An August Bride had a Rocky Beginning

An August Bride
Debra Clopton

Book Summary: Kelsey Wilcox has had enough of cowboys. After the last one broke her heart, Kelsey traded in her boots for flip-flops, and the open range for a bistro on the beach.  Her life on Corpus Christi’s gorgeous beach might be a little lonely, but at least it’s heartbreak-free. At least until her cousin’s beachside wedding bucks Kelsey right back into the rodeo. When unlucky-in-love Brent Corbin packed his groomsman’s tux for his friend’s wedding, he brought his boots and belt buckle with him. Brent isn’t exactly looking for love, but when he sees what appears to be a mermaid in distress, he jumps right in to rescue her. So Kelsey finds herself plucked from the sea—and certain-drowning—by a gorgeous groomsman . . . in soaked cowboy boots. She’s quick to say thanks, but no thanks. Brent dedicates the weekend to pursuing Kelsey—and Kelsey spends the weekend trying to deny an obvious match. She’s as stubborn as a wild horse, but Brent’s determination may tame her yet. 

Review: I found the story to be readable although I had trouble getting into the storyline. It was slow going for me at the start If Kelsey was that distrustful of cowboys than she would have needed a lot more time to before she gave Brent a chance. I liked Kelsey but never really connected with the story. It was an interesting idea to match a now city girl with a cowboy, the very type of man that Kelsey dislikes. The secondary characters were the best part of the story Aunt Mae and her friends. They were a hoot! I liked the book better as it progressed. Kelsey started to unbend and her dislike of cowboys decreased. Really like this novella format.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Zondervan Fiction for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

Deadly Echoes has Great Twists and Turns!!

Deadly Echoes
Nancy Mehl

Book Summary: After a youth filled with tragedy and upheaval, Sarah Miller's life is finally settled with all echoes of the past silent at last. She happily calls Sanctuary her home and spends her days teaching at the local school. Sarah's joy at her recent reunion with her sister, Hannah, and meeting the niece she didn't know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed. As she learns more about Hannah's death, the circumstances are eerily similar to their parents' murder. Sarah enlists Paul's help in digging deeper into the murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul's concern encourages Sarah's growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one person will do anything to hide--even if that means coming after the last remaining members of the Miller family.

Review: Great sequel!! I loved the sense of community that Nancy Mehl creates in her stories. I loved Janet, Paul and Cicely. They mad the story line. I think that Sarah started out weak. It was great to see the character grow. I was hooked from the start. The murder of Hannah and how this murder was linked to the girls past. There were some surprises that I did not see coming and that made this story unique. I liked that most of all. It was a dawning of realizing and tying together the letter that Hannah sent Sarah and the unraveling of this mystery. Thanks Nancy Mehl for another great suspense novel.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

Forbidden Ground was Disappointing

Forbidden Ground
Karen Harper

Book Summary: Let the dead stay dead… Despite a traumatic childhood in Cold Creek, Ohio, the Lockwood sisters have reunited there for the wedding of youngest sister Tess to the town's sheriff. Maid of honor Kate Lockwood is determined to break through best man Grant Mason's defences. An anthropologist, Kate makes her living studying the dead. She is particularly interested in the prehistoric Adena civilization that once called the area home. A large burial mound sits on Mason family land, and Kate wants permission to excavate. But Grant refuses and tells Kate to stay away from the mound. Kate respects Grant's desire to honor his grandfather's belief that the dead should not be disturbed. However, the more she researches the more it becomes clear that Grant is hiding something. When one of Grant's friends is killed—and the sheriff is away on his honeymoon—the couple joins forces to assist the deputy in the investigation. When Kate comes under attack she is certain it is connected to the burial mound. Grant seems concerned for Kate's safety, but despite their explosive attraction she can't help but be suspicious of his motives. Can Kate trust the man she's come to love, or will the wrong decision be her final act?



Review: I was looking forward to reading this book. I wanted to like it from the start although I really found it difficult to get into the storyline and Kate. She was not so smart at times. I tried repeatedly to enjoy this book and yet it was more of a chore to get through this book. It had a good set up - a murder and weird events going on surrounding the mound in Grant’s backyard. The tree that had his childhood treehouse in it was cut down, people were trying to frighten Kate but none of that change things for me. I feel really bad that I could not connect with this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.