Sweet As Honey by Jennifer Beckstrand

My review today is on Sweet As Honey. This book is the first book in the Honeybee Sisters Series. I don't know about you but I love Jennifer's stories. This book is well written, humorous, and heartwarming. You will love the characters, especially Aunt Bitsy. As an Amish book, it is filled with faith. I love Amish stories but I'm quite thankful I'm not locked into the legalism they have.

Dan Kanagy returns home after living away for two years. His parents sent him to relatives to learn about cattle but really they wanted him to find a wife. Dan only had one woman that interested him and she was living here in his hometown. As a child he was unsure how to get her attention so he would tease her and call her names but in his heart he had loved her. His only desire was to win her heart but now she's dating a man who has always hated him. He stands like a wall between them.

Lily Christner was laughed at and teased by the boys at school. Hurt she turned to the only boy who took her part. Now as an adult he wants to marry her. Lily still believes she is that ugly child and Paul wants to keep it that way. He's doing everything in his power to turn her into a proper humble Amish frau. When Dan came back he reads all about the working of their bees, he's willing to help them harvest the honey, and is always trying to lift Lily up and not put her down. Lily becomes very confused as the men's courting style are so different. Can Lily trust Dan or is he just trying to destroy her in a different way?

A journey of two people trying to survive the trial of everyday life and to figure out what their future is. God has a plan for these two and it is a plan for a hope and a future. God is like that for us too. God never puts people down to make them humble. God wants to lift us up so that we might be used of God. He has a purpose for each of us and it is so much greater than you could ever dream. Give Him a chance to turn your life around.  

Protective Duty by Jessica R. Patch

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Protective Duty. I really enjoyed this book. Jessica is fairly new to the LIS writers but I do like her work. This book is well written, action packed, and fast paced. I really enjoyed her characters. Faith was a major ingredient in this story, I like that.

FBI Profiler Bryn Eastman is brought to Memphis on a serial killer case. They have just found the fourth victim. Victimology is her specialty. This is the first case she has taken after an almost fatal injury last year, would she be able to prove she was still capable? Thrown together with the man that was once the love of her life, a love stolen from her; how could she keep herself from falling again? Could she keep her secret from him?

Homicide Detective Eric Hale had lost his sister to a serial killer. Unfortunately she was killed by Bryn's brother and their relationship had been torn apart. Bryn was the only woman he had ever loved but they could have no future. After Bryn is attacked Eric is determined to protect her but must protect himself as well.

A journey of two broken hearts struggling with the past and unable to see a future. God has a plan for these two; to take their tragedies and turn them into blessings, it's far greater than they have dreamed of.  God is like that! He wants to turn your hurts and tragedies into joy. Trust Him and give Him free reign in your life, you will be amazed.

Mystery Child by Shirlee McCoy

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Mystery Child. This is the fifth book in the Mission Rescue Series. I have loved each of these books in this series. Shirlee does an awesome job on suspense and intrigues. This story is well written, action packed, and fast paced. I always enjoy visiting the character's from the past books and seeing where they are now. I really like the HEART extended family.

Quinn Robertson receives a visit from her sister that she hadn't seen in many years. Her sister brought a small red headed child with her. Tabitha told her it was her daughter and she was running from her abusive husband, both of them had bruises. She begs Quinn to take Jubilee to her biological father. If they split up then her husband will follow her but when Quinn leaves she is followed. She contacts her brother for help. He and a HEART operative search for them in woods but Malone finds her first. Trust isn't easy for the daughter of a con-artist but he saves them from the  kidnappers. Was Tabitha some how involved in this mess?

Malone Henderson was on vacation when HEART learned that Quinn was bringing Daniel Boone Anderson's daughter to him. Boone, the director of HEART was out of the country but would be there as soon as he could get a flight. HEART had been searching for his daughter for all these years. Malone was notified that the child would be coming to a cabin not far from where he was staying. They wanted him to keep her safe, check her out, and see if she was really Boone's daughter. It was only going to take a short time and he could return to his vacation. That not what is happening! Men where coming in all direction trying to kill Quinn, her brother, and take Jubilee. How could he get Quinn to trust him? Where had the child been all this time? Who were these men the were trying to kill them?

A journey of trial, tests, and tribulations all around about them. Could they find the answers to what was going on before they were destroyed? How could they trust each other when they were so broken.
God has a plan for these people. A plan far greater than they could ever dream. God is like that! He wants to turn your life around too. Have faith in God! Give Him control and watch what He will do for you.

Coffee Shop Romances

This is a collection of novellas. I really enjoyed this set. I'm going to review each story in this one review. I know I don't usually do it this way but I'm really behind in my reviews.
SAFE HAVEN by Mary Connealy.
I love Mary's work and she is from Nebraska so what is not to love, just sayin.... Stacy Harding is a computer expert. She's flaky and feisty. She grew up in foster care but has been on her own since her early teens. She has gotten everything she has by the barter system. Her beauty has become a burden so she tries to plays it down. She is offered a job with Triune Corporation but she won't sign a contract.
Clay Slater is a rich man, the owner of Triune Corporation. He is intrigued by her ability and offers her a job but she will only work temporarily. He is appalled to learn of her life style. A great journey of two dysfunctional people but God has a plan for them.
STOLEN KISSES by Debbie Guisti
I really enjoy Debbie's suspense stories; don't you? Amanda Hopkins has returned home to care for her fourteen year old brother, Caleb and to sell her deceased parent's home. Her parents were living way  above their means. now it was up to her to clean up their mess. At a convenience story she witnesses a robbery but a cop keeps her safe. Caleb, just out side the door, seems to recognize the thief but tells the police he didn't know him. Police Officer Noah Ryan helps her but after a past neither wants to remember he tries to keep his distance. Amanda and Caleb are under attack; Noah has no choice but to protect them. An awesome journey of survival. God has a plan!
ABBY'S HERO by Tina Radcliffe
I really enjoyed this story it is quite humorous. PI Jack Evans and his partner Charlie are investigating a ten year old cold case. Abby's husband was the thief that supposedly stolen diamonds and was then killed. The diamonds were never found. Widow Abby Thorton is the mother of twin girls. They are a way at Bible camp when Jack comes undercover to help her with her plumbing. Jack soon finds out that he's not the only one looking for the diamonds and lives are in danger. Can Jack keep them safe or will only God be able to save them.
HIS SUMMER VALENTINE by Missy Tippens
This is a really cute story. Willow Valentine leave Atlanta to go North after her life falls apart. She'll go as far North as she can go and then she'll start over. She ends up in High Hopes, Georgia in the middle of a parade. Her car breaks down and everyone is upset. Ex-military Trent Merriwether just returned from the middle east; he steps up and pushes her car out of the way of the parade and then helps her. Attracted to the young beauty he tries to pull a way but  feels he must help her. God has a plan for them and High Hopes is where she belongs.

Impossible Love by Samantha Price

My review today is on the first book in the Amish Wedding Season Series, Impossible Love. I really enjoy Amish stories so of course I liked this story. Samantha does a great job on anything Amish. This story is well written, faith based, and has a few twists and turns. I know you will enjoy it.

Verity Fisher works for her parents in the family restaurant. She was once engaged and was to be married soon but her fiancee` took off to make money to buy them a home. He promised to be back very soon. That was six years ago and she hadn't heard a word in all that time. She promised to wait and so she did but now all the men her age are already married and she is left with a broken heart. Not only that but he had talked her parents into buy a huge house to turn into a B&B; a place that would soon fall to pieces. Verity's heart has become bitter as she kept thinking of her future.

Reuben King grew up in the Amish community. He was excited about his upcoming wedding but needed money to buy them a home. His Englisher friend talked him into leaving the community and make some easy money. He listened to his friend and left all that he held dear. Reuben got caught up in all the things of the world and has become a millionaire. Soon it was to late to contact Verity. Reuben receives a letter telling him his mother was in the hospital. He returns to find his mother is not ill and he believes it's from Verity. He is furious as he goes to confront her. She is even more beautiful than before and all his feelings came rushing back. The only problem is she is very angry.

A journey of love and forgiveness. She can forgive but how can she forget of trust? Can God bring them together when they have messed up their lives? God has a plan for these two and He can bring them back together. God has a plan for you two but you must give Him control of your lives. "Have faith in God" He will turn your life around.

Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Deception. This is the Last book of the Mountain Cove Series. I don't know about you but that makes me extremely sad. I have really enjoyed this series and all the characters we have met. I'm going to miss them. This book is well written, action packed, and full of twists and turns. I love Elizabeth's work; she always weaves her faith throughout the story like a tapestry.

Jewel Caraway is a widow. Her husband was struck by lightening years ago. She has built up a good business in her B & B. She had been brought up in a wealthy home but was disowned when she married the wrong man. Suddenly her sister shows up with a new husband in tow. Is this a chance for reconciliation? When some one pushes her over a deadly waterfall, the Chief of Police steps in to protect her. Who could want her dead? Did this have something to do with the secret she held close to her heart?

Chief of Police Colin Winters has been half in love with Jewel for years. After failing to protect the last woman he loved he has determined to never love again so he has kept his distance as much as possible. Now her life is in danger, how can he protect her when she is keeping things from him? Can he save her and keep his heart safe?

A journey of two brokenhearted people trying to survive one attack after another. They must learn to trust each other but more importantly to trust God. He is the only one that can save them from this madman. God has a plan for these two and it's more than they ever dreamed. God is like that! He has a plan for you too. It's far greater than you thought possible.

Seek and Find by Dana Mentink

My review today is the third book in the Love Inspired Suspense Continuity Series, Seek and Find. This is Dana's first book in a continuity series but she did an awesome job. I love Dana's work and I'm thrilled each time I receive one of her books so I was thrilled to see her name as one of the authors. This book is well written, action packed and full of twists and turns. I love the faith that woven throughout the story. I know you'll really enjoy it.

Reporter Madison Coles comes to Desert Valley, Arizona. Her editor sends her to do a short piece on how the major crime spree going on in town is effecting the businesses. She is bound and determined to write an expose` on what is really going on. Madison soon finds no one will talk to her. On her quest she is attacked. A rookie cop and his dog is assigned to protect her.

Rookie K-9 Officer James Harrison has an aversion to reporters. They destroyed his family, put his brother in prison, and they lost their ranch. The last thing he wants is to be forced to protect one even if she is beautiful. Madison just can't seem to stay out of trouble.

An awesome journey to two broken hearts forced to trust each other to get them out of the struggles that seem to surround them. God has a plan for these two. He has brought them together to heal their brokenness and bring them closer to Him and each other. God has a plan for you too. Give Him authority in your life and watch Him turn your life around.

The Shephard's Bride by Patricia Davids

My review today is on the Love Inspired, The Shepherd's Bride. This is one of the Brides of Amish Country Series. I so enjoy Patricia's books, I'm sure you do too, so I was excited to get this book. The story is well written, humorous, and heart warming. A story about abuse and its hopelessness in the Amish World. Abuse is always close to my heart as a survivor myself. You need to get a copy of this book.

Carl King is shunned by the Amish community that he had grown up in. He has committed an unforgivable sin. With a broken heart he runs a way from his community. He is found by a shepherd that fed and cared for him and a little puppy that he had found. Years later now Carl works for the shepherd and has kept the laws of the Amish and kept to himself so that no one is compromised because of his bann. Carl lives each day begging God to forgive him.

Elizabeth Barkman and her three sisters live with their uncle and work for him. The man is lazy and abusive. They must do as he tells them or suffer the consequences. Lizzy is shocked to learn that her sister Clara is going to be forced to marry her uncle's boss. This old man is cruel and has already buried two wives. Clara is sweet and her spirit will be destroyed. Lizzie runs a way to their grandfather to find help for her sister. But grandfather refuses to help.

A journey of two broken hearts that cry out to each other. Aware of the bann that stands between them they struggle to please God and stay apart. God has a plan for these two and it's much greater than they could have imagined. God has a plan for you too. Unlike the Amish doctrine that believes God is always in control; you must accept Him and give Him control. Not always an easy thing but He will turn your life around. His plan is greater than you could possibly dream. 

Her Longed-For Family by Jo Ann Brown

My review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, Her Longed-For Family. This is the third book in the Matchmaking Babies. I really enjoyed this book and I'm sure you will too. The story is well written, heartwarming, and full of faith. I liked the characters even though they were complicated but then aren't we all?

Lord Warrick recently received the title from an uncle he had never met. The uncle had left his home and his mine in dangerous disrepair. Jacob is doing everything in his power to make the mine safe and care for the workers and their families. He had been in a serious accident years ago that caused the death of his fiancee, and couldn't bear the thought of being responsible for another person's death. He receives a letter telling him his family is coming to visit in one months time. His step mother is bring a woman to be his bride. Jacob panics the house is literally falling down around his ears. He has no desire to marry but if his step mother sees this house he will try to force a marriage. He goes to the neighbor and begs her to help him fix up his home and help him with his etiquette.

Lady Caroline Trelawney Dowling is a widow. Childless she now lives with her family. There was a boat of six abandoned children found on the water; Caroline takes two of the littlest ones and the others were taken by her family. Thrilled she is now a mother if only for a short time, Caroline had been told she wouldn't have children of her own, now she feels fulfilled. She enjoys helping Jacob with his home and his manners but is drawn to him. Unable to give him an heir she tries to pull away from him.

A journey of two broken-hearted people struggling to fulfill their obligations. Neither want to marry because of their baggage from the past. God has a plan and it's beyond their hopes and dreams. God has a plan for you too and it's much better than you have dreamed of. Give God control and watch what He can do in your crisis. Have faith in God, He loves you!