Beloved

Book description:  "When Diana Brennan’s husband returns eight years after abandoning her, can she find it in her heart to forgive him?

Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for eight years, Diana’s infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom. He agrees with one condition––she must give him a chance to change her mind about him."

My review:  This is a book with wonderful characters, an interesting plot, a conflict that keeps you turning pages, and just enough suspense to pique your curiosity and make you wonder exactly how the book will end.  I didn't want to put the book down and I certainly didn't want the book to end!  Robin Lee Hatcher is a wonderful writer.  Not only does she write a great story, but the story of redemption is woven throughout the pages of this book.  The Biblical truths are presented in such a way that the story is enhanced and the message is very clear without being shoved down the reader's throat.  The title of this book, Beloved, is so appropriate.  If you are looking for a great book to read, I highly recommend this one.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

For Every Season

Book description:  "Working hard to develop a new Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is fully committed to rehabilitating an orchard with business partner Samuel King. But an impulsive decision has created an unexpected strain in her relationship with her beau, Samuel's brother, Jacob, threatening plans for the orchard. Amidst mounting tension in matters of the heart and business, Rhoda finds that this fledging settlement feels like the home she has always longed for, and she begins to embrace the God-given, heightened intuition that has always felt like a burden to her. She longs for Jacob to fully be free of his past, so they can work towards the future together.

But as Rhoda uses her gift to unpack an old secret with her Englisch neighbors, it is not her beau but an unlikely ally that cheers her on. With the orchard on shaky ground and Jacob's plans in question, Rhoda is determined to see things through to harvest. But can she trust her insight to direct her path in matters of the heart?"

My review:  Somehow I missed reading the second book in this series.  It took me a little bit to figure out what was going on and get caught up on what I had missed.  I think that is at least partly why it took me several chapters to get into the book.  Once the story got moving, I enjoyed it.  I hope the author plans on writing at least one more book in this series.  I was left hanging on some parts.  This was another book, however; that is a bit unrealistic.  I expected that though, since I had already read the first book in the series.  A complicated relationship is what made this a page-turner for me.  The romantic struggles between Rhoda and the two brothers were problems that could happen to anyone.  The subsequent results were difficult, yet the author did a great job reflecting humbleness in each of the characters.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Gunpowder Tea

Book Description:  "In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom—an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one at the ranch with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggart is working undercover as well. Their true identities may be a secret, but it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the sparks flaring between them.

Neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they get to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets—and no one on the ranch is safe.

The longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers—and their lives—depend on solving this case. Love will just have to wait."

My review:  I really enjoyed the other "Last Chance" books by this author, but this one just wasn't as good.  I did enjoy it, it was just a bit of a let-down after reading the other ones.  The circumstances Miranda found herself in were just not very realistic.  I know this is fiction, but some things were just a little too far-fetched even for a book.  It did make the story pretty humorous, though.  Jeremy exasperated me and seemed a little unreal as well.  The mystery did keep me guessing, and I was not able to figure it out.  That alone would have kept me turning pages.  It was a quick easy read.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.