Amish White Christmas---Snowflakes on Goose Pond by Samantha Jillian Bayarr

My review today is on the Novella, Amish White Christmas. Today we will talk about the first story, Snowflakes on Goose Pond. I love Amish stories, such a simpler way of life, at least in some ways. I'm sure life would be a lot of hard work and I'm not sure I would want to actually live that way. I haven't read any of Samantha's books but I did enjoy this one and hope to read more of her work. The stories are well written, heartwarming, and full of faith. You will love this story.

Ruby loved to ice skate, it made her feel close to mamm, plus skating made her feel like flying and she was able to escape her overbearing cousin. Priscilla (Prissy) had moved here recently and had decided she was going to marry right away. She kept putting Ruby down to make herself look better. Today Ruby was skating on the pond when she noticed Jesse watching her. Prissy told her to stopping watching him. He was going to ask her to court and so stay away from him.

Jesse Fisher watched Ruby float across the ice. He'd had a crush on her from grade school, now they were both out of school and his feelings were much stronger. He really wanted to spend time with her. He finally gets up the courage to ask her to teach him to skate so he won't embarrass himself at the Christmas Skating Party. He has every intention of taking Ruby to the party but every time he gets anywhere close to Ruby Prissy pushes herself between them.

Ruby and Jesse struggle to find their way while the bully Prissy does everything in her power to keep them apart. Life is like that. It seems there is always something or someone trying to drive a wedge between you and the plan that God has for you. It is hard to have a trusting heart when distractions are coming from all directions. God's plan for us is worth fighting for and is so much greater than we can imagine. Don't let even your loved ones become a wedge between you and the Lord. God bless you and go get this book. 

Sheltered by the Warrior by Barbara Phinney

My review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, Sheltered by the Warrior. I love Barbara's books, they are in the old language and her description of clothing, castles, and cottages make you feel you are right there with the characters. Her characters are complex, sometimes broken people trying to survive the war torn villages. She weaves her faith into her stories like a well woven tapestry. I enjoy her work and I know you will too.

Former slave Rowena is a Saxon peasant woman with an illegitimate Norman child. We are introduced to her in Protected by the Warrior now we find her struggling to survive in the village but the people think she is conspiring with the Normans; after all her child is obviously Norman.  Rowena's small garden is attacked and destroyed in the dead of night. The Baron of the village comes and views the destruction and he sends her food for the winter which she refuses. The next night her hut is set on fire, now the Baron must step in. He takes her to his manor.

Baron Stephen de Bretonne has been given the small village to find any resistance to the new king. The Baron is struggling with his own personal guilt for not keeping his younger brother safe, now he is bound to protect this young peasant and her child. He must find who is trying to kill her and why but unfortunately he is drawn by the beautiful woman. How can he use her for bait when he has all these feelings rising within him?

A struggle of two broken people trying to find a way to survive the horrors of their world. Both are drawn to their God and His plan so they find themselves also drawn to each other. A great story. Remember God always has a plan and if we can but trust Him He will bless us beyond our wildest dream. After all he gave us those dreams and desires. God bless you this coming week.

Joint Investigation by Terri Reed

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Joint Investigation. This is the second book in the Northern Border Patrol Series and is an awesome story. Terri is a great writer when it comes to action books and I love reading her work. The story is well written, full of action, and twists. It's a hard book to read as it deals with a serial killer, those can be difficult. What makes men and a few women go off their rails and kill just for the thrill of it? Terri handled the subject with a great deal of understanding and her killer is very convincing.

FBI Agent Samantha (Sami) Bennett is searching for a serial killer that had killed her best friend six months ago. No one else believed that any of the murders were connected but there is no doubt in Sami's mind that they are connected and that the killer was toying with her. She goes to the next clue that the "Birdman" had left for her. She figures he is long gone but she has to go in to find the mutilated body he had left behind and the next clue. As she tries to enter the room she is attacked from behind and hauled down the corridor.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Inspector Drew Kelley and the Integrated Border Enforcement Teams task force are waiting across the parking lot for a major drug deal to take place when someone wearing a FBI jacket tried to enter their crime scene. She tells them of the killer she's following but not believing her they tie her up and leave to breach the room. The place is set up to be an ambush for Sami but the killer escapes. If Drew hadn't stopped her she would be dead. He must protect her at all costs so he becomes her partner in the investigation.

So starts a journey of two investigators trying to figure out the mind of the deranged man that they might bring a stop to this man's rampage across the two nations. Only God can intervene and keep these two alive as they grow closer to capturing this killer. God always has a plan for us and if we can just trust him He will lead us into things we never even dreamed of.

Headline Murder by Maggie K. Black

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Headline Murder.  Don't you just love Maggie's books? This one (like all of her others) is well written, fast paced, and full of adventure. ( you just can't put it down) She also weaves her faith through her stories like a tapestry, I love that. Her characters are complex and well developed. You will enjoy meeting them. Her work is exceptional.

Reporter Olivia Brant is trying to get a great story to save her job. She goes to the courthouse armed with a camera to watch the end of the trial of a controversial business man. The man is acquitted and a riot breaks out in the courtroom. Olivia sneaks out to the parking garage to try to get an interview. She starts the camera; walks towards him, asks him a question, and sees three faceless men enter the garage. Gunfire breaks out and the car blows up. Olivia runs from the explosion but collapses. Someone picks her up in his arms and rescued her.

Ex-bodyguard Daniel Ash is in the parking garage hoping to talk to his ex-brother-in-law. He is sitting in his truck praying for him when he witnesses an attack on the man and a young woman. Daniel picks Olivia up, scoops up her things, and drives out of the garage. He hopes someone called 911 but he has to get her to the hospital. Daniel is chased through out the streets of town. His back window is shot out and bullets riddle his truck but makes it to the hospital. He explains things to them and then leaves.

Olivia wakes alone but can't forget the man she knows only by Daniel. Two days later Daniel calls to meet her for coffee. She takes a young cameraman with her to meet him. Thus starts a journey of two broken people trying to survive their past and find away out of the terrors that are going on round about them. Both learn they must trust God and each other. God always has a plan for us and it is always much greater than we have imagined. Just turn your life over to Jesus and watch what He will do for you.

High-Risk Homecoming by Alison Stone

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, High-Risk Homecoming. I so enjoy Alison's books. I'm always excited when one of her books come in the mail and this one is no exception. This book is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I enjoyed her characters, although they are broken flawed people they are people that are real. I know you will enjoy this book.

Ellie Winter is bound and determined to be independent. She goes into business with a friend and they open a small gift shop. Unfortunately the night before they are to open Ellie is in the back room alone when a man attacks her looking for a package. As she runs for her life she is saved by a man that had been her teenage crush, a man that had betrayed her and her family years ago. Though she was drawn to him she knew he was only there for his job. How could he think she would have anything to do with drugs when their family had been destroyed by them.

FBI Agent Johnny Rock comes back home to follow a trail of drugs. The trail leads straight to Ellie's shop. He knows she wouldn't get involved with drugs but someone thinks she stole their drugs in a package that came to her shop. Can he keep her alive and find the man who is threatening her? Could he get her to trust him after he had turned in her brother?

A great journey of two heartbroken people that are drawn to one another by God's plan. Trusting God and each other is difficult for them but God made a way where there was no way. He always makes away. Trust Him to get you out of your problems. His plan is always greater than yours.

Emergency Reunion by Sandra Orchard

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Emergency Reunion. I love Sandra's books so I was thrilled to receive this one. It is an excellent read you don't want to miss. This story is well written, full of faith, and adventure. I loved the characters, although flawed they were very real.

Paramedic Sherri Steele and her partner answer a call. Sherri is attacked and held at knife point. She is rescued by a deputy that had once been her high school crush but is also the brother of the druggie who just attacked her. Sherri refuses to believe that someone is out to kill her. She believes her team is just hazing her until it becomes deadly. Can she trust the deputy after he ran off and left her as a teen?

Deputy Sheriff Cole Donovan has returned back to his home town to try to save his younger brother. When his mother left his father for being unfaithful, he left with his mother and never came back. Now feeling guilty about his brother's messed up life he wants to help him back on the right track. Imagine his shock when his brother is the teen holding a knife to the throat of the one girl he could never forget. As he tries to protect her, he can't help but wonder if his brother is the one trying to kill her.

Two people on a journey to find a killer whose sole purpose is to destroy Sherri and take her life. Brought together they struggle to survive and to trust that God has a plan for them. God always has a plan for us if we will only trust Him to work out our issues. Worry and fear only ties His hands. So turn lose of your problems and give them to Him to work out. His plan is always much greater than yours.

Detecting Danger by Valerie Hansen

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Detecting Danger. This is book five in the continuity series Capitol K-9 Unit. This series has been great and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
I appreciate the way Valerie write suspense. Her work is excellent and I was thrilled to receive this book. This book is well written, full of action, and adventure. You really need to get a copy, if you haven't read the rest of the series you really should order them too although this book stands alone. It is awesome, and I love that is full of faith. Valerie has a wonderful ministry.

Capitol K-9 Officer Isaac Black is at the Washington Monument searching for bombs with canine partner. The dog gave an all clear and the press conference was about to begin when his dog alerted on a briefcase. He called for everyone to evacuate, as he turned to leave the briefcase blew up. Isaac was wounded and taken to the emergency room. A beautiful nurse cared for him. He's intrigued when notices her trying to stay away from the press cameras, what is she hiding? As he tries to find out information about her he finds that she didn't exist until ten years ago. Was she running from the law or was she in witness protection?

Daniella Dunne saw her father blow up his mother with a car bomb. She testified against him ten years ago, her father had threatened to kill her, and she had been hiding ever since. Pictures of her face were plastered all over the TV so her identity has been compromised. Could this handsome man and his dog protect her? Although attracted to him she couldn't get involved with anyone who risked his life searching for bombs. Isaac took her to his family home but now his brother and sister were in danger along with Isaac, she had to get away.

A journey of two people trying desperately to survive the attacks of a mad man. They soon find that only God can keep them from the trauma that surrounds them. God has a plan and when they begin to trust him all the pieces fall into place. That is how it is with us. If we can only trust God he has a plan for us all and it's so much greater than our plans are.

Hidden Identity by Carol J. Post

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Hidden Identity. I love Carol's books and I'm sure you do too. This one is no exception; it's well written, fast paced, and full of action. Faith is an important part of her stories, I love that.

Meagan Berry is in hiding from an abusive ex-boyfriend when she sees a plane crash and tries to rescue the passengers before the plane sinks. She manages to pull the senator out of the plane but the pilot has a broken neck and she is unable to get him out. Meagan is caught on camera, put on the news, and now her past seems to be catching up with her. Can the handsome police officer keep her safe.

Cedar Key Police Officer Hunter Kingston has noticed the beautiful artist but she has always seemed standoffish. Hunter can tell she's keeping something from him and he hates lies yet he is drawn to her and feels he must protect her. How can he keep her safe when he is unable to trust her?

Two broken people trapped by their past, come together to try to survive whoever is trying to kill them. A great journey that brings them into the plan that God has for them. God always has a plan and a way out of the trials that surround you. You just need to learn to trust.

Permanent Vacancy by Katy Lee

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Permanent Vacancy. This is another Stepping Stones adventure and I loved it. Katy has a great way with suspense and this one is well written, full of adventure, and you'll love the characters. (some of whom she brings back from other stories) I also love the fact that faith is an important part of her stories. You'll this book.

Gretchen Bauer has been controlled most of her life. She recently broke off an abusive relationship with one of the deputies. She purchased an old Victorian house to to renovate into a Bed and Breakfast.
Out of funds sign signs up for a reality show to do the renovations for her. Unfortunately the town isn't on board with the project and try to stop her. Gretchen is convinced her ex has something to do with it.
As the T.V. crews start to arrive accidents began to happen to Gretchen. Is the handsome host the culprit, the producer who hit on her, of her ex? Who can she trust and why are they trying to destroy her or her home?

A victim of abuse, Colm McCrae ran away and lived on the streets of Dublin. The producer of a reality show found him, saw his potential, bailed him out and put him in front of a camera.  Colm is drawn to the owner and is determined to protect her even though she refuses to trust him. Colm is convinced his boss is causing the incidents to get better ratings.

These two people have suffered greatly at the hands of abusers, now they are on a journey that will require them to trust and lean on God for He is the only one that can get them through the trauma surrounding them. God has always got a plan and learning to trust is a key to finding out that plan. God plan is always greater than anything you have planned for yourself. God is so good. You need to go out and purchase this book, you won't be sorry.

Westward Winds by Linda Bridey

My review today is on the Westward Winds; Montana Mail Order Brides, Book 1. I have never read any of Linda's books but I enjoyed this one. I love mail order bride stories and I love cowboys so this one is a no-brainer for me. This is not a Christian story but it is a clean romance; there is some sex but it's after they marry and is not descriptive and is in good taste, there is some language but not vulgar, and it's a heart warming story.

Theresa O'Connor was born into high society. She's tired of being told who to see, what to wear, how to act, and all the useless balls and parties. She has told her family over and over but no one listens to her. Desperate she answers an ad from the Brook Agency seeking eligible women for mail order brides. She is drawn to one letter and answers it. Loving the way the man writes and speaks of Montana she writes and suggests she come out so they can meet. She is half in love with him before they ever meet.

Dean Samuels is a widower with two children, his wife died in childbirth and he has decided remarriage isn't an option for him. His brother Marcus keeps telling him he needs a wife and won' t leave him alone so he tells him to go ahead and send an ad in jest. He is shocked when Theresa's first letter arrives but he's intrigued. Uneducated he has his brother answer the letter telling him what to say because he can't trust his own ability. He's torn when Tessa shows up; somehow this feels like betrayal to his wife, but knows his children need a mother. After they are married he can't understand why she is upset when she learns he didn't write the letters. He refuses to listen to her or talk of his feelings.

Two very different people from very different backgrounds, their journey is filled with pot holes, twists and turns. The story is well written, I loved the characters, and it will touch your heart.

Covert Justice by Lynn Huggins Blackburn

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Covert Justice. This is the first book of Lynn's I've had the pleasure of reading but I must say I enjoyed it very much. This book is well written, action packed, and faith-filled. I look forward to reading her next book.

Special Agent Heidi Zimmerman has been chasing the crime cartel that killed her family and destroyed her life for years. She has followed the youngest son of the Kovac family to a small town. Now undercover she rescues the owner's son from a hit and run and goes to work for him to protect him and his family. Her main goal is to protect the Harrison but also to bring the Kovac family down.

Blake Harrison is working for his father in the family plastic factory. When his life is threatened he must lean on the beautiful little FBI agent. He doesn't understand why a crime cartel would be involved or even interested in his plastic bottles and containers. As the danger surround him and his family he is drawn closer to the feisty agent.

This is the journey of two broken people trying to find God's will and plan for their lives and save the Harrison family. God always has a plan for you and it is always much greater than anything you imagined. You need to trust God and see what He has in store for you.

Sailing in Style by Dana Mentink

My review today is on the Harlequin Heartwarming book, Sailing in Style. I love Dana's books and was thrilled to get this in the mail. I wasn't disappointed, this one was excellent. The book is well written, light hearted, humorous and had just a touch of suspense. I loved it. I know you will too.

Piper Brindle is an actress doing a small play on an old worn out paddle boat. She's doing everything she can to live down her families past sins of thievery. She broke the heart on the only man she loved so that he wouldn't find out about her past. She is caring for her uncle while her mother is in prison. She is driven to prove to herself that she is worth something. Now is her chance as the assistant of a famous reality show host is going to help her get on the show next season but her lost love enters the picture and turns everything upside down.

Talented California Designer Cy Franco is on the paddle boat to see his sister married and celebrate their union. He's getting ready to wash his face when he sees a vision of the woman he loves in white satin through his porthole. He drops the wash cloth and runs after her. Unfortunately the wash cloth stops up the sink and floods his room and the hallway. The owner of the boat is furious with him and tells him he must pay sixteen thousand to replace all that had been damaged or he needs to redecorate the reception room. She gave him three weeks to redo it. There is no way to do that.

Two broken, flawed people thrown together on the little paddle boat. How will they survive? Now throw in a Cy's father suffering from a form of Pike's disease and losing his mind; Piper's Uncle Bo a known thief, a deformed dog that doesn't even look like a dog but is in love with a parakeet, a group of yellow hat ladies, and a ghost that wanders the hallway.

It's a great story you will thoroughly enjoy. Please order the book right away, you won't be sorry. Remember God has a plan for all of us we just need to learn how to trust Him and give our hearts to Him.

Exit Strategy by Shirlee McCoy

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Exit Strategy. This is the third book of the Mission Rescue Series; an awesome series as far as I'm concerned. This book is full of action, suspense, and faith. I enjoyed every moment of it but it is a hard book to put down. I love that about Shirlee's work. You need to get your own copy, you won't regret it I promise.

Lark (don't you love that name) Porter is a widow, she returns to their former home to prove that her husband was murdered. The cult Amos Way where they had once lived doesn't want her asking questions and she is quickly taken captive. Fearing for her life she does everything in her power to get lose only to be caught by a mysterious stranger.

HEART Team Member Cyrus Mitchell goes in to rescue Lark as a favor to a friend that had once saved his life. He doesn't take his team in for backup, how hard can it be? He manages to free her and leave the commune but the closer they come to freedom the harder and more dangerous the situation becomes. What are these people hiding? Cyrus needs his team's help as they use begin to use military weapons against them.

Two people who find themselves in desperate circumstances with only each other and God to trust.  God had a plan. God always has a plan, we just need to let go and trust Him. He will bring it to pass. A great story.

Rx Murder by Richard L. Mabry M.D.

I was asked to read and review this novella, Rx Murder. I appreciate the fact that Richard has actually read my blog but what I really appreciate is that Margaret Daily suggested he visit it. What a blessing that was to me. This story is well written, suspenseful, and surprising. I know you will enjoy it too. I liked the characters except for Luke. He reminds me of my ex-husband. Abuse is a hard thing to write  and to read about but it is an epidemic in our world.

Luke Stewart is an abusive husband. the book opens with him using his pregnant wife as a punching bag. Mary Lou does everything she can to make the man she loves happy but she fail constantly. It's her fault, everything is because she knows her husband loves her and does want to hurt her. The morning after her beating she goes to the doctor to make sure the baby is okay.

Dr. Elena Gardner treats Mary Lou and tries to talk her into leaving her husband but Mary Lou is uneducated, unskilled, and still in love with her husband so she refuses. Elena calls her fiancee, Dr. David Merritt who is Mary Lou's OB doctor to let him know what has happened. David is furious and vows to find a way to help Mary Lou.

David has breakfast with his friend Judge Will Kennedy the next morning. He asks for advice but the judge has none. David tells him what he really wants to do is beat the man senseless. The judge gets a call that Luke was found dead that morning by his wife. The judge suggests David talks to the sheriff since the restaurant is full and people had to have heard his statement. The judge gives him the name of a lawyer, Randy Sparling to take with him to talk to the sheriff.

The doctors do all they can to get help for Mary Lou even after she is arrested. Their church comes forward to help. Randy steps up and helps. These people show the true love of God in how they help the victim. A great story. 

I come from a background of abuse and my work is to try to educate women (and men) that there is life after abuse. God's will is never for you to live with someone that is destroying you; that includes emotionally, verbally, or physically. I have been through them all and I think the emotional and verbal is worse. The physical bruises and cuts will eventually go away but the emotional trauma can torment you the rest of your life. God has a plan and He can heal, deliver, and change your life if you can learn to trust Him.