Kissed A Cowboy-Debra Clopton-Book Review

Kissed by a Cowboy--Book Review

                                          
I had to giggle when I was offered this book for review.  
All my readers know that my husband is referred here on the blog as The Cowboy.  

I enjoyed the story line in this fun little book.  It's a little bit of the typical story of boy meets girl.  Boy runs from girl/romance.  
Girl gets married/divorced and comes back to town and that's kind of where the typical ends . . . 
The story of Rancher Jarrod and Cassidy's budding long overdue 
romance is charming, funny and eventful.  
Jarrod's character is strong, stoic and exasperated with Cassidy's 
stubbornness.  Her quirkiness keeps him on his toes.
Their romance is woven around her plans to open a Bed and Breakfast and Jarrod's own struggle of running the family ranch while his cattle are being rustled. 

I loved this modern day Cowboy romance.  

I was a bit sad to see that this is the 3rd and last installment in The Four Of Hearts Ranch series.   I'd love to read books 1 and 2.

It's setting in Wishing Springs, Texas was pure romance for me. 
I'd like to see more of the characters in Wishing Springs.  

On a side note: This book is published as a Christian novel yet it isn't overly 'church ie' feeling which I think might appeal to someone who doesn't normally read this genre.  

And I think that is a good thing. 

Overall this was a fun 4 star read.  

This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and
Christian Book (dot) com.

Fine Print:
I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. 

Thin Ice-Review-Irene Hannon

                                                               

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

I've read a few books by Ms.Hannon and really enjoyed them so I was glad to get the opportunity to read this new book.    

I had to however check out the synopsis from the publicist to make sure I hadn't already read it.  To me the cover was very familiar. I'm not really sure what book I was thinking of but this cover was really very familiar to me. 

This is the story of a young woman who's had tragedy after tragedy shatter her life over the last few years.
And then months later Christy receives a note claiming her sister is alive! 
I was drawn into the story.  I begin to hope along with Christy that Ginny is alive and that there would be a happy ending.

The story line does take you through a cat and mouse game and a sinister plot.  It is a fast moving story with many twists and turns. 

I love the authors writing style.  The way that she introduces the subject of 'Faith' is not overbearing and pushy. 

I have really enjoyed this authors story's in the past and would recommend them to almost any age.
The romance story line is well written with no profanity or sexual scenes.

However I feel that this book took a turn away from the clean and wholesomeness normally associated with the genre. 

While developing the character of the villain I felt that the bizarreness of his character was actually creepy and not the norm that I find for the genre.

While this book is part of a series and I look forward to the next installment and the story of brother Finn

I question the authors intentions in  long term writing for the genre.    For that reason I was 'let down'. 
You might be interested to read the authors thoughts about the genre click hereto visit her website.

This book I would not recommend for younger readers.  I really enjoyed it and adult readers would enjoy it as well.


This book is widely available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book (dot)com and other retailers.

I have shared my review at each of the above retailers.  You can click on the bold for a direct link to purchase and read other reviews. 

                            I was provided this book by Baker Publishing for my honest review. 

Pitchin' A Fit Reviw--Israel & Brook Wayne

Pitchin' A Fit Overcoming Angry Stressed Out Parenting--Book Review

                                         
They had me at the introduction when a story is told about the family leaving on a trip and one of the 9 children is asked to feed the chickens.  I thought the story was funny but if you were there as one of those parents it wouldn't have been too funny.  

The book is filled with personal stories.   The authors do an excellent job of keeping the readers attention while presenting some relevant and practical information for parents.  It's not just about their opinions or what works for them it's about Biblical parenting. 

In 12 short chapters the authors share how not to parent with/in anger . . . 

1. Stressed Out and Overwhelmed
2. Is It Wrong to Get Angry?
3. What Causes Anger?
4. Provoking Our Children to Wrath?
5. Trigger Happy — What Sets You Off?
6. Yelling Moms, Hollering Dads
7. “But I’m Not Patient!”
8. What Patience Is and Isn’t
9. Nurture in the Heart of Correcting
10. The Power of Affirmation
11. Creating Peace in the Home
12. Accountability

From the back cover:

• Provides practical and biblical solutions to get to the other side of the issue
• Gives hope and freedom from the tyranny of stressed out and angry parenting.
• Offers solutions that are ideal for any family

The authors also offer practical help and resources through their website , blogas well as Facebook groups.  (bold words are direct links)

For an interview with Shaun Tabatt of Cross Focused reviews click here. 

This book is a super easy read.  The chapters are a little long but they are broken up with sub thoughts that make the reading really easy.  

This is a good and practical book for any parent.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book(dot)com.  

If your interested there is a reading group here. 

Thank you Cross Focused Reviews and New Leaf Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was only asked to provide an honest review. 

Pressing Pause--Women's Devotional Karen E. Hman & Ruth Schiwenk

Pressing Pause ( A Devotional for Moms) Book Review

                                                       
I totally enjoyed this new devotional book.  Although its written by moms for moms with children at home
I think any woman would enjoy reading it.  I did.

I loved the title.  I know there are meaning times I just need to Press Pause!

The devotionals are short.  Actually maybe too short.  I caught myself wanting to read it like a book instead of a daily devotional.   But is that a bad thing?  I think not.

As described it is what it is.  !00 separate devotionals with topics like . . .
Turning Worry into Worship, A Place of Peace, More Than a Mom, Juicy-Fruit Faith and many more.

I didn't actually count them but it seemed to me that more of the devotionals were written by Karen than
Ruth.    They were equally encouraging and uplifting.

Each devotional begins with a scripture and ends with a few questions to ponder that you can answer right on the page there is a place for your thoughts and doodles.  I could see this lovely book used to illustrate the scripture.

Although I wasn't real impressed with the cover mainly because I think it doesn't photo well and wasn't real
attractive to me from a marketing perspective.  I wouldn't be drawn to pick it up off a shelf  based on the cover.  But once I read the title and subtitle I was definitely interested.  I did really like the colors and the paper used for printing.

All in all this is a really nice book that I would highly recommend for all moms.
It would make a great gift for a new mother or a great mothers day gift.

I enjoyed meeting the authors on the website and blog.  Click here for more information.
Click here for sample pages from the book.

This post is linked to The Art Of Homemaking, Share a Cup,  Titus 2sday, Book Nook, Literacy Mondays

This book has my 5 star rating!  Check it out!

I received this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

This post will be linked the following retail stores Amazon, Christian Book (dot) Com and Barnes and Noble.

Sit, Stay, Love--Book Review

 Novel--Book Review

                                                   
                                      The author is committed to donating a portion of the proceeds
                                                                 toward senior dog rescue

                        Please don't confuse this book with a children' s book with the same title

I laughed from Chapter 1.  I giggled from Chapter 2.  And all the way through.  

My first thought was this book is just gonna be a chuckle.  Is there any depth?  I found it to be light-heartened and fun.  

I enjoyed the characters.  The hero is a professional baseball player described as a abrasive.  The heroine is described as quirky.

And, yes there was depth as Cal struggles with his feelings of insecurity and with forgiveness.  

From the back cover . . . 
Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother’s elderly dog, Tippy, he’s quick to call on a pet-sitting service. Gina isn’t thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can’t abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy. As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too… Discover the charming story of Tippy, the dog who brought a family together. 

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

"There's just something about a dog, isn't there? What is it about these loyal, quirky, laughable, loving creatures that turn our lives upside down? I've been honored to share my life with many canine companions and each one has taught me a thing or two (or three.) In this novel, you'll meet Tippy, a dog who seems to be able to grasp the important things in life much better than his human companions. I'm convinced that God gave us dogs so we can have some adorable reminders about what unconditional love looks like. I hope you enjoy your travels with Tippy!"  

For more information about the authors other works visit her website.  Click Here. 

Dana Mentink, author of Sit, Stay, Love

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"...[O]ne part comedy of errors and circumstance, one part innocent love story, and one part testament to the power of God's love and forgiveness. Cheers, laughter, tears, and thoughtful moments are guaranteed."

  I enjoyed Sit Stay Love.  It's worthy of my 5 star rating.

                                

This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book(dot)Com.

This review is also posted on the above retailers websites. (click on the bold words for direct links) 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse and Harvest House Publishers.
This post is linked at:
The Art of Homemaking, Share Your Cup, Create With Joy Book Nook and  Literary Musings

Dressed For Death--Book Review

Dressed For Death--Book Review

                                                      
This was the first time for me to read anything from this author.  This books is the 4th installment in the
Drew Farthering Mystery Series. 

When the book ended I was interested in reading more of the series.  But in the beginning I almost put it
down and gave up.  I actually did for a couple of weeks.  But since I was given a complimentary copy I felt like I needed to give it another chance. 

And in the end I'm glad I did.  What was difficult for me in the beginning was it was just flat confusing.
There were a lot of characters and I couldn't keep them straight.  Some had nicknames and it was just confusing.  I don't know actually which of the characters other than the main character Drew and his wife
are a part of the other 3 books or not.  

Other than just knowing who's who the plot stands alone so It's not really necessary to read the other
books in the series.

Once I did get into the story line a little over half way through I was hooked.  I wanted to figure out the mystery.  And in some ways I did.  I predicted how the drugs were being smuggled.  It was really very obvious after the second murder.  Which by the way villainy didn't end there.  I actually lost count of how
many people actually were 'written out'. 

Which for me actually made me question how this book was published by Bethany House and is
categorized in this genre.  All I can really figure out is it does have a bit of a faith base.  And actually the author did a great job of weaving Drew's faith struggle into the story.  But I couldn't help but think that
it was just a ploy on the authors part for the book to be published as a Christian Mystery Novel.

So with that said I struggled with rating this book.  Once I was 3/4 through I wanted to read more.
And, I really would like to read the other books in the series.  And as I write this review I honestly
have not decided how I rate it. 

Here's what the book is about . . .
 

ABOUT

A Regency-Era Costume Party Should Have Been an Amusing Diversion, but it Seems Wherever Drew Farthering Goes, Mystery--and Murder--Are on the Guest List

Drew and Madeline Farthering arrive at a Regency-era house party at Winteroak House, excited to be reunited with old friends, including Drew's former Oxford classmate Talbot Cummins. Tal is there with his fiancée, Alice Henley, and though many present seem worried about the couple, nobody is prepared when Alice dies from an apparent overdose. Tal refuses to believe she'd taken the drugs intentionally, and a dark question arises of whether the death is an accident or murder.

The police have their own information though, and Drew is shocked when they arrest someone he's trusted and admired since his childhood--someone who's been smuggling drugs into the country for years. Stunned by what has happened, Tal begs Drew to get to the bottom of everything, but Drew has never felt more unsettled. Questioning his own ability to see people as they really are, Drew doesn't know whom to trust, and he's not ready for the secrets he's about to uncover--or the danger he'll bring down on everyone he holds dear.

The Publisher provides more information and an excerpt if you want to check it out.  Click here.

To read a few more reviews actually at time of this post 64 other reviews atAmazon.  

The book is also available at Barnes and Noble  (14 reviews rated 4.6)

and Christian Book (dot)com.

Overall I have to give this book a 3 /2 star rating.   Although there were parts that I really liked/enjoyed I just couldn't get over how long it took me to really 'get into' the story. 

I received a complimentary copy from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

After The Boxes Are Unpacked-Review

                                                            

An essential relocation guide refreshed and updated for today’s movers.
More than 34 million Americans move each year, and studies show it can be one of the heaviest strains on a marriage. For women especially, relocating can be a traumatic event. With true stories, ingenious insights, and helpful hints, this great book makes transitioning smoother so women can get on with their lives. Those who are moving will find this valuable book as important as packing tape. Divided into three sections,After the Boxes are Unpacked helps recent movers focus on letting go of their past, starting over, and moving ahead. Topics include the following:

• How to manage the emotional stress of leaving family and friends
• How to support your spouse through a relocation
• How to build new relationships in a new city
• How to help children adjust to new surroundings and make friends
• How to find a new church home
• How to navigate financial challenges related to moving
• How to discover God’s will for you and your family in a new city

From the back cover . . . 

                                           Help and Hope to Make It Through Your Move

Discover the encouragement and practical advice you need to survive your move and 

even thrive!  Susan has helped thousands of women just like you, ans she shares the essential tools you need for a smoother transition.  

• life-giving biblical principles and ideas for coping with change
• ideas for building relationships in a new community
• true stories and powerful inspiration
• empathy and insights for the hard times
• survival boxed full of helpful hunts

What I thought . . . 

I was thrilled for opportunity to read this book.  The author states she moved 14 times.  I was interested and intrigued because I/we  have moved almost that many times!  

I so needed this book back in the day when our children were home and I navigated through the near trauma of moving out of state.  

I wish I had this resource.  I would have been much more prepared for certain things.  I'm a list maker and 

very organized when it comes to packing and moving and experienced. 

But the topics that are covered in this book are ones that I needed help with.  Leaving friends and finding new ones.    

Susan does an excellent job of sharing helps and hints.    And she provides godly counsel.  This book is easy to read and is an excellent book to share with friends that might need an introduction to God and his faithfulness. 

Susan is dedicated to helping other women navigate the process of moving and has founded a 

non-profit called Just Moved.  She provides a large number of resources here.

This book is a great resource for women.  I highly recommend it. 

Rating . . . 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

This post is linked to:
The Art of Homemaking, Titus Tuesday, Warm Heart Wednesday, Share Your Cup,  Home and Garden Party, Classical Homemaking, Book Nook At Create-With-Joy

This review is posted the following retailers.  Amazon, Christian Book (dot)comand Barnes and Noble.  Click on the links to purchase or read more reviews.