No one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she builds hNo one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she builds her characterizations and story lines with layers, and there are always elements of surprise for the reader. Her latest release, "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" is a compelling contemporary romance filled with characters you'll want to get to know, plus small-town politics and a touch of mystery. The heroes are sigh-worthy, the heroines are smart and sassy, the humor is heartfelt, and the town itself is quaintly quirky. Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, TX, comes from a long line of politicians and public servants. Dedicated to her job, Piper envisions herself someday advancing her political career to the governor's office. When Piper's longtime acquaintance and sometime photo-op partner mysteriously disappear at the same time the local sheriff goes missing, speculation and nasty rumors begin to swirl. One of Piper's Texas Ranger brothers calls in state trooper Colby McBride to head to Honey Creek as an undercover investigator who will keep a very close eye on Piper. As events escalate around them, the sparks fly between Piper and Colby. He finds her lovely and appealing , and she is hard-pressed to resist his outrageous charm. The new preacher in town, Sam Cassidy--son of a "traveling preacher"--arrives for a short-term stay and is soon involved in the lives of the townsfolk. Somewhat at a crossroads in his life, Sam finds himself drawn to the area and the people--especially a certain sharp-tongued redhead named Anna Presley. As the mysteries deepen and dangers loom, Colby is working hard to protect Piper and keep safe the growing admiration between them. When all truths are revealed, will there be a happy future in sight for the mayor and the lawman? Will Sam's restless heart find its home in Honey Creek? This book made my romance-lover's soul smile for all the right reasons, and I greatly look forward to the next book in the series.
Author Carol Ericson begins her "Holding the Line Series" with the fast-paced romantic thriller, "Evasive Action". After two years, border patrol agenAuthor Carol Ericson begins her "Holding the Line Series" with the fast-paced romantic thriller, "Evasive Action". After two years, border patrol agent Clay Archer still feels the sting of being dumped by his fiancée with no real explanation. Now, April Hart has suddenly reappeared in his life, dressed in full bridal regalia, on the run after jilting fiancé number two, Jimmy Verdugo. after discovering his involvement in illegal drugs. Investigating a drug cartel case where there are bodies without heads and heads without bodies, the last thing Clay needs is to have his mind and his heart messed with by the woman he still loves and can't resist. April had good reasons for leaving Clay, and even though he holds the key to her heart, she still keeps secrets in order to keep him safe. Her own father has been off the grid for years--hiding from authorities as the prime suspect in her mother's death, he's also rumored to be a large-scale drug seller. Adam, April's troubled, unreliable brother, has a drug habit and is connected to Jimmy Verdugo. April has always had a soft spot for her brother, overlooking his faults and always coming to his rescue. Clay has long thought Adam to be a loose cannon, and as threats continue to come to light, Adam seems to be one of the biggest dangers to April. With time spent together working to solve the many mysteries around them, Clay and April can't deny their want and need of each other. If they survive, can their love for each other finally have a chance to bloom and grow into a bright and happy future? Author Carol Ericson definitely has a way with romantic suspense tales, and the relationship in "Evasive Action" is one of my favorites that she has written. I am really looking forward to reading the upcoming books in the "Holding the Line Series".
Author Susan May Warren continues her contemporary romantic suspense "Global Search and Rescue Series" with Book Two, "The Heart of a Hero". Jake SilvAuthor Susan May Warren continues her contemporary romantic suspense "Global Search and Rescue Series" with Book Two, "The Heart of a Hero". Jake Silver, former Navy SEAL and skilled sniper, is haunted by his military past. In more ways than one, facing danger and death takes a toll on a man--in body and in spirit. After his military service comes to a close, Jake makes good use of his very special skills by working for Hamilton Jones's top-rung rescue team. One of the missions involved saving Dr. Ana Sinclair and others during a mountain climb gone very wrong. Jake has never forgotten Ana and their "almost" romantic involvement. Seeing her again, he is still interested, but is she? When Ana is once more in the middle of a perilous situation, Jake hurries to help her, but should she risk her heart when he comes to save her life? If they survive the looming threat of a catastrophic hurricane, can the feelings between them also survive?
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via Library Thing...more
No one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she builds hNo one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she builds her characterizations and story lines with layers, and there are always elements of surprise for the reader. Her latest release, "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" is a compelling contemporary romance filled with characters you'll want to get to know, plus small-town politics and a touch of mystery. The heroes are sigh-worthy, the heroines are smart and sassy, the humor is heartfelt, and the town itself is quaintly quirky. Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, TX, comes from a long line of politicians and public servants. Dedicated to her job, Piper envisions herself someday advancing her political career to the governor's office. When Piper's longtime acquaintance and sometime photo-op partner mysteriously disappear at the same time the local sheriff goes missing, speculation and nasty rumors begin to swirl. One of Piper's Texas Ranger brothers calls in state trooper Colby McBride to head to Honey Creek as an undercover investigator who will keep a very close eye on Piper. As events escalate around them, the sparks fly between Piper and Colby. He finds her lovely and appealing , and she is hard-pressed to resist his outrageous charm. The new preacher in town, Sam Cassidy--son of a "traveling preacher"--arrives for a short-term stay and is soon involved in the lives of the townsfolk. Somewhat at a crossroads in his life, Sam finds himself drawn to the area and the people--especially a certain sharp-tongued redhead named Anna Presley. As the mysteries deepen and dangers loom, Colby is working hard to protect Piper and keep safe the growing admiration between them. When all truths are revealed, will there be a happy future in sight for the mayor and the lawman? Will Sam's restless heart find its home in Honey Creek? This book made my romance-lover's soul smile for all the right reasons, and I greatly look forward to the next book in the series.
Noted historical romance author Amanda Cabot begins her "Mesquite Springs Series" with "Out of the Embers"--an involving and inspiring love story set Noted historical romance author Amanda Cabot begins her "Mesquite Springs Series" with "Out of the Embers"--an involving and inspiring love story set in 1850's Texas Hill Country. With added elements of mystery and suspense, this intriguing tale features well-drawn characters and the timeless appeal of the rustic Old West era. For over a decade, Evelyn Radcliffe had been haunted by the murders of her parents when she was just thirteen years old. She had found refuge in an orphanage, and all these years later, it was still her home, and it was also her workplace. Whenever Evelyn would travel to obtain provisions and to sell the lace made by the children at the orphanage, she often felt an ominous, unseen presence whom she called "The Watcher". After one such trip, she returns to find an unspeakable tragedy: The orphanage had burned to the ground and the children and the staff had all perished in the fire. Only Evelyn and the young girl, Polly, who had traveled with her, were still alive. Evelyn knows she must find a safe haven for herself and Polly, and they head westward--away from sorrow, and hopefully toward a brighter future. Along the way, they are rescued from a raging storm by Wyatt Clark, who offers them shelter at the family ranch he shares with his mother and sister. Wyatt and his sister both have hopes of travel and life beyond the ranch. Evelyn and Polly are seeking a new start in the security of a settled home. The hand of Fate has brought them all together, and their lives--and dreams--will be forever changed. Has "The Watcher" given up on his prey, or will he follow Evelyn and Polly to Mesquite Springs? Will the attraction between Wyatt and Evelyn convince Wyatt that there is no place better than home on the ranch? I very much enjoyed "Out of the Embers", and I look forward to the upcoming books in the series.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via Library Thing...more
Sincere, understated performances and overall high-quality production values make "Les Miserables" audio-book from "Focus on the Family RADIO THEATRE"Sincere, understated performances and overall high-quality production values make "Les Miserables" audio-book from "Focus on the Family RADIO THEATRE" a very enjoyable listening experience. A talented ensemble cast, led by Brian Blessed as Jean Valjean, brings to life Victor Hugo's compelling human drama. The three CDs are paced just right for the most effectiveness in following the story line of a once-lost man's renewal and redemption, and the background music does not overwhelm the actors or distract from the story itself. As the tale unfolds, we are once again reminded of the personal suffering and political turbulence of the era and setting. Through it all, Jean Valjean's path takes unexpected twists and turns from the darkness of a prison galley to the ultimate cleansing light of love and faith. I was multi-tasking as I began listening to this audio-book, but soon I stopped everything else and allowed myself to just listen and be entertained. I visited the "Focus on the Family RADIO THEATRE" website, and I was quite impressed with the roster of talent and intriguing titles that are also offered in audio-book. Treat yourself to books on tape, especially if you can't find much time to read, and don't forget those who are visually impaired and love books.
Audio-Book Copy Gratis Tyndale House Publishers...more