Rescue Me by Susan May Warren

Book Description:
When Deputy Sam Brooks commits to something, nothing can sway him--not just on the job as liaison between the Mercy Falls sheriff's department and PEAK Rescue, but in his private life. He's the one who stuck around to take care of his mother after his father's accidental death. And he's the one--perhaps the only one--who believes Sierra Rose is the perfect girl for him. Safe, practical, and organized, she's nothing like her hippie, impulsive, bleeding heart sister, Willow.

Willow, however, has been in love with Sam Brooks for as long as she can remember. But she wants her sister to have a happy ending. Besides, Willow has other things to focus on--namely, nabbing the job as youth pastor for her small-town church. Best thing for her to do is to purge Sam from her heart.

Neither can predict the events that will bring them together in a fight for their lives in the forbidding wilderness of Glacier National Park. Stranded, injured, and with the winter weather closing in, Sam and Willow will have to work together to save a crew of terrified teenagers. As they fight to survive, they might just discover a new hope for love.

My Thoughts:
I love Susan May Warren's books and this was no exception.  Willow isn't organized like her sister.  She lives life full of love and life.  She is happy and wants her sister to be happy as well.  Sam is her sister's boyfriend.  He is also the man Willow is head over heals about.  Through a series of crazy events, the two of them wind up in a life or death situation and have to depend on each other for survival.  Not to mention that they have a bunch of teenagers from the church to keep alive as well.
I enjoyed the characters through this.  The two sisters that just wanted each other to be happy.  That was so sweet!  Sam being so torn but watching him grow and work through his issues was great.  I really liked all the teenagers and how they were secondary characters but each was unique.  I didn't really like the preacher or his wife.  They seemed way too judgmental but that is the way of it sometimes.  I really want to know what happens with a couple of the different secondary story lines so I cannot wait to read more.
It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Once Upon A Kiss

Book Description:
Seventeen all new, magical stories from NY Times and USA Today bestsellers and award-winning authors that will warm even the coldest hearts. Inspired by old favorites as well as lesser-known tales, find retellings of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Old Rinkrank, King Thrushbeard, The Princess and the Pea, and many more - all with fresh, romantic twists - just in time for Valentine’s Day~ 

THE GLASS MOUNTAIN - Alethea Kontis 
On the way to her wedding, brave and clever Princess Sabine falls into a Glass Mountain, where she is trapped with a crotchety man she calls “Old Rinkrank.” The two form a unique, unlikely friendship while working to escape. 

THE BAKERS GRIMM - Hailey Edwards 
When two struggling business owners compete for the contract of a lifetime, it’s all bakers on deck. Mix in a dollop of rivalry, a tablespoon of romance, and a pinch of magic, and you’ve got the recipe for one heck of a bake-off. May the best decorator win! 

GALATEA AND PYGMALION - Kate Danley 
A young woman in ancient Greece is tasked with carving a new statue for Aphrodite's temple. But what happens when she falls in love with her art? 

RED– Sarra Cannon 
Charlotte is searching for a cure to save her sister, but what she finds in the woods is not at all what she expects... 

PRINCESS CHARMING – Yasmine Galenorn 
Sometimes, the road to Happily Ever After leads a girl right past Prince Charming... into the arms of his sister. 

MAD ABOUT YOU – Jennifer Blackstream 
Alice doesn't want to marry the Mad Hatter. Will an unexpected trip to Wonderland change her mind? 

THE SEA KING'S DAUGHTER—Anthea Sharp 
A mermaid gives up everything to be with the mortal man she loves – but can there be a happy ending when the Sea Witch intervenes? 

ROMEO AND JULIET: THE AFTERLIFE – Julia Crane 
Juliet enters the afterlife and discovers the truth behind her relationship with Romeo and Paris - and that their greatest challenge is yet to come. 

SOOT AND STONE: A Fae Tale of the Otherworld - Jenna Elizabeth Johnson 
Aisling, a young Faelorehn artist, finds herself falling for the son of one of the famed Tuatha De Danann. The only problem is, she’s unaware of his true identity, and her selfish uncle will do anything to keep her from realizing her dreams. 

THE HUNTSMAN'S SNOW – Mandy M. Roth 
Sometimes, a prince isn’t as charming as history would like you to believe. And sometimes, a princess needs an alpha male shifter to find her happily ever after. 

RUMPELIMPSKIN - Debra Dunbar 
An imp finds herself in a fairytale world without her infernal powers facing an impossible task. Will Sam barter away her firstborn? Will her angelic main-squeeze save her? Or will she come up with a devilish solution of her own? 

THE GLASS SKY - Alexia Purdy 
Star’s refusal of suitors lined up for her hand has her family in knots, but when the city is bombed and overthrown, she loses everything. After she’s rescued by a handsome stranger named Clyde, she sneaks away to save her parents but finds herself trapped in the new president’s clutches. 

RUSH - C. Gockel 
Misogyny is a beast. 
When the incarnation of Creation gets angry at Rush for innocently stating his opinion, she curses him to find true love in two weeks … or else. 

PERCHANCE TO DREAM – Phaedra Weldon 
Her first love has been placed under a spell.

THE TOAD PRINCE - Nikki Jefford
Isabel Ivers’s stepfather will do anything to secure his place as Far North’s new ruler, even if it means marrying her off to the depraved prince of the lowlands.

CRAFTED WITH A KISS - Shawntelle Madison
Despite fighting in countless battles to bring peace to warring kingdoms, Pynnelope, a warrior maiden made of wood, knows no fear. Becoming human is all she desires until she discovers she can have so much more.

A SMALL MAGIC - Devon Monk
A cursed princess, a talking pea, and a wish that changes everything.

My Thougths:
In this set so far, I've read the Glass Sky.  I have to say that I got completely wrapped up in this one.  It starts with what is happening now then flashes back to explain what happened previously.  Star doesn't want to marry any of the suitors her parents have presented to her.  Then everything around her explodes, literally, and she is saved by a man named Clyde.
It isn't difficult to guess who Clyde is but I was intrigued with what all was going on throughout the story.  I want to know more about this world and what happens to it.  I really liked Clyde and Star for that matter.  I wasn't a big fan of her parents but they were well written characters.  Overall, I say grab a copy of this book to read because it is a great set up for future books!
5/5 for me.  I can't wait to read more in this!!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley

Book Description:
It's been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn't actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week--including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.
With the perfect mixture of intrigue and nail-biting suspense, award-winning author Patricia Bradley invites her readers to crack the case--if they can--alongside the best Memphis has to offer.


My Thoughts:
Completely enjoyed this book.  Andi is tenacious, but there is a topic that she hates talking about (and yet wants to know about), her sister's murder.  The man who confessed is set to be executed but someone else comes forward saying it wasn't him.  Will is going to help Andi find the truth, not just because his cousin is the one that confessed, but perhaps there is more between he and Andi than just friendship.
I really liked Andi.  She is such a 'go getter' and wanting answers.  Will, yeah, I definitely like Will.  He is the man every woman wants in her life.  There was plenty of action and I didn't want to put the book down at all.  I thought I had it all figured out and something would happen to change my theory.  The story kept me guessing and I cannot wait to read more from this author.  I really enjoy her writing style and her characters.
Good start to a new series.  5/5 for me! 

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Rentless by Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs

Book Description:
Revenge is easy, but justice is worth fighting for…

Kenna is tired of being lied to—and hunted by the very allies she once trusted. Unearthing the dark secrets of the superhero world has not only endangered her life, now her boyfriend faces execution for crimes he didn’t commit and her mother is being held captive in a secret governmental prison.
Kenna is determined to stand up for what’s right and save those she loves from unspeakable fates. It’s time for the betrayal to end. It’s time for the real criminals to face justice.
But the truth is even more terrifying than Kenna could imagine. A conspiracy threatens the fate of heroes, villains, and all of humanity. If Kenna’s going to survive, she must draw on her deepest strength: her resilience. Because when Kenna’s pushed to the limit, she doesn’t break down. She fights back.

My Thoughts:
Loved these books.  This is the second in the series by Childs and Deebs and it is just as good as the first.  Keena is still reeling from the realization that Heroes are bad guys and Villians are good guys...at least some of the time.  Breaking her boyfriend out of the mess he is in and figuring out what is wrong with her best friend is Keena's top priority.  Her friends are with her full force but even she isn't prepared for all she finds out.
I liked Keena's development as a character.  To go from nothing to super powerful, not to mention everything she has to endure.  She is just an amazing character.  The friends that she makes and surrounds herself with are intriguing.  I think Rebel may still be my favorite though.  The book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and still make you want more.  The book ties up all the questions nicely but left it where they could still come back and add to the series.
It was a 5/5 for me.  I want more books like this to read!

Rookie K-9 Unit Christmas by Valerie Hansen and Lenora Worth

Book Description:

K-9 HOLIDAY RESCUE

Surviving Christmas by Valerie Hansen

When single dad Sean Murray returns from a war zone and discovers someone is following him, he turns to his old friend K-9 officer Zoe Trent for help. But as the threat escalates, can Zoe and her police dog find whoever is menacing Sean and his son…and make sure this Christmas isn't their last?

Holiday High Alert by Lenora Worth

After a cryptic note appears in the playground at Josie Callahan's daycare center, rookie K-9 officer Dalton West vows to protect Josie and the kids she loves—especially his daughter, Maisy. And with a stalker closing in, the widower and his four-legged partner are all that stand between Josie and a deadly Christmas.

My Thoughts:

I love this series!  Sean knows it isn't just his PTSD making him paranoid when people break into his house and talk about killing him.  He gets in a good shot then takes his son and runs.  Zoe is the one person he knows he can trust and he runs to her and her new home.  Zoe is fresh out of K-9 training and has the idea to set Sean up with a service dog.  She and his son hit it off but there is no doubting that someone is after Sean.
Josie loves keeping her kids at the daycare.  She would never do anything to put them in harms way. When she and Maisy are the last two at the daycare and someone tries to get in, Dalton (Maisy's father) gets involved.  As much as Josie doesn't want to think about the past, that is the only thing that she believes could have brought trouble to her doorstep.  

I loved Zoe and Sean also Josie and Dalton.  I think Sean's son was by far my favorite character.  Well, except maybe Maisy.  Being back in the town and seeing old characters (friends) is wonderful.  These authors do a great job in keeping you invested in the stories.  The dogs are awesome and I love them being heroes in these stories as well.  I cannot wait to read more about what happens in this 'quiet' little town.
Absolutely a 4/5 for me.  Quick wonderful additions to the series.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:
In 1737, Anna Konig and her fellow church members stagger off a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. On the docks of Port Philadelphia waits bishop Jacob Bauer, founder of the settlement and father to ship carpenter Bairn. It's a time of new beginnings for the reunited Bauer family, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom. 
But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasps the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World--isolated, rigid with expectations, under the thumb of his domineering father--his enthusiasm evaporates. When a sea captain offers the chance to cross the ocean one more time, Bairn grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him? 
When Henrik Newman joins the church just as it makes its way to the frontier, Anna is torn. He seems to be everything Bairn is not--bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And the most dramatic difference? He is here; Bairn is not. 
Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves together the lives of Bairn, Anna, and Henrik. When a secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this one.  I really liked Anna.  She and all the other Amish coming to the new world to get away and the hardships they faced there are interesting.  There is quite a bit of detail that makes me feel for these people and the author does a good job of making you feel like the characters are friends.
It was an interesting story to read.  I wondered what would happen several times along the way.  I likely groaned at some points (when characters trusted people they shouldn't). There were different story lines going and I got really into it.  I think being the second book in the series, it helps to have read the first one but it is ok if you don't.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I always enjoy Ms. Fisher's books.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via CelebrateLit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

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Two Suitors for Anna by Molly Jebber

Book Description:
In 1903 Ohio, a young Amish woman must choose between the life she has long planned for and a new, very different future Since Anna Plank moved to Berlin, Ohio, with her widowed mamm and two schweschders, she s found a real sense of belonging. As soon as her beloved Noah Schwartz proposes, they ll begin a new chapter here together. But Noah has a surprise for Anna: once they re married, he wants them to travel and live in other communities. Anna, who loves her home and her job at the quilt shop, is distraught when he takes her hesitation as rejection and leaves. 
Daniel Bontrager s arrival adds to Anna s confusion. Since taking over his late brother s farm, the handsome roofer has offered friendship and gentle attentions. Yet the pull of first love is strong and deep, especially when Noah returns. Through each revelation, Anna must search her faith for guidance, knowing she is choosing not just a husband, but a life to nurture and to share.

My Thoughts:
I must start by saying that I love the way this author writes.  Her descriptions make you feel like you are actually in the scene.  Anna lives in Ohio and is set to marry Noah.  She is happy with her life and her charming town.  Noah wants to travel and when she doesn't, he goes ahead without her!
I really liked Daniel.  He is new in town but makes himself known and is really well liked.  I wasn't thrilled with Anna's little sister's choice at all.  The author does a great job weaving God and his timing deep within the story.  It isn't 'in your face' but just always there.  There isn't an urgency to the book but it is definitely a book want to keep reading and saying 'just one more page' until it is done!
It was a 5/5 for me.  I didn't realize it was in a series but I'm absolutely going to read more from this author!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.