Review ~ Ruby Jane (Montana Marshalls 5) by Susan May Warren

She loved...and lost.

Ruby Jane never thought she'd meet the man of her dreams while running from the police in Russia. That he'd steal her heart on a train to Siberia. But loving a former CIA officer comes with a price...a life of danger. A life of high stakes.

A life where he simply disappears...

He has no memory of the man he was.

Mack Jones has no memory of his past...just the dark sense that he is hiding. And, he wants to stay that way. Mack likes the life he's built in a small tourist town, tucked away beyond the mountains, and has no desire to dig around in the gray areas of his memory.

When his place of business catches fire and Mack rescues the owner, he makes the news, which of course alerts the past he's hoping to outrun.

The only person who can help him is a mysterious woman he doesn't remember.

But a woman he desperately needs.

The surprising, thrilling conclusion to the Montana Marshall series. 

Purchase:

Amazon (Kindle)

My Review

4.5 STARS!!!

“The fire is supposed to burn away everything but our faith and character.”

Every now and then I read a book that when I close the last page, I just sit there. In silence. Contemplating. Ruby Jane was that kind of book for me. A smashing conclusion to the Montana Marshalls series, Warren brings it on with plenty of action, intrigue, romance, and a theme of regeneration that had me in tears. Her ability to show how a person who is utterly tarnished by their actions, words, and thoughts, and yet through the power of the Holy Spirit can be reconciled to God left me praising Him for his mercy and grace toward me!

“You have to believe that no matter what happens, you’re going to be okay. That God’s grace is enough.”

Without any doubt, SMW is the best builder of a fictional family I have read. Each and every character is pivotal to the storyline and I didn’t want to miss a single moment with any of them. I didn’t connect with Ruby Jane in the way I expected but I think it’s because I was acutely focused on York. He is an amazing character and completely stole my heart.

The Montana Marshalls must be read in order to get the full effect and enjoyment. Literally each book picks up where the other leaves off. It’s an excellent binge read!!

I received an early copy from the author. My opinion is my own. No compensation has been received.

A Thanksgiving Thought...

Today is a hard day for many people. 

I'm reminded to pray diligently for those who are suffering loss whether it's through death, distance, severed relationships, or all of the above. 

I pray each one of us feel God's mercy and compassion. That we realize his unfailing love and respond to his gentle persuasion to place our heartache in his hands where comfort resides. 

Grace and peace to you all!

*image:  https://pixabay.com/users/tsukiko-kiyomidzu-1850874/

Rebecca Reviews ~ The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr

Paperback, 384 pages

Published November 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel creates a select group of men who will count down the calendar to the arrival of Israel’s promised king. Centuries later, as the day nears, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are put to death by a ruthless Parthian queen.

Having grabbed only a few possessions, Myrad escapes the city, and searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, he tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is hiding secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable traveler, an epic journey filled with peril, close escapes, and dangerous battles begins.

With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can’t forget and the promise that the world will never be the same.

Rebecca's Review

3.5 stars

"From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens' and sixty-two 'sevens'." Daniel 9:25

Counting the years. Counting the months. Magis meticulously counted the days until the promised Messiah would come, according to the prophet Daniel. When a magnificent star appears in the sky, a young magi acolyte dreams of such a star, with a voice calling out to him saying, "I am". Then tragedy strikes and Myrad is forced to run for his life following the death of his adoptive father; his physical handicap making the journey all the more difficult as he trudges across the Parthian desert. Miraculously, he gains favor with a wealthy merchant, thus launching the beginning of the "end of the magi".

Intriguing barely scratches the suface of this story, for the author's imagination takes over much of what we don't know about the famed biblical visitors, and skillfully weaves in the known; resulting in a tale that is not only believable, but fascinating. Readers well versed in ancient history will find the story much easier to understand, but those who are not will feel sufficiently schooled.

Rising above it all is the reassuring truth that God can even use a "club footed Persian boy"to accomplish His purposes; for "it's almost as if God takes delight in accomplishing His ends in the most unlikely way possible. . . . . . (His) promises are sure, whether they come sooner or later." In spite of this being a more difficult than average book to read, its impact will remain unforgettable.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Live to Him!

Review ~ Royally Yours Collection by Melissa Tagg, Betsy St. Amant, Liz Johnson, Ashley Clark

Royalty Meets Small Town Charm in 4 Heartwarming Christmas Novellas

Tinsel, Vermont is known for its no-paparazzi policy and Christmas decorations that are fit for a queen. This holiday season, join four royals on a stroll through town square as they each find their Christmas wishes for a happily-ever-after...tiaras optional.

Purchase:

Amazon

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Short yet complete, Royally Yours explores the fact that royals are people too and often struggle with their duties versus what we refer to as reality. Sometimes they need a place to escape to so they can think and regroup. Tinsel, VT is a winter wonderland where no paparazzi are allowed. Enchanting twinkle lights and sparkling snow make the perfect backdrop where wishes are sure to come true for these four royals as they seek to distinguish who they are and what they hope to accomplish in their sovereign rule. Add in sweet romance and you have a treasure trove of delight!

Melissa Tagg and Liz Johnson are familiar to me and I’ve loved any of their books I’ve read. One Royal Christmas and A Royal Wonderland are exceptionally delightful and showcase these two authors’ signature writing punctuated with sigh-worthy moments! Betsy St Amant and Ashley Clark are new-to-me authors whose stories I enjoyed and I look forward to reading more of their works in the future.

I received my e-copy of the book from one of the authors. All opinions in this review are my own.

Review ~ Lessons on Love: 4 Schoolteachers Find More Than They Bargained for in Their Contracts by Susanne Dietze, Rita Gerlach, Kathleen L. Maher, Carrie Fancett Pagels

Paperback, 448 pages

Published October 1st 2019 by Barbour Books

Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher

New York, 1840s

Her father’s sudden death makes Gilda Jacobs the new schoolmaster, but to teach Christian curriculum she partners with fire-and-brimstone revivalist Joshua Blake, who learns a lesson in love.

Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze

Kansas, 1870

Mary Clarence teaches English to the children of Swedish immigrants, but when her favorite students’ widowed father, Kristofer Nilsson, is accused of robbery, she’s determined to clear his name.

In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mackinac Island, Michigan, 1894

Desperate for work, Margaret Hadley dresses as a young man to secure a dray driver’s position. When soldiers at the fort threaten her, Mackinac Island’s newest teacher, Jesse Huntington, intervenes.

A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach

Virginia, 1904

Karin Wiles longs to share the uplifting power of music with children. But when she seeks to improve a poorly run school and include orphans, Nathaniel Archer delivers harsh words of opposition from the school board.

My Review

4 STARS!!!

If you enjoy inspirational historical romance then you’re sure to find a few pleasurable hours spent with these four school teachers while they address and work through challenges faced in and out of the classroom. With four unique writing styles, readers are sure to be entertained and encouraged by one or more of these courageous young teachers. 

I have to mention the gorgeous cover. Between the embossing and the cutout, it’s one of the prettiest covers on my book shelf this year! 

I was gifted a copy of the book. No review was required. 

Review ~ Call to Love by Mary A. Felkins

Prism Lux, November 15, 240 pages

Tracy Cassidy, a fiercely independent ED nurse, must choose between her dream job or staying in her hometown to help support her mother’s faltering ministry. Even if it means risking her heart in love with the kind of man she said she’d never marry. Why sign up to be Laurelton’s next cop widow?

Tom DeLaney, a hyper-vigilant cop and new hire from Texas, is wearied by years of failed rescue attempts to save his marriage to his ex. A free man, he moves to the foothills of North Carolina. Thing is, he hadn’t expected to fall for Tracy, his supervisor’s sister. But when his adolescent son is diagnosed with a chronic illness, he faces the risk of loving another woman with keep-out issues.

Fears related to the death of Tracy’s cop father and Tom’s inability to forgive the past threatens to sabotage any chance at love.

To trust again means surrender. Will they risk their hearts and answer the call?
Pre-order: Amazon (Kindle)
I am in no way affiliated with any vendors. Links are provided as a courtesy only.
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About the Author

Mary A. Felkins is a contributor to writer’s blogs and on-line magazines. She also publishes a weekly story-style devo on her website. Call to Love is her debut inspirational romance. Raised in Houston, Texas – and forever a Lone Star girl - she and her husband Bruce moved to the foothills of North Carolina in 1997. They have four (adolescent to young adult-sized) arrows in her quiver. She can be lured from her writing cave if presented with a large, unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick, though she’d likely pass out.

My Review

3 Stars

“Is that how you see me, a repeat offender with no hope of redemption?”

Above all, the message I took away in a Call to Love is redemption. It is available for all who call on Him. Felkins’ characters have some deep-seated issues–fear, anger, bitterness. Only God can deliver Tracy and Tom from these destructive emotions.

I really enjoyed Tracy’s mom. She is a wise woman who gently imparts strength to those around her through perseverance and compassion. Can you picture the following? I can.

With a deep stare, Mom peered over the top of her reading glasses. “When love is real, you’ll answer the call no matter the cost…” She squeezed Tracy on her arm, infusing wisdom into her veins. “If you choose to trust the goodness of God’s heart.”  (Location 984 of 3759)

See what I mean. Wise. Words.

The story is heavy with purple prose but many readers will still enjoy Felkins’ debut contemporary romance. I was provided an electronic copy from the author. No review was required. No compensation received.