connell. It doesn't take Faith long to decide she wouldn't mind spending the rest of her life with Connell. But she soon realizes that he'll never be hers as long as he's looking for his fiancée. And being a man of substance, he'll never break his vows when he does find her.

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Excellent - 5 stars (one to re-read; definitely a keeper)
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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 61 Harlequin Imprint: 57 Others: 4

Book Review: Hideaway Home

2008-06-02T15:01:00.005-06:00

Hideaway Home by Hannah Alexander - Love Inspired Historical #3 - Mar 08

I don't often read books that are set in the 1940's but I enjoyed this one. The love story is poignant but the historical details really brought this story to life. If there was a Steeple Hill line for Historical Suspense, this would fall in that category. It's the story of 2 Americans who happen to have German lineage - not a good thing in your background when your country is fighting the Nazi's.

It seems like Bertie Moennig has loved Red her whole life even though they didn't have their 1st date until just weeks before he was shipped off to fight the Nazi's in Europe. Undeterred, she writes him letters believing in her heart that he is the only man for her. When the need arises for machinists, she learns a trade and heads out to California to work in the aircraft industry until Red comes home.

Bertie's letters had kept Red Meyers sane in an insane war. He kept them in his shirt pocket and it was habitual for him to check often to ensure they were there. In plain terms, they were his security blanket. Although he'd never exchanged words of love with Bertie, the letters were filled with their hopes and dreams.

And those dreams didn't include him coming home lame. Believing that Bertie would be better off with a ‘whole' man, Red heads home without telling her of his injury. He happens to arrive the day after Bertie's dad is murdered. Clues lead to the possibility that the motive was his German heritage. When Bertie makes plans to return for her father's funeral, Red tries to deter her for her own good but she comes home anyway and gets the shock of her life.

What makes this book extra special is that it's the forerunner of the Love Inspired Hideaway series where you find Red and Bertie enjoying their twilight years together.

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)
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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 60 Harlequin Imprint: 56 Others: 4

Murder By Mushroom Doesn't Fit

2008-06-01T14:42:00.004-06:00

This morning when I awoke, my first thought was my book review for Murder by Mushroom and the ‘Okay - 2 stars (a so-so read for me)' rating I'd assigned it.

Interpretation: I felt guilty.

You see, my rating list goes like this:

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Excellent - 5 stars (one to re-read; definitely a keeper)
Great - 4 ½ stars (a keeper)
Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)
Pretty Good - 3 stars (I enjoyed this story, but was not blown away by it)
Okay - 2 stars (a so-so read for me)
Poor - 1 star (not worth the bother!)

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Well, that's fine for most books, but Virginia Smith's Murder By Mushroom didn't fit. Why? Because like I said in my review, it was well-written, but not near enough romance for me. Yet it is a book worth reading because of the way it covers gossip and everything that it entails, like hurt, betrayal, and repercussions.

So, when I got back from church today, I had decided to up the rating a notch. So I sat at my computer and pasted in the next higher rating:

Pretty Good - 3 stars (I enjoyed this story, but was not blown away by it)

But you know, that's not right. I didn't enjoy the story. I kept waiting for the romance... the hugs and kisses and handholding of 2 people getting to know each other. Of course I can't give you details because that would spoil it for those of you who haven't read the book. Suffice to say that I wanted more and did not enjoy what I received.

So, I asked my teen daughter who is an avid Love Inspired Suspense fan what she would do and she said, ‘Why not 2 ½ stars?'

Why not, indeed. I checked my rating list and realized that it goes from an Okay book to a Pretty Good one - no mention of a Good one.

So, I've added a new rating:

Good - 2½ stars (Good writing and story line but not my cup of tea)

I feel much better with this rating.

Book Review: Murder by Mushroom

2008-05-31T18:26:00.005-06:00

Murder by Mushroom by Virginia Smith - Love Inspired Suspense #63 - Aug 07

When it comes to what to bring for potlucks, I can relate to the heroine of this book. Jackie Hoffner usually brings chips and store-bought stuff to potlucks. When this is pointed out to her, she decides to cook up a delectable casserole for the next function. She's feeling great after all the rave reviews. But a few days later when a senior from the church dies, it comes out that Jackie's casserole containing poisoned mushrooms did the old lady in.

Trooper Dennis Walsh doesn't think Jackie is a murderer but his personal agenda is to learn everything he can from his esteemed partner. And if his partner thinks Jackie did it, then Dennis is willing to treat her as a murder suspect until proven otherwise.

This was a well-written book with an interesting plot. However, I found it somewhat boring. Why? Because I read Love Inspired for the romance and this book was only 20% romance - maybe. And even though there was suspense because no one knew the motivation for the murder, the heroine spent almost 50% of the book, sitting around having coffee and talking. Not enough action in this book for me.

What I did like, was the way the subject of gossip was handled. It's amazing to me how many people can sit at ‘coffee row' every morning and talk without acknowledging the fact that they're gossiping. Or the hurt that they could be causing by that gossip. I believe it's our job to stop this kind of talk whenever we encounter it whether it's over a morning coffee or at a church function. (Yes, even Christians gossip. (gasp))

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Review: Good 2½ stars (Good writing and story line but not my cup of tea)
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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 59 Harlequin Imprint: 55 Others: 4

Book Review: MIA: Missing In Atlanta

2008-05-26T11:42:00.004-06:00

MIA: Missing in Atlanta by Debby Giusti Love Inspired Suspense #94 – Mar 08

Debby Giusti doesn’t shirk in detail when she’s describing the seamier side of life. She takes you right down into the heart of the story, the city and the hearts of the two main characters. She hooked me right in and kept the pace up while effectively balancing the action with the romance.

Returning war hero, Jude Walker is finally back on US soil and he only has one thing on his mind – to reconnect with a girl he met and fell in love with six months ago on his last US leave. The only problem was she’d sent him a Dear John email and won’t answer his calls.

Sarah Montgomery knows the dark side of the city. As the temporary director of a shelter, she’s seen people affected by drugs, prostitution and other crimes. She’s tried to guard her heart from it all but when Jude Walker comes knocking on the shelter’s door, her heart stirs. If it weren’t for the fact that he was looking for his lost girlfriend, she might think twice about her vow to stay away from relationships.

But as Sarah works side-by-side with Jude doing whatever they’re needed to do, she begins to re-assess her life. She had her future all planned out, but is it really what God had planned for her?

And while Jude continues the search for his missing girlfriend, he begins to wonder what he’ll do if he finds out that he’s been pursuing the wrong woman after all.

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)

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100,000 book Challenge:

Total books Read: 58 Harlequin Imprint: 54 Others: 4

Book Review: The Perfect Blend

2008-05-20T23:03:00.005-06:00

Book Review: The Perfect Blend by Allie Pleiter Love Inspired #405 (Steeple Hill Café) Jul 07

I cried at the end of this book. Of course you know that as a Harlequin, there's a happy ending so I'm not telling you anything you didn't know...but this book is a faith story and those aren't always the easiest to read.

You know how some people have a higher calling to be a pastor, priest, missionary, etc? Well, Maggie Black feels that God has called her to open a coffeehouse in Seattle - as if the city needs another one. But ‘Higher Grounds' will be a Christian coffeehouse...a place where people can fellowship and relax over their favourite java. Just one little problem holding her back...financing.

Loans Officer, William Gray III is the stuffy Brit who denied Maggie's loan application. He's a tea drinker - can't stand coffee - and thinks Maggie needs to take a small-business course before his bank will reconsider loaning her any money. Especially to a business as risky as another coffee venue.

As most Steeple Hill Café books, this one is written in first person. I'm becoming used to reading these books but always feel gypped in a way because I never hear the hero's POV. I want to know what he's thinking. However, this is the 2nd Allie Pleiter Café book I've read and I don't miss his POV as much with her stories as I do some of the others.

Heat Level: Affectionate (kissing and hand holding but nothing more)

My Rating: Very Good - 4 stars (excellent one time read)
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100,000 book Challenge:
Total books Read: 57 Harlequin Imprint: 53 Others: 4