Never too Late by Lawrence W. Gold

My book review today is on the novel Never Too Late. This book was sent to me to read and review and all of the thoughts on this book are my own. This is not a Christian book so I want to tell you that up front to those who follow my blog. The language isn't bad and there's no sexual situations. I did like this book. As a sixty eight year old, I like to think people like me can do such exploits, even I can dream. The book is well written, I like his characters, and the situations he puts them into. You have to really feel for his main character and what she has to deal with.

Isabel Kramer is a respected psychiatrist and a a professor of psychology at U C Berkeley. At the age of sixty, Issy's seventeen year old daughter asks her to run with her in the Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco. As they prepare for the race Issy discovers a love of running. When she was a teen she had wanted to run cross country but was greatly discouraged by her mother but now she remembers the thrill she had felt. At the finish of the race she decides to continue racing and hires a coach to prepare for running marathons. Issy finds that the whole world is about to try to keep her from her desire to run in the Boston Marathon. Barriers are at every turn but Issy is determined to run her race.

This is a great story of determination and courage. I'm sure you will enjoy this story.

A Perfect Amish Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

My book review today is on the Novella, An Amish Christmas Quilt, A Perfect Amish Christmas, this is the third and last story of the novella. I have really enjoyed this novella, I was sent the book to read and review from the publisher as I read, review, and love all of Jennifer's books. The views on the stories are all my own and no one has influenced my post. I love Christmas stories, I love Amish stories, and I do really love the Huckleberry Matchmakers.

Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again, they bring their grandson, Gideon, back for Christmas. They plan to bring him together with their neighbor Dottie Schrock. Gideon returns for Christmas but comes a day early after he receives a letter from his cousin asking him to come a day later. Intrigued he shows up at Dottie's door the day she is planning a perfect party for her mamm.

Dottie's mamm had almost died last Christmas and this year she was determined to show her mamm a perfect Christmas even if that meant hurting a few peoples feelings. When the handsome Gideon shows up at her door, she tells him he is not welcomed at her party but when an extra girl shows up she is forced to go to him and beg him to come after all. How humiliating!

Gideon can't believe how she had grown up. He tries to go out of his way to help her with her perfect Christmas, but when a freak storm shows up and Dottie is lost, he's the one to go and find her.

A great humorous story you will absolutely love. This novella isn't out yet but will be soon. You may preorder it at the address below. I know you won't regret it;

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A Christmas on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

My book review today is on the second story in the novella, An Amish Christmas Quilt. This story is A Christmas on Ice Mountain and I enjoyed it very much. I haven't read any of Kelly's work before but will certainly read more. The story is well written, if anything it was just to short but then novellas are like that. I enjoyed the characters and the whole Hatfield and McCoy concept. It's an excellent read.

Matthew Beider is in love with a beautiful girl. The only problem is that his father and her father aren't speaking and haven't for years. The couple have been sneaking out to meet but have decided to visit the Bishop and have their marriage announced in church. Now they pray for a miracle.

Laurel Lapp is sneaking out to meet the man of her dreams. She attends a Quilting Frolic but manages to sneak out to meet the Bishop. Upon her return she is asked to take the Quilt to Grossmuder May up the mountain. As she heads out the weather suddenly turns colder. Snow and sleet make visibility almost impossible, she finally arrives but is force to spend the night.

Matthew learns that Laurel has gone up the mountain in the storm so he heads out to make sure that she had arrived. Matthew is wet and frozen when he arrives and he to is forced to spend the night.

Laurel's father is worried so head out to find Laurel early the next morning. Now the couple is found in a compromising situation and Laurel's father forces them to marry that day. Is this the miracle they prayed for? Could their love bring the families back together? You will want to buy this novella, you will enjoy every moment of it. You can preorder the book at the address below.

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A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant by Charlotte Hubbard

My book review today is on the novella, An Amish Christmas Quilt. Today I will talk to you about the first story, A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant. I felt like I needed to take one story for each blog instead of reviewing the whole novella. This book was sent to me to read and review as I review all of Jennifer Beskstrand's books. All of my thoughts are my own and wasn't influenced by anyone. I love Amish stories so I was excite when I received this one and I do love Christmas stories too. I have never read any of Charlotte's books but I really enjoyed this one and hope to read more of her work. It was well written, heart warming, and I loved the characters.

Mary Kauffman is a recent widow. Her husband had been older and not the man she had once dreamed of. Her marriage took place mostly because her harsh father told her not to do it. Now she was left with two children that weren't her own; one a son that wanted nothing to do with her and a daughter she couldn't seem to console. Mary leaves her home and goes several hours away to stay with her aunt until she delivers her unborn child and can get back on her feet. As she drives to her aunt's home her water breaks and she goes into full labor. She comes to a place on the road when she can't go any farther.

Seth Brenneman is a carpenter. He's hard at work when a strange dog comes to his shop and refuses to stop barking until Seth follows him. At the buggy he finds two children, an unconscious woman, two cats,( who escape into the buggy and cause chaos)  and a miniature horse. He takes her to the clinic and goes to tell her aunt. The aunt leaves to help Mary and leaves him with the kids and a circus in the buggy. He soon ends up helping to deliver the child as Mary is to worn out to deliver.

The teacher of the school suggests a community pageant since they don't have enough children in the school. They decide to do a living nativity but Mary's father shows up at the service and forbids them to do such a wicked thing. Mary and the other members decide to have the nativity anyway; Mary, her tiny son, and Seth the carpenter. Soon word has gone out throughout the land.

A great Christmas journey of love, forgiveness, and faith. this is a must read story. The novella will be out in November but you can preorder it now at the address below.

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Wilderness Target by Sharon Dunn

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Wilderness Target. This book is one of Sharon's best, I loved it. Sharon does an awesome job on suspense books. This book is well written and action packed. You won't be able to put it down.

Clarissa Jones returns to Discovery to find a friend after she has lost everything at the hands of her ex-boss. Clarissa had a tragic childhood and had lived in Discovery for only a year but the memories were some of her best. She soon found that she had been followed by one of her ex-boss' thugs. At the airport she jumps in the back of a van picking up passengers. The driver saw her but didn't give her away when the thug asked about her. Calling her friend she waits for her to show up but is attacked and almost killed. In desperation she signs up for the man's survival training school.

Ezra Jefferson is an ex-military outdoorsman, he runs a survival training center and picks up passengers for a week long adventure. He notices the young, beautiful, city girl but also notices the terror in the girl's eyes. He offers help but isn't surprised when she refuses. The next morning she shows up and signs up for his trip; he accepts her even though he can tell she is trouble.

This adventure leads to a horrifying run for their lives. Ezra is forced to leave his group on their own to save Clarissa. Several men are chasing them and a helicopter with her ex-boss shows up. A thrilling chase takes place and only God can save them. A great story. You can purchase this book at the address below.

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Danger at the Border by Terri Reed

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Danger at the Border. This book is the first book in a new series, Northern Border Patrol. I don't know about you but I have never read a book by Terri that I didn't love. This book is no exception. It is well written, full of action, and interesting characters; from a fish biologist to the border agents. There is a lot of information about the drugs, the people who grow them, and the people that work to keep our borders safe. I loved it.

Biologist Dr. Tessa Cleary works for the Forest Service's Fish and Aquatic Ecology Unit and is called in to check out a toxin spill of some kind. Fish are dying and people are becoming ill when exposed to the lake water. Tessa comes to find out what toxin is in the water and fix the problem, a cut and dry assignment, right? She is sent out in a boat to check the lake at different intervals and see if she can find the point of entry.

Border Patrol Agent Jeff Steele is sent out to find the culprit. He is disappointed in the doctor and assumes she will be a high maintenance woman and he'll be stuck by her side the whole day. He soon finds that is not the case as they are kidnapped and brought to a camp where thousands of drugs are being grown. This doctor is a feisty little thing that has him questioning his stand about relationships.

Both Tessa and Jeff come from a family where they were unloved and unwanted. Both have had bad relationships and have come to the place where they won't risk their hearts again but God has other plans. This is a story of commitment, faith, and trust; a book that is a must read. You can purchase this book at the address below. God bless you all.

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The Homesteader's Sweetheart by Lacy Williams

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, The Homesteader's Sweetheart. I always enjoy Lacy's books; she tells a great romance, her characters are people you fall in love with, and she weaves her faith like a  tapestry throughout the story. You will love this book.

Jonas White was an orphan. As a young man he was taken as an apprentice to a brick layer back in Philadelphia. As he worked across the street from a finishing school her became enamored by a beautiful girl. Unfortunately he is accused of fathering a child with another girl. Because he had been unwanted he took the baby girl and fled town. Now several years later he has adopted eight boys and his one daughter but the daughter had developed seizures. In a desperate attempt to get medication to help her he goes to the banker's home to ask for a loan. There standing before him is the girl he had adored.

Penny Castlerock was a disappointment to her father when she returned from Philadelphia unmarried. So in an attempt to rectify that situation he promises her hand to his partner, but Penny wants nothing to do with this arranged marriage. When Jonas brings a letter from her grandfather telling them he had been ill she takes her younger brother and flees to the farm. Unfortunately she must ride with the farmer that had interrupted the party the night before. Jonas reveals who he is and she fears for her virtue but fears the situation more so leaves with him.

As Jonas fights his attraction, his children all fall in love with this socialite. Penny is drawn to the handsome farmer and his children. When she tries to cook she almost burned down the house. Now they must go next door to eat until the kitchen can be rebuilt. One of Jonas boys take the spoiled little brother and teaches him how to work and how to become a man. As they struggle to care for the farm and earn enough to get the medication, they experience all kinds of problems, who can be causing the problems and why? A great story of love, trust, and forgiveness. You can purchase the book at the address below.

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A Mother for His Children by Jan Drexler

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, A Mother for His Children. This book is an Amish story and I love the Amish so I really enjoyed it. I think we all would like a simpler way of life but I'm not sure I would like all that extra work and I'm not able to embrace all of their religious traditions. I like being able to walk in victory. This story is well written, it has great characters, and interesting humorous situations.

Ruthy Mummert is humiliated by the man she was courting for eight years. His marriage to her best friend was announced at services and then it was found out she was with child. Ruthy couldn't live with the shame and seeing them all the time so she answers an ad for a housekeeper in another community. When she arrives she finds out her mother was right, she should have asked more questions. The man arrives with four young boys, he was much younger than she expected. He had only mentioned a daughter but had said she would care for his children so she would be caring for five children but as they arrived she soon met more children; finally unable to control her tongue she went out to the barn to demand to know how many children he actually had. Ten children how would she handle that?

Levi Zook had expected an old made not a beautiful young woman, How could someone like her control his children and teach his girls how to care for a home. He didn't expect to be attracted to this woman and now his older sister told him how inappropriate having her here was. His sister wanted to take the younger twin girls and told the elders about Levi's situation when he refused, finally unable to lose this caring woman he offers a marriage but she demands a marriage of convenience, not at all what Levi wants.

A great journey of forgiveness, healing, and restoration. I know you will want to read it. You can purchase this book at the address below. God bless you and have a great weekend.

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Keeping Watch by Jane M Choate

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Keeping Watch. I believe this is the first book of Jane's that I've read. I did enjoy it very much and look forward to reading more of her work. This book is well written, action packed, and full of interesting characters.  Faith is interwoven throughout the entire story. I like that.

Deputy District Attorney Danielle Barclay has a stalker. Dani is being followed, is receiving threats, and gifts of dead animals; her father, the Senator, hires a body guard to protect her. Dani doesn't think she needs a body guard but soon finds out that she does need protection.

Jake Rabb was a Delta Force Soldier. After a mission that went wrong and seven of his men had died, Jake left the service and joined his sister's business as a body guard. He wasn't happy to take on the spoiled daughter of a U.S. Senator but soon learned she wasn't anything like he thought she was. Would he be able to keep her safe?

This journey is about a boy who protected his sister from their mother when they were children and kept them fed and clothed, a man who joined the military to save the world, a man that had given everything to his country only to be betrayed by politicians, and now tries to live with the night mares. A girl who's mother deserted her, her father throwing himself into his work, and leaving his daughter to handle her own grief. A woman who is driven and out to prove to her father she has value. These two come together and bring healing and restoration to each other through God's gracious plans. An awesome story! You can buy this book at the address below. 

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Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

My book review today is on the book Huckleberry Christmas. This is the third book in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series. I have loved this series, and I wish I would have had grandparents that would have helped me when I needed help, maybe I wouldn't be alone now. This book is an advanced reader copy so It's not out until October but you really need to watch for it. It awesome!

Anna and Felty Helmuth are an older couple and Anna has had some success in the matchmaking of two of her grandchildren, so now she wants to try to match up her widowed granddaughter.

Tyler Yoder was once courting Lily who left him at the alter and married his best friend, Aidan Helmuth. (one of Anna's matches) Although he was not totally heartbroken he was humiliated and had made up his mind he wouldn't fall in love again. If he married it would be for companionship not love until he met Beth and Toby Hostetler.

Beth Hostetler was widowed a year ago. She had been married to Amos, an abusive man, when he died Beth was relieved but stayed on to help Amos' mother who was suffering from cancer but also abusive, to the point her own family refused to care for her. Her brother-in-law was determined to marry her so she moved home to Huckleberry Hill where she was loved. She was determined to never marry again but she had underestimated her grandmother.  

This is a humorous story of love, forgiveness and restoration. You will laugh, you will cry, and your heart will be touched. I can't wait for the next book.

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Protected by the Warrior by Barbara Phinney

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, Protected by the Warrior. I am always amazed by books about Medieval Times. I'm not sure how you would research their language and how they live, of course I have never tried to do that. Barbara does a great job on this one. Some times you end up with a lot modern day terms or phrases but they were not in this book. I really enjoyed this story.
I loved her characters and the whole concept of the book. I enjoy the way she has woven her faith into the tapestry. Awesome!

Clara is a Saxon midwife; she lived in the village of Colchester, hiding a young Norman slave and her newborn child, she is forced by the village to leave and go to Dunmow. The child's father, a Norman Baron, is searching for the child but Clara has vowed to protect the badly beaten girl, fearing for her life. After a few weeks of caring for Lady Endiva during her child birth, a message is received warning the Lord Adrien that Clara is dangerous and telling of her crime. The Sergeant at Arms is told to guard her and vows to find where the slave is hidden.

Kenneth D`Entremont is a Norman soldier. Once Lord Adrien's squire he is now in charge of the Keep while Lady Endiva recuperates from child birth. When he learns of Clara's sins against the Keep he throws her in the dungeon but is forced to release her when Lady Ediva has problems. Lord Adrien charges Kenneth to protect Clara.

Lord Taurin is determined to have his son and kill the mother and his wife. In producing the child to his in-laws they will give him great wealth, he will rival the king. This is a great story of trust and courage.
Clara vows to do no harm to anyone but Kenneth is a soldier trained to kill. Can these two very different people find a life together?

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Out of Hiding by Rachel Dylan

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Out of Hiding. This is Rachel's first book for LIS but I know it won't be her last. A great suspense; well written, action packed, and it will touch your heart. I enjoyed how she wound her faith into the story and her characters were great.

Sadie Lane is a member of Witness Protection and has been for most of her life. Her family had been destroyed when she was but a child. Now as a Private Detective she has a lead on the man that was responsible. She vows to trust no one but when a F.B.I. agent asks her to work as a consultant on a case against this man she jumps on it.

F.B.I. Agent Kip Moore is leading an investigation to stop a crime boss that has recently moved into human trafficking. When his case involves a case PI Sadie Lane is investigating he asks her to help him. He's unaware that the man he is after is the man that destroyed her life.

These two investigators set out to bring down  the corruption before them but soon find out they haven't got a clue what is really going on. A story of faith, trust and restoration. I know you will want a copy, you can purchase it at the address below.

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Montana Reunion by Valerie Hansen

My book review today is on the Love Inspired, Montana Reunion. This story  is a Big Sky Centennial story, and is the prequel of a new series. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the upcoming ones. Valerie does a great job with her story telling. The story is well written and heartwarming. I know you will love it.

Tony Valdez was the town bad boy but has returned to the town of Jasper Gulch as a respected veterinarian. He's only here for a short period of time to help his friend. He dreads facing the town and trying to live down his reputation. On one of his first calls he runs into the only girl he ever loved. A girl his parents forced him t leave but never heard from again.

Annette Lakey heard that Tony was coming back to town but she had vowed to stay away from him. He had broke her heart when he disappeared without a word right before her prom. Now she ran into him face to face. He had changed but she didn't like that sparkle in his eyes. People just didn't change.

Old Rusty Zidek brings a half frozen puppy to her beauty shop and begs her to keep the pup until the vet could look at her. He calls the vet and then leaves. The vet shows up and shakes up her whole
 world. A really cute story. The address below will get you a free copy.

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