Waiting for Morning (The Brides of Last Chance Ranch #2) - Margaret Brownley

This is the second book in this series.  The first book is called Dawn Comes Early.   I enjoyed reading that one, so I was excited to read the next one in the series.

Molly has applied to be the next heiress candidate for the Last Chance Ranch, but she neglected to inform the owner that she wouldn't be arriving alone.  Her brother is confined to a wheelchair and Molly's afraid that will ruin their chances.  She's taking a big risk, but their home was destroyed and this is her only option.

Caleb is the town's new doctor and is turning heads with his horseless carriage.  "Bertha" is prone to backfires, which causes trouble and gets him shot at.  When he meets Molly, he wants to do what he can for her brother, but he's also drawn to Molly as well.

This was a neat little book and I was able to read it quickly.  The characters are likable and I was really cheering them on.  While the characters from the first book pop up, it isn't necessary to read it to understand this one.  We do get a little more of Miss Walker's personality in this one, so reading the first one is a little bit of a plus.

In the notes at the end, the author reveals that Dr. Caleb Fairbanks is actually the brother of Lucy from A Vision of Lucy, the third book in the Rocky Creek Romance series.  I hadn't made that connection, but it was a really neat idea.  Next up in this series is Gunpowder Tea.  It's waiting for me on my Kindle and I look forward to reading it soon!  Good Book!

Tried and True (Wild at Heart #1) - Mary Connealy

Most of the things I've read by Mary Connealy have been her contributions to some novella collections.  Her writing style has grown on me, and I was excited to have the chance to read this novel.

Kylie has served her time in the Civil War and has used her service to homestead.  She dressed as a man, but no one noticed.  With her two years of service, she only has to live on this rotten stretch of land for three years before she can just give it to her father and get back to civilization. She's the only one in the family that actually wants to dress and act like a woman.

Aaron is curious about Kylie the moment she falls off the roof into his arms.  He's the land agent and has to make sure everything is legal on the homestead.  His discovery puts her plans at risk.  She just can't put up with being on the lonely land that long.

Someone wants to scare Kylie off her land, but her father needs her to stay.  He's not a very nice character, by the way.  Her sisters are close by, but Aaron feels the urge to take care of this woman.  She wants civilization, he wants to head off to the seclusion of the mountains. Their attraction is undeniable, but will they be able to find common ground?

I really did like this book.  It was a nice paced, easy read that had plenty going on, so there's enough action to keep those pages turning.  This is the first book in the Wild at Heart series.  I can't find when the next one comes out, but I'm thinking since the sisters share the last name "Wilde" that it's pretty safe to say the next book will be about one of her sisters.  I look forward to more!  Good Book!

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

That Certain Spark (Only in Gooding #4) - Cathy Marie Hake

This is the fourth book in this series.  The others are: Fancy Pants, Forevermore, Whirlwind, and the fifth book is Serendipity.

Enoch and Taylor are twins that have come to Gooding to fill the positions of town doctor and vet.  Even though they made it clear that Taylor is a woman, the townsfolk don't agree with having a woman doctor.  Some of them are ready to make sure she leaves, no matter what.

Karl has had an accident shortly before Taylor arrives and is in a bad way when he is finally brought to her door.  His leg isn't looking good, but he would rather die than have it amputated. Taylor vows to do her best, and is able to save his leg and his life.  Rather than be grateful, he's determined to convince her that she wasn't meant to be a doctor.

Verbal sparring commences and these two are pretty good at it.  When one makes a point, the other concedes that part of the battle, but it's not clear who will end up winning this war. They're both pretty stubborn.

The book is lighthearted and has some pretty funny moments.  There are characters from some of the other books that pop up, but you'd be okay reading them out of order.  This series was a nice read and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.  Good Book!

The Butterfly and the Violin (Hidden Masterpiece #1) - Kristy Cambron

I heard of this book when I was browsing for books one day.  I enjoy WWII era books and was intrigued by the subject of the book.  I'd never heard of the art of Auschwitz and was curious.  I have to admit, the beautiful cover drew me in as well.

This book follows stories in two time periods.  "Present time" and WWII.  I don't really like when author's use "present time" because time marches on and then the book doesn't fit in with "present time" anymore.  There's going to be something in there that dates it and wouldn't it be easier and less confusing to just say 2014?  Anyway...

Sera has been obsessed with finding the painting of Adele, a gifted musician, since she'd seen it with her father when she was 8 years old.  Now a lead has surfaced that might lead her to the answers she's been seeking.

William's family business is hanging in the balance while its fate lies in the hands of the owner of that original painting.  William sees that Sera is passionate about the painting and employs her to help him find the truth.

Interwoven in their story is the plight of Adele.  Committed to helping the Jews and the man she loves, she risks it all and ends up at Auschwitz.  I admit that I was a little concerned reading this book, as the atrocities of that place are well known, and I really don't like books without happy endings.

I couldn't put this book down.  I liked Adele's story significantly more than Sera's.  Every time I was reading about Sera, I found myself rushing through it to get back to Adele.  I felt more invested in her story and what happened to her.  When you're reading this, make sure you pay attention to the years for Adele's parts of the story.  They jump all over the place and can get confusing if you're not sure what part of her life you're reading about.

This was a great book, and I recommend it.  The next book in this series, The Sparrow in Terezin, is due out April 2015.  I'll definitely be looking out for it.  Good Book!

The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen - Tosca Lee

Tosca Lee has proven to be one of those authors that can write a great book.  I’ve read Demon and Iscariot – both great books.  I still need to read Havah, but it’s still unavailable on the Kindle, but I’m still on the lookout for it to become available again.  A short story is available as a prelude to this story.  Ismeni is a good read but not necessary to understand this book.

In the Bible, the story of the queen of Sheba occurs in I Kings 10:1-13.  She comes to Solomon to gain knowledge and ask him some tough questions.  Here, in this book, we get a glimpse into what her life may have been like before coming to Solomon, what happens once she gets there, and what happens when she leaves.

The queen is a tragic figure in some ways.  Her childhood is shadowed by a stepmother who would rather get her out of the way and a man who comes to her against her will.  She eventually escapes, but later is persuaded to return and take her place as leader of her nation.  Along the way she loses her lover and her identity.

Later on, she starts to question life.  Why was her love taken from her?  What do the gods require of her?  Hearing tales of king Solomon, she becomes intrigued about him.  They begin to correspond, each an enigma to the other.  They need to form an alliance, but they each want something more from the other.

This was a really good book.  Tosca Lee always does a ton of research and it really shows.  She doesn’t weigh you down with meaningless details, but weaves it into the story so you end up caring about every character and what happens to them.  I always finish her books and jump right into the facts at the end.  I’m always curious to find out where her ideas came from and what influenced her to make some of the choices she made.

As I said with Iscariot, I think it takes courage to write in-depth stories about little known characters.  I think she’s done a great job and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.  There is reference to rape and sex in there, so I wouldn’t let my kids read it until they got a little older, but it has some great truths in there.  Good Book!

*I received a copy of this book from Howard Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Playing by Heart - Anne Mateer

I've read a few of Anne Mateer's books in the past including A Home for My Heart, At Every Turn and Wings of a Dream.  I've been impressed by her style.   Her unique story lines make her books stand out in my mind.   When given the chance to read this one, I didn't hesitate!

Lula has worked hard to make it where she is.  Trying to get her MBA in mathematics in a time when it isn't completely accepted isn’t easy.  She wants to fulfill her father's dream, but when her brother-in-law dies, her family volunteers her to help out her sister.  She plans on getting her sister back on her feet and then getting back to her studies.

Chet teaches math in the town where Lula is helping her sister.  When she takes a job as the music teacher, Chet is in an unusual position.  Normally, he's dodging women.  Now, he's found one he's interested in, but all she's interested in are facts and figures.  When she is forced to come to him for help teaching the girls’ basketball team, he sees the opportunity to get to know her better. He'll have to be careful that he doesn't jeopardize her job.

Lula and Chet are guilty of misreading their feelings for each other.  Misunderstandings are commonplace and both of these characters need to discover who they are and what they really want before they can commit to each other.  Lula finds her identity in what her father wants her to be while Chet tries to gain his mother's approval.

This was a unique story that really pulled me in.  I've never read any stories with basketball in them.  While there are descriptions of the game in there, it isn't enough to bore or overwhelm the reader.  I also appreciated the author’s note at the end of the book telling the reader where she got her inspiration for the story.  I look forward to more from this author in the future!  Good Book!

* I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dawn Comes Early (The Brides of Last Chance Ranch #1) - Margaret Brownley

Margaret Brownley has quickly become an author that I look to for a fun historical romance.  I picked this one up anticipating more of the same.

Kate has come to Cactus Patch, Arizona to be the heiress to Last Chance Ranch.  Her writing career has been killed by a recently banned book and she craves stability.  Her escape from the town outlaw lets her meet Luke, the town blacksmith.  He reminds her of the hero of her novel, but she doesn't have time to think about him.  She has a ranch to learn how to run.

Luke thinks Kate is interesting, but she uses all those big words.  He's under the impression that she write philosophy and would have no use for a lowly blacksmith.  The sparks fly, but there's a few problems.  Kate has been told she can't trust men, and inheriting the ranch requires she remain a spinster.

While I liked this book, I wish there had been more chances for interaction between Luke and Kate in the first part.  I read a few parts that had me smiling and chuckling.

Next up in the series is Waiting for Morning.  The heroine is the next applicant for heiress of the Last Chance Ranch, so we know she's new.  The other one is the town doctor.  I'm not sure if the people from this one will pop up, but I do have it on my Kindle and will try to read it soon.  The third book is called Gunpowder Tea.  Looking forward to more!  Good Book!