Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt Reviews ~ Nothing Short of Wondrous (American Wonders #2) by Regina Scott

Paperback, 336 pages

Published October 20th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals. Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. When her 6-year-old son is kidnapped by a poacher who wants the boy to guide him to the place where the last of the Yellowstone bison congregate, Will and Kate must work together to rescue him, save the bison, and protect the park. In doing so, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control. 

 

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Rachael's Review ~ 3.5 stars

A lovely story of hope and second chances. I’ve never been to Yellowstone. This book sure makes me wish I had. The characters are wonderful and incredibly well portrayed. The story is a beautiful one with a strong faith and hope message...one of learning and growing. The scenic view that a God created is definitely the star of the book, and its beauty and treasures are well described. A book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

 I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Guest Reviewer; Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt 

Rachael is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger.

Rachael Reviews ~ Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick

In 1853, Abigail Scott was a 19-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway. Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother. When financial mistakes and an injury force Ben to stop working, Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family. What she sees as a working woman appalls her, and she devotes her life to fighting for the rights of women, including their right to vote.

Following Abigail as she bears six children, runs a millinery and a private school, helps on the farm, writes novels, gives speeches, and eventually runs a newspaper supporting women's suffrage, Something Worth Doing explores issues that will resonate strongly with modern women: the pull between career and family, finding one's place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices women encounter when they compete in male-dominated spaces. Based on a true story of a pioneer for women's rights from award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick will inspire you to believe that some things are worth doing--even when the cost is great.

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Rachael's Review ~ 3 Stars

I had a hard time with this book because I couldn’t really relate. I realize that fighting for women to be able to own things, get custody of their children, and so many other things was needed. However, Abigail seemed selfish, and she went ten months ( apparently fairly easily) without seeing her husband or children. The author didn’t make me feel connected to any characters in this book. I don’t know if that had more to do with the main character or the writing itself.

I did learn much from reading this book. The author did some extensive research to try to bring Abigail Duniway to life. Much is said of her relationships and the complexity of her situation with her brother as they both ran a newspaper with opposing views. There is a lot of information in the book about how the women’s right to vote was tied to prohibition, which I had never heard before. The west also was different from the East so they sought women’s rights differently than the East.

I personally love housework, Abigail hated it and really didn’t even seem to like the tasks of being a mother. Considering I was not even able to give birth, I found her a bit whiny and petty. I think in this instance, it was more the character that was brought to life than the writing that didn’t appeal. I have always enjoyed this authors books. I did very much enjoy the historical research , but I didn’t connect with the people. If you are interested in history, how difficult it was for pioneers of Oregon and the west, or the fight of women’s rights ( this was far more than just the right to vote) I would definitely recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Guest Reviewer; Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt

Rachael is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger. 

Rachael Reviews ~ A Reckless Love (Daughtry House, #3) by Beth White

Published June 2020
368 Pages, Revell 

These two may have met their match--in each other.

In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister's engagement. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.

But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He's tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge's murder.

Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world is out to get him. But just as she's on the verge of cracking Zane's defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

Rachael's Review

4 STARS!!!

This entire series, The Daughtry House, has been wonderful! I hope to eventually read all three in succession to better follow each character.

Each book is based on one Daughtry sister. This book has the youngest as the main character. She has much spunk in her small frame, and she tended to chatter. This led to Aurora frequently saying things she meant to just think. She is a really fun character as is the man she falls in love with, Zane. He is not the typical hero. This one bears seen scars from the war as well as those not seen. He is a well developed character with much depth.

Of course, the characters that the reader so enjoys from the previous books are present in the last. That makes the read even more enjoyable. The suspense is well done as is the historical research for the book and series.

I really enjoy the storyline plot and characters, but the hope and faith in this series is what makes it stand out in my book! That was much needed after The War Between the States. The faith theme is well done and incredibly natural to the storyline. This book will go on my forever shelves...along with the other two in the series. This novel can be read alone, but I do recommend reading the series. It makes for a much richer experience. I honestly cannot pick a favorite in this series. I have enjoyed all of them.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Guest Reviewer; Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt

Rachael is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger. 

Guest Review -- Standoff (Natchez Trace Park Rangers #1) by Patricia Bradley

Rebecca and I would like to welcome fellow bibliophile Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt to the blog today! Rachael is a seasoned book reviewer who had a technological snafu on her popular blog, RachsRamblings. Technology can be a pain sometimes but we are delighted to host Rachael today. 

Be sure and say hello in the comments! :-)

Paperback, 400 pages

Published May 5th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company 

Brooke Danvers wants to learn the truth about her father's suspicious death, but she'll need the help of Luke Fereday--a National Park Ranger and her ex-boyfriend. Keeping Brooke safe will take all of Luke's skills, and falling in love with her will only complicate matters.

Rachael's Review
4 STARS!!!

I really liked the main characters in this new novel by Patricia Bradley. Brooke and Luke were both well done. There are many secondary characters, and I admit to being a bit confused at times as a result. I liked the main storyline and the suspense...though it felt a bit too fast paced at times to keep up. I do prefer that to a book that really drags, though.

The plot was a good one, and over all I enjoyed the storyline. It had a little bit of a faith theme which I’m always looking for in Christian Fiction. I really felt it could have been stronger with the subject matter in the book.
I also liked that I was right in the “whodunit” question. There are several storylines to follow so the reader doesn’t get bored.

There is a lot that goes on in this first book of the series, and much is learned about the two main characters. There is a back history, surprises to the characters that aren’t part of the suspense plot. The author does a good job of creating depth to the characters.

It was a well done suspense, and I am looking forward to the next books in the series

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger. 

Contributor Review ~ A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

From WaterBrook Press

“A Broken Kind of Beautiful” – reviewed by Rebecca Maney

It's the kind of story that movies are made of! Fantastic, yet realistic; gut-wrenching, but satisfying; the healing power and nature of God's unfailing love was displayed in all of its glory through-out the pages of this book. Watching Ivy Clark metamorphose from a pile of shattered pieces into a totally new creation was a beautiful thing to behold. And the fact that her journey left a wake of answered prayers made the story even better.

Ivy Clark, super-model and Davis Knight, photographer par excellence, meet up again, after many years, in the small town of Greenbriar, South Carolina. When their lives are inextricably thrust together in a town fund-raising effort, their careers and their dreams are muddled with doubts, regrets, and hidden agendas. Davis and his aunt are confident that God has called them to "see" the beautiful-on-the-outside, but empty-on-the inside Ivy as she truly is; but, how to "fix" her? . . . . . .. is another matter indeed.

I read and enjoyed Katie's first two books, but this one is in a class all its own!

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Have you read this book? I know it is now on my TBR list after reading Rebecca's review.

Christian Book Store

By using the purchase link above I make a small commission on the sale of the book.

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Guest Review & GIVEAWAY ~ God's Provision in Tough Times

God’s Provision in Tough Times, Lighthouse of the Carolinas (July 2013)

Are you in the midst of tough times? Perhaps you're unemployed, underemployed, or having financial difficulties that leave you feeling hopeless and helpless. Do you question if God is aware of your circumstances? Are you wondering if there is a way out of your situation?

Cynthia Howerter and La-Tan Roland Murphy have both experienced God's provision in tough times. Along with guest writers, they candidly share their own personal stories of unemployment and financial despair.

You will find encouragement and hope as you read each story. Like you, many of these writers have lost their income, savings, homes, and health insurance. Some have found themselves on public assistance while others faced homelessness. Their faith and trust was refined and strengthened as God provided a successful path through their tough times.

Each writer's personal story demonstrates the power of God who knows exactly what you are going through and who promises to care for those who put their faith and trust in Him.

God's Provision in Tough Times includes personal accounts by guest writers Alycia W. Morales, Beth K. Fortune, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Cecil Stokes, Dan Walsh, Deborah Raney, Dee Dee Parker, Eddie Jones, Eva Marie Everson, Felicia Bowen Bridges, James L. Rubart, Ramona Richards, Roger E. Bruner, Tamara D. Fickas, and Torry Martin.

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God’s Provision in Tough Times, 

Lighthouse of the Carolinas (July 2013)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Yes, I am one of those contributors but I’d like to tell you that you will find so many touching stories in this compilation.  I particularly enjoyed Ramona Richard’s story because she has a child with a severe disability and as a single parent truly had to rely on God completely to get her through.

Eva Marie Everson’s story is so touching because of how she learned to cope with not only financial distress but betrayal.  I had known about Cynthia Howerter’s story because she’d shared it with our writing group in Virginia. She has spoken about losing everything and being homeless before large groups also, as a speaker.

I loved Jim Rubart’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” analogy with his own story. Torry Martin shares about his life (in Alaska, too) in his trademark humorous way! 

Alycia Morales shared about how God provided at what seemed to be the last moment.  Cecil Stokes’ story made me cry!  I could really relate to his story because I, too, have a word, each year from the Lord and I’ve also had to get my arthritic body down on the floor crying out to Him for help.

You will find stories in this book for all types of situations.  I encourage you to get a copy for yourself, to encourage your church to use it for a study group, and share a copy with a friend going through hard times.

Giveaway:  Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a paperback or ebook copy of the book (winners choice but non-USA winner ebook only.)

(Anne here) Y'all, Carrie is offering a copy because she truly has a beautiful and generous heart! Please be sure and thank her for her generosity.

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Bio: Carrie Fancett Pagels is the author of Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, a top-rated Amazon Civil War book.  Carrie was a psychologist for twenty-five years.  Besides her contribution to God's Provision in Tough Times she also has an upcoming short story "Snowed In: A Northwoods Christmas" in Guidepost Books A Cup of Christmas Cheer in October 2013.

Guest Review ~ The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney

Reviewed by Renee Smith   

As soon as I finished Deborah Raney’s The Face of the Earth, I wished I could forget it 

This compelling narrative took over my imagination for an evening as I sat on the couch, glued to the pages, while my dinner grew cold and the sun set around me.

Unfortunately my experience ended way too quickly. Now my only hope is that several months down the road the story will grow old enough in my brain that I can pick it up (almost) as new and enjoy it all over again!

The Face of the Earth details the story of Mitchell Brannon, his wife Jill, and her best friend Shelly. Mitch and Shelley’s lives are thrown into turmoil when Jill leaves for a conference and never makes it home. The police are called in, but no answers are forthcoming.

As the hours turn into days and then weeks and months, Mitch lives in limbo. He agonizes over what message God is sending him. Is He telling Mitch to get on with his life or to wait indefinitely for an unlikely ending?

Shelley reaches out to Mitch and attempts to ease his pain. But nothing seems to work without Jill. As the story develops, both Shelley and Mitch experience deep emotions—grief, despair, hope, guilt.

Everything but peace.

And as I read, I wasn’t thinking or analyzing or predicting what would come next. I was simply feeling right along with the characters.

I love how subtly Mitch and Shelley grow. The author deftly shows their hearts changing little by little, through all the daily events, big and small, until they finally find that elusive peace. Until they finally know that—whether they ever receive answers or closure or second chances—“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” ~Julian of Norwich~

This book reminded me that often our lives are lived in what feels like limbo: a place or state of restraint or confinement; a place of uncertainty.

Yet God, who sees “one day as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day,” faithfully gives us whatever we need to embrace abundant life even in those long, waiting moments.

I’m so thankful that He does!

I won this book from a blog contest and was under no obligation to review it. However, I wanted to share this great story with all of you! Follow this link to pick up a copy (under $10) for your summer reading.

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Thank you, Renee for allowing me to share your review! 

Deborah always write compelling stories and I look forward to reading it. 

Y'all can check out Renee's blog DOORKEEPER at www.reneeannsmith.com  She is a multi-talented writer, teacher and graphic designer! She also has a giveaway going on right now so hop on over to see what great prize she is giving away!

An oldie but goodie ~ Nightshade by Ronie Kendig

I love sharing books with my MIL. After she read Trinity: Military War Dog, she was eager to read the first book in the Discarded Heroes series, written by my all time favorite military suspense author, Ronie Kendig. I do believe my MIL is hooked! And I am so happy to have someone to discuss these awesome books with. Here's her thoughts on Nightshade...

Rapid Fire Fiction

Nightshade by Ronie Kendig

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, (July 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160260777X
• ISBN-13: 978-1602607774

Reviewed by Sharonne Payne

Nightshade is the first book in the Discarded Heroes series by Ronie Kendig.

A former Navy Seal, fighting PTSD, Max Jacobs and his wife Sidney are struggling in their marriage. Running from the anger and the demons that are ruining his marriage and his life, he takes on secret Black Ops assignments.

In the meantime, Sidney is a reporter and a story has surfaced about terrorists killing villagers and a mysterious group that shows up to save them. She is following the leads to find out who is saving the villagers. Suddenly she finds someone wants her to stop looking into this story or else, but she persists in going ahead. This is where I, as a reader, want to reach out and shake some sense into her. Why does she keep going? Where will it lead her? Doesn'’t she realize she could be killed? And, as always, I have to keep reading to see what happens because Ronie keeps dangling the carrot in front of me, which is why I enjoy her books. :)

Will Max and Sidney work out all the problems of their marriage? Will she get the biggest story of her life and get a boost in her career? Will Max learn to trust God?

Well, I know all the answers now, but if you want to know you will have to read the book. My lips are sealed!

Read Excerpt here.

Purchase Link: Barbour Publishing

Review ~ Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa can’t keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can’t help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?

Author website:  Regina Jennings

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Buy at Christianbook.com

Buy at Amazon

Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Along came Rosa; an unexpected pleasure to everyone around her.

Beautiful, sensual, vulnerable, and loyal; she bedazzles an upstanding widower upon meeting Westin Garner. And what a meeting it was! How many people could catch the eye of an eligible bachelor while wrestling an errant ewe to the ground? Rosa did.

As a recent widow, Rosa and her also recently widowed mother-in-law, Louise Garner, travel back to Texas from Rosa’s homeland of Mexico; both women determining to put sadness behind them and establish a new beginning on Garner family property; property that was left behind when Louise’s family followed the mining boom to Mexico. Unfortunately upon arrival, they discover that their renters have vanished and property taxes have mounted. The two Mrs. Garners have three short months to generate enough income to save their only means of livelihood.

Extended family comes to the aid of the two widows; giving them manpower and resources, but in spite of Rosa’s hard work and good business sense, the deadline arrives without the money being properly secured. In a moment very reminiscent of “Ruth and Boaz”, Louise sends her daughter-in-law to Westin Garner for help. The ensuing midnight encounter in a hay-filled barn has misconstrued results; sending a reluctant bride and determined groom to the altar. In spite of their growing friendship and obvious physical attraction to each other, the result is nearly disastrous. It takes a case of mistaken identity and Rosa’s near drowning for the new Mr. and Mrs. Westin Garner to acknowledge that their relationship is more than just “sixty acres and a bride”. It is a miraculous gift from God.

This is a well written book with many memorable scenes. The prologue in and of itself is fabulous. Those few, short paragraphs alone sent me spinning with curiosity. I was drawn into the story by page two. Rosa’s “la mariposa” dance in front of the Garner farm hands is both humorous and insightful. The sultry, teasing movements incite Westin’s embedded amorous feelings and his emotional eruption nearly brings them to “blows“. There are also tender moments which will bring a reader to tears; quiet, honest conversations by the river bank, soft declarations of desires, and Westin’s renewed vows to his wife, are all masterfully woven into the fabric of this understated romance.

Factor in unwanted advances from a neighbor, incessant jealousy from a would-be suitor, cruel discrimination towards Louise’s “dark-skinned” daughter-in-law, constant reminders of a loveless marriage, deep grief over the death of a spouse and an equally clever ending to a well-written beginning and . . . . . . . . . “Sixty Acres and a Bride” adds up to be quite an impressive debut novel.

Additional Comment: Congratulations Regina! I’ve also just read, “Love in the Balance”; what started as a “lightweight read” quickly turned into a “heavyweight story” and the ending will have me in tears just thinking about it, for months to come!  

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?

Guest Review ~ Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.

Trinity: Military War Dog

Reviewed by Sharonne Payne

If you like books that are “on the edge of your seat” exciting and full of suspense right through the last chapter, then TRINITY Military War Dog is the one to read.

Ronie Kendig has written a book that will keep your attention from the first chapter to the last. You will not want to stop to do mundane things like laundry, cooking dinner or cleaning house.

The bond between Heath and Trinity is amazing and inspiring. And then of course, there is the budding romance of Heath and Darci that may or may not happen. Between dodging bullets, climbing treacherous mountains, snowstorms, traitors, and spies there isn’t a lot of time for anything but trying to get out alive. Heath and Darci’s faith or lack of faith is tested and tried many times over. And when you think nothing else will happen, there is a little surprise at the end. Sometimes I will figure out all the characters before the end of the book, but this time I didn’t.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Just waiting for a chance to read the next book Talon: Combat Tracking Team. 

Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a Golden Retriever. She has a BS in Psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers.

Read more here.

Guest Review ~ A Hidden Truth by Judith Miller

A Hidden Truth

by: Judith Miller

series: Home to Amana

Reviewed by Sharonne Payne

I really enjoyed Judith Miller's book, A Hidden Truth. I have never heard of the Amana Colonies before. It was very interesting to learn how they lived and worked.

I enjoyed all the characters, but I think the way Anton learned to control his temper was great. In fact, I was thinking that quoting the 23^rd Psalm might be good for me when I get irritated and want to say something I shouldn’t. LOL

I can also relate to Dovie’s interest in her mother’s reason for leaving the Colonies because I enjoy family histories. At first I did not understand the attitude of her cousin Louise, but as I read more about the lifestyle of the people in the Colonies I understood where she was coming from.

Now I am wondering what happened to Jacob and his sister. Was he falling in love with Dovie? Perhaps we will meet him again in another book? I guess I will have to wait and see. I will look forward to reading more in this series.