Seeking with all Yur Heart

Title:The Heart of Thornewell
Author:Anita Stansfield
Pages:264
Year:2018
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Enid Hawthorne is in shock from her grief.She and her husband have traveled from England to Africa to fulfill her husband’s dream of being a missionary.Now, he has died from a very short illness, leaving Enid alone in a foreign country, friendless and pregnant.Enid does the only thing she can and that is to gather her belongings and leave on foot for the next village and slowly begins her journey back to England.Upon arrival, she has no family or friends to take her in, so she arrives on the doorstep of her husband’s brother, the Earl of Thornewell, hoping he will take her in.Upon arrival, she learns that her good friend, Marie, the earl’s wife, has died a week after giving birth and the newborn child has also died.The earl, Sebastian, is in mourning and seclusion and wants nothing to do with Enid.He blames her for taking his brother away and thus…

Title:Gone (Special Crimes Unit)
Author: Shirlee McCoy
Pages: 224
Year: 2018
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My rating: 5+ out of 5
Ella awakes tied up and in some container with no windows and not sure what all is happening outside or if someone will come back to take care of her for good.Sam, who saves Ella, is working for the FBI undercover.That is, he was, until now.Together the next days are a mixture of constant threats on their lives, Ella working though her grief of losing her cousin and more people surrounding her to keep her safe.
There are people after both her and Sam.While Sam is trained to face danger, what he isn’t prepared for is how Ella touches the deepest part of his heart.Ella is afraid of opening her heart to Sam as a prior abusive relationship has soured her desire for any future romantic relationships.Ella has been working from home and rarely going out, and now she has no family left. The one bright spot is she is learning that Sam is someone she may be able to have…

Title:Fatal Mistake (White Knights #1)
Author: Susan Sleeman
Pages: 400
Year: 2017
Publisher: FaithWords
My rating: 5 out of 5
I found a brand-new author who writes such tension filled suspense along with faith filled themes her books are easy to get lost in!In Fatal Mistake, Tara had once worked a government job and had a relatively quiet life visiting her Aunt June’s farm where she grew up.One afternoon Tara enters one of the buildings on the farm and what she finds changes her life forever!
After recovering from being shot and talking with Special Agent Cal Riggins, Tara has much to process about what she has been told about a friend she grew up alongside.However, after what she found in the building, seeing his face filled with hated and his shooting her, she decides taking off without anyone knowing is her best option for staying alive.
Cal has found her, and she must return with him so his team can protect her until they find the man who is responsible for so much death and destruction.…

Title:Loving Lieutenant Lancaster
Author:Sarah M. Eden
Pages:256
Year:2018
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Linus Lancaster has retired from his naval service at the ripe old age of 24 years of age.Now that he is back on land, he is bored and at loose ends as to how to fill his time.So, when an invitation to a two-week long house party in the country is received, he quickly accepts.He knows his duty will be to keep his brother-in-law, Adam, apart from the dandified Philip.Once he arrives, his sisters who are also in attendance, begin scheming to find Linus a wife.Linus is not interested in the women they thrust under his nose, but he does meet someone who quickly becomes very important to him.The host of the house party is an older woman in the aristocracy who has employed a companion, Arabella Hampton.
Arabella Hampton is overjoyed with the opportunity to return to the estate of her favorite earl.He has since passed away, but she remembers all the time…

Title:Fatal Recall (Love Inspired Suspense)
Author: Carol J. Post
Pages: 224
Year: 2018
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The author is well equipped to write a tale that is engaging with tension filled pages.Thrill seekers should enjoy her books.I know I do!Her novels include: Shattered Haven, Hidden Identity, Mistletoe Justice, Buried Memories,Reunited by Danger and now Fatal Recall. For me, this is the best of the best as a character named Tanner moves to a new home, in a new area and has a new job as a police officer.While kayaking rapids, Tanner hears a scream.When he leaves the water to investigate, his life is about to take a major detour from his original plans!
The lead female character, Tatem, is found unconscious by Tanner, and she has no memory when she awakens in the forest only fear.Tanner won’t leave her side and then travels a unique road while attempting to help this woman regain her memories as well as protect her from constant attempts on her li…

Title:Room on the Porch Swing (An Amish Homestead Novel)
Author: Amy Clipston
Pages: 336
Year: 2018
Publisher: Zondervan
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
The first book in the series is titled, A Place at Our Table, andnow the author has shared a good tale in the sequel, Room on the Porch Swing.Readers return to Lancaster and the Riehl’s home when two tragedies strike and change the relationships in the community.Even though these happen, the intriguing part is how hope springs forth after a time of grieving.Plus, Laura and Allen have questions about what they feel, and the plans being considered for future.
While parts of the story were sad, I am glad the author didn’t shy away from what is part of real life.The fact that real people experience such deep grief helps the audience know that they can also experience the hope that renews both the heart and spirit.The themes brought forth are impacting such as family, faith, prayer, God and living out the reality of these in life situations.
It does …

Title:The Solace of Water
Author: Elizabeth Byler Younts
Pages: 368
Year: 2018
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
If you are unfamiliar with this author, it has been awhile since she has shared her imaginative and heart-gripping stories with audiences.My introduction to her tales began with her books titled, A Promise to Cherish, Promise to Return, and Promise to Keep.Now, after a hiatus, the author brings a new tale that will keep audiences turning pages for hours.
The Solace of Water is a deep, riveting tale that encompasses friendships that are unique and during a very trying time of life for three women with diverse lives.Like so much of reality in the world we live in today, the story reflects one of tragedy and yet the beauty that can be born out of the ashes left behind.
What occurs in the book shows us what might happen when life can blindside people and the unlikely rebuilding of lives in such touching ways.The tale takes place in the 1950s in the Deep South with a…

Title:Where Shadows Meet (Previously Pub. as Anathema)
Author: Collen Coble
Pages: 336
Year: 2018
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Personally, I like the new title compared with the older one; yet, both have a central place in the book!I love reading Colleen’s books because of the tension, climax, suspense and entertainment she threads in her tales.In this tale, we read about a meeting of two worlds, the Amish and English in the heart of one young woman named Hannah who views freedom to be in the English world after she tragically loses both parents.Hannah makes a rash decision that sets her life on a course that brings pain, heartache, and questions to her heart for years.
When she fled her husband’s abuse and started a new life with a new name, she hoped to be free from him.Yet, in her heart of hearts, she knew he would always be looking for her and one day somehow, he would locate her and force her to return to him.When Hannah’s Aunt Nora sends a picture to her with a…

Title:Justice Betrayed (A Memphis Cold Case Novel)
Author: Patricia Bradley
Pages: 352
Year: 2018
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
This is the author’s third novel in the series and it was outstanding!The first two books are titled: Justice Delayed and Justice Buried.In the story, we read about Elvis tribute artists who meet for a competition that offers big prize money.What happens is that one of the contestants becomes gravely ill and the assailant looks to be getting away with the crime.Yet, readers will be taken back to the beginning of the story that starts in the past of a woman named Shirley.
Expertly written prose that kept me engaged trying to figure out who was the antagonist and how all the clues spread throughout the story fit together.At first, the fact that two murders happening 17 years apart drew little attention until more clues revealed a bigger picture and the culprits were behind many negative and deadly actions.
A police detective, Rachel Sloane, has worked …

Title:The Accidental Guardian (High Sierra Sweethearts #1)
Author:Mary Connealy
Pages:304
Year:2018
Publisher: Bethany House
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
This author has a knack for writing that draws readers into her stories from the first page through the last.This book is no exception.It is set near Lake Tahoe in the year 1867.Deb Harkness and her younger sister, Gwen, have joined a wagon train headed to California.They have agreed to look after two young children of a couple traveling on the wagon train in exchange for their passage.While out with the children early one morning, disaster strikes and they are left alone in the wilderness.
Trace Riley is on his way home from his first cattle drive as an owner.He has sent his men on ahead as he travels when he comes upon a devastating scene.He also seems to have gained two women and two young children to protect.He must get them to his ranch before winter sets in or none of them will survive.They make it to his ranch, and he gets them set…

Title:How to be a Perfect Christian
Author:Adam Ford and Kyle Mann (The Babylon Bee)
Pages:200 Format:book
Year:2018
Publisher:Multnomah
My rating is 5.
Guest review by Cleve Johnson
If you enjoy satire and clean humor, then How to be a Perfect Christian is the book for you. I have seen the humorous articles posted by the Babylon Bee on Facebook, and when I found out that the same brand of satirical writing was available in a book, I had to read it. I loved the wit displayed throughout each chapter as each one focused on different aspects of achieving Christian perfection. Of course, there is a point behind each point covered as the writers poke fun at some of the traditions and activities that Christians participate in as well as how many of us appear to those within and outside the Church. As I read, my mind rushed to memories of my earlier days trying to please God through talking the talk and walking the walk before I discovered the difference between religion and biblical Christ…

Title:The Tempted Soul (Amish Quilt Book #3)
Author: Adina Senft
Pages: 320
Year: 2013
Publisher: FaithWords
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
What an exciting conclusion to the tale covering three friends lives Emma, Amelia and Carrie.Each woman has had her challenges in life and trying to believe God will bring to them the desires of their hearts.In the final installment we learn how Carrie who has been unable to have a family with her husband may have to learn how to live without having children while watching the dreams of others come true.
Melvin is an unusual husband in that he is tender, loving and affectionate with his wife, but he doesn’t understand the emptiness and pain bareness brings.Carrie loves Melvin and leaves her desires time and again with God even when she occasionally tries to find ways to bring about her desire for a baby.Carrie lays her heart at the feet of God and continues to live within the bounds of the community.
Amelia, Emma and Carrie have been friends since school and…

Title:The Road to Magnolia Glen (A Natchez Trace Novel #2)
Author:Pam Hillman
Pages:448
Year:2018
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
This second book in the Natchez Trace series is set in 1792 when Mississippi was still a territory under Spanish control.Quinn O’Shea and two of his brothers are bound for Breeze Hill Plantation, the home of his brother Connor.Quinn plans to get his two younger brothers settled in their new home and under Connor’s watch and then take off to see the world.He figures he has looked after the boys for the last nine years and now it is Connor’s turn.What Quinn didn’t plan on was running into Keira Young and her two younger sisters.Keira is on her way to Natchez as well to marry a local businessman.Her brother-in-law has set up the arrangement.Keira has never met her intended, but hopes for a better life for herself and her sisters.
Upon arrival in Natchez, Keira finds that her brother-in-law has not been honest as to the true na…

Title:The Hidden Life (Amish Quilt Book #2)
Author: Adina Senft
Pages: 336
Year: 2012
Publisher: FaithWords
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
In this sequel to The Wounded Soul, the author focuses on the character named Emma Stolzfus.Emma is a single woman who has dedicated her life to caring for her parents in their later years.After the passing of her father, Emma focuses on her mother.What Emma is surprised by is the shared views, stance and closeness she develops with her mother.
While Emma would love nothing more than to get married and have her own family, seeing it become a reality in her life is another matter.Since Emma was a young woman, her heart has yearned for one man named Grant.Grant is unavailable now and readers will enjoy reading his journey as well as the captivating ending to Emma’s tale.
I highly recommend Adina Senft’s books as they include patterns for quilt lovers, great stories to capture the hearts of the audience and a book easily enjoyed in a couple of hours.While the…

Thank you to all who have paid in serving Our Nation! Today, we also thank those who are serving and their families!

Title:The Marshal’s Runaway Witness
Author:Diane Burke
Pages:219
Year:2015
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
US Marshal Dylan McKnight takes his job seriously.He will do whatever necessary to make sure his witness testifies in a court case involving the head of the state’s mafia crime family.His witness is the accused’s daughter.She was slated to testify against him three years ago, but she tricked him and escaped.That put a serious dent in the court case as well as Dylan’s career.He thought they had been on the verge of a forever kind of relationship, but now he is determined not to make the same mistake again.He will keep a professional distance and keep his witness alive no matter what happens.
Angelina Baroni has been in hiding for three years.She witnessed her father kill someone and wanted to testify at his trial, but saw something in the courthouse that frightened her.She didn’t know whom to trust, except herself.Now, the trial, after various setbacks, i…

Title:A Chance at Forever (Teaville Moral Society #3)
Author:Melissa Jagears
Pages:352
Year:2018
Publisher: Bethany House
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
George Firebrook has returned to Teaville after leaving about six years ago.He has returned to make amends for his past behavior to many of the children he bullied as a child himself.He has a list of those he bullied and has written to some, asking for forgiveness and what he might do as reparation.He hasn’t gotten very many answers.Since he plans to stay in Teaville, he needs a job.He is a math teacher and there is an opening at the local school for such.He applies for the job and must be interviewed by the school board.He enters the room only to find himself facing one of the children he taunted most, Mercy McClain.He knows his chances of getting the job are now over, but he apologizes to Mercy anyway.He is a changed man and has given his life to the Lord.Mercy glares at him, promising him he will not get the job.He knows he deserves her …

Title:Send Down the Rain (A Novel)
Author: Charles Martin
Pages: 352
Year: 2018
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
My rating is 5+ out of 5 stars.
While this is a fictious story, there is some truth in how men were treated when they returned home from serving where their country sent them.The last book I read written by Charles Martin was exceptional and this one is above and beyond Long Way Gone. Each story he writes is a stand alone with unexpected twists and turns, characters that seem lifelike and plots that are heart-grabbing from the first page.
Send Down the Rain is set in the early 1960s.I was a young toddler when the Vietnam War was happening, and my parents protected us form seeing the news so as not to upset us.However, now I am older and personally want to thank all who have served and are serving and apologize for those who didn’t or don’t give you the thanks you richly deserve.
The story is about a family that a father deserts, and a mother who works her tail off to provide for her two yo…

Title:The Captured Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #3)
Author: Michelle Griep
Pages: 256
Year: 2018
Publisher: Barbour Books
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
The first two books in the series are written by other authors with book #1, The Mayflower Bride written by Kimberley Woodhouse followed by The Pirate Bride written by Kathleen Y’Barbo.Each book is a stand-alone story, though they follow a particular family line.Each is uniquely written in a way to capture the heart and imagination of the readers.In this third book of the series from Michelle Griep, I found myself a bit more involved in the story whether it was because of the romance, danger, intense moments or the faith of some unusual characters I can’t say for sure.I only know that I truly was lost in the story as it was also filled with a couple different mysterious scenes that I wasn’t sure how they were going to be played out in the book.
Many times, I felt as if I was there viewing the action, danger, conversations and more.It ca…

Title:Primary Suspect (LIS)
Author: Laura Scott
Pages: 224
Year: May 2018
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Laura Scott has written a very captivating tale of a nurse who is suddenly thrust into running for her life when she walked in on an attempt to murder a patient named Mitch Callahan. When ER nurse Dana Petrie entered the room, it was simply to thank Mitch for attempting to save her husband who was fighting a fire with Mitch three years prior.What she got was knocked down by an assailant, Mitch helping her up and asking for her assistance in escaping the hospital!That happens in just the first few pages of the story!
What follows is a pulse-racing tale of attempting to stay under the radar until the assailant can be identified and caught.However, somehow the person(s) continue to find them no matter what Mitch or Dana do to remain ghosts.Mitch’s brothers lend help, but somewhere there seems to be someone listening in to confidential conversations or findin…

Title:Lone Witness (Atlanta Justice #2)
Author: Rachel Dylan
Pages: 320
Year: 2018
Publisher: Bethany
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
When you start reading this story, be prepared to be unavailable until the end!In the story, we meet a seasoned prosecutor who witnesses a vicious crime and is the only witness to the perpetrator.At first, it sounds like a simple or somewhat straight forward tale, but don’t believe it!What I found inside was a very suspense filled thriller that had me turning pages until I was done!
The first book in the series is titled, Deadly Proof and I so enjoyed that one that I highly anticipated Rachel Dylan’s next book.Yet, the author exceeded all my expectations and hope for a legal thriller!One of the main characters is Sophia Dawson whose legal practice is in white collar crimes after being in another division for the prosecutor’s office.When she starts to investigate boxes of paperwork and begins trial preparation after the criminal trial as a witness, what follows …