The Bakers Daughter by Sarah McCoy

Elsie lives in occupied Germany during WW11. Her family owns a bakery and her sister is part of a program to get the specified aryan breed. Many years later Reba, a journalist, is charged with writing a journal piece about what Christmas is like in Germany. Elsie now lives in America and owns her own German Bakery, so Reba goes to her to find out what Christmas was like. With each question both women must confront thier past and Reba must learn to let go of her ghosts. Both women go on a powerful journey that ends up in self discovery.

This book jumps back and forth from occupied Germany to present day America. Its rich with history and events that open your eyes to how german people coped during the Nazi regime. It was well writ and full of feeling. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history rich novels and love stories.

I recieved a commplementary copy of review from Edleweiss.

The Canary LIst by Sigmund Brouwer

Jaimie is a young girl who has been in the foster care system since she was a baby, but she has a unique gift. She can sense evil hunting her. Crockett Grey is a teacher for kids who have a hard time in school and for some reason Jaimie decides that she can trust him when an evil man shows up at her foster home pretending to be Social Services. This night leads to a series of events that destroy Crockett’s’ life and starts the uncovering of a very large secret kept by the Vatican. But when Father O’Hare needs Jaimie in Rome, Crockett finds himself pulled deep into the heart of the best kept secret with deadly consequences.

This book is a mystery that will have you guessing at every turn of events. It’s masterly written to were the reader can start piecing together their own theories on what is happening and what will happen. I enjoyed reading this book and trying to uncover how everything fit together. Although the ending was not what I had hoped, it leaves you to think on what you have just read and to gather your own conclusions about the motives of Father O’Hare. This book would be great for a book club where it can be discussed, analyzed, and thought over.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, & Kelly Long

 Rose, Naomi, and Priscilla learn lessons in life and love in this collection of three stories of these three different women. Rose yearns for adventure and starts to question her decision of becoming engaged to a man she finds boring. But when a thief comes to the community Rose learns that the man she thought she knew so well may yet surprise her. Naomi has been in love and has her heart broken, and now she fears letting herself love another man. But when a stranger roles through town she may have to let go of her fears and trust that God has brought him to her for a reason. Priscilla likes everything to be neat and tidy and have everything organized, but with her wedding coming up she is finding it hard to trust that things will be alright. She loves the man she is to marry but when everything that can go wrong does, will she find the strength to trust that everything is in God's hands?

This book has three novels in it that are all connected. They are well written and easily read. Although I was sort of shocked that the authors left the stories when they did it was still an enjoyable read. In the front of the book there is a dictionary of language used throughout the book which was really helpful and fun to learn. Also in the back of the book I discovered that there were several Amish recipes that they had talked to throughout the book. This book was a delight and I suggest this book to anyone who enjoys clean romance novels and who enjoys seeing into different worlds.

I received a complementary copy of this book for review from Booksneeze.

Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos

Do you know who your neighbors are? In this comic novel Matt finds himself surrounded by monsters that are just in fairy tales. After meeting a mad scientist and his robot, Matt's eyes are opened to zombies, vampires, and werewolves. Luther Martin is a werewolf struggling to be free of the wolf and is convinced the answer lies in Christianity and its up to Matt and his new found friends to explain how it all works, which they find is harder than they expected.

This book takes a serious question and answers it in a way that will have you smiling and raising your eyebrows. Each set of monsters symbolize Christians in their walk with God and shows ways on how to break free and truly live for Him. It was well written and easy to read and understand the plot's twists and turns. It was not hard to grasp what the author was trying to say or to understand the message he was trying to convey. I would strongly recommend this book to any new follower or someone who has found themselves in a rut in their walk with God.

For an author video click here. For author Matt Mikalatos' website click here. For Tyndale House Publisher click here.

GIVE AWAY
If you would like a free copy of this book please let me know either in a comment or via email. I will choose a winner at random and notify you. You will have 48 hours to respond then a new winner will be chosen.

I received a free complimentary review copy of this book from Tyndale House.

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

If you like Amish Fiction or know someone who does the Christmas Singing is the perfect gift idea for this Christmas! Its a story about a girl who gets her heart destroyed and pours herself into her passion of baking. Its a path to self discovery and

For a video description of the book click here or to read the first chapter here.

You can also receive 30% off and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011 so be sure to hurry and check it out!

Forever Faithful by Karen Kingsbury

After a terrible accident Hannah loses her husband and her oldest daughter, and is consumed by a terrible hatred for the man responsible. Now all Hannah wants to do is make sure that this man is punished, but while she is throwing herself into the court case she fails to see how her surviving daughter is slowly fading away. Now Hannah must learn to forgive before she can start to heal and make her and her daughter a family again. Jade's mother left her at a young age and her father is terribly distant and cruel. When she meets a long lost child hood friend, Tanner, she is sure things are going to start looking up for her After one magical summer with Tanner, Jade is left an expectant mother and makes the decision to marry a man she does not love. Years later when her husband wants a divorce and is trying to take her only child from her, Jade and Tanner meet again and this time they wonder if they can truly be together. But when tragedy strikes again and again can they find the strength to trust that God has a plan?

This book is both heart breaking and inspiring. This book was well written and held your attention through the chapters. I found myself hoping that the main characters would make it out alright even through the lies, betrayal, and heartbreak. Although this book is a christian novel, the author doesn't preach, and doesn't force you to her opinions. The book i received is a trilogy with all three books in one novel, so you don't have to wait and wonder what will happen next. I would recommend this book to any believer who has suffered a loss and cant find a way to cope through it.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Mary is a young wife in the queens court when she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Soon after she becomes his mistress and while preparing to birth her second child her older sister, Anne, steals the king's eye. The girls family has plans for Anne and the king, but she has her own ideas. She convinces the king to divorce his wife so that he could marry her and make her queen. What she doesn't realize is that its one thing to catch the king and quite a different matter to hold him.

This book was exceptionally written and held my attention through the whole story. Although it was a little wordy sometimes it was not hard to understand and get through. The ending was not how i hoped it would be but it was gripping nevertheless. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading history novels or who love betrayal, gossip, and manipulation.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

A war that destroyed the dragons leaving three eggs and one known dragon left. A young boy named Eragon by chance, happens upon a dragon egg in the forest and when the egg hatches for him he desperately starts seeking answers. But when his family and home get destroyed he knows he must leave in search of people who can help him and give him some answers.

This book is an easy read and is a magical tale expertly woven. It is easy to read and reread this first book in the Inheritance cycle. Full of action, magic, and a quest to end the evil ruler it has everything a fantasy reader wants. There is a movie about the book but if you want the full experience of this magical world pick up the book and lose yourself among the pages.

The Fight of our LIves by William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn

The fight against terrorism. When America was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor we knew we were going to war. The day of 9/11 we knew we were going to war, but as the war dragged on and on many Americans stopped believing in the war effort. American groups against terrorism.

Anything you want to know about past and present attacks on America are touched on in this book. This book talks of terrorism groups and the American people. It discusses what has been done to prevent terrorism in the U.S. This book was very informative and shocking. It doesn't candy coat or step around anything. The authors are blunt and they have references to the material discussed so that you could go and look up more information or to verify that what they are discussing is actually true. In all I enjoyed reading this book and thought that it was very insightful.

 BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Wait No More by John and Kelly Rosati

This is one couples journey to adopting four children. Feeling God's calling the couple moves to Hawaii and there they experience God's calling and direction. After seeing a child in desperate need of a home and loving family they experience the rigors and stress of adopting their first child. But each adoption has its own difficulties and stress but through it all God is with them and gives them the peace they need to keep going.

This book opens your eyes to how children in the foster care system need a family who will love and care for them. Each child has gone through some trauma and some need special attention and love. It also shows you how hard it is to actually adopt a child. There birth parents have to relinquish all rights and that can be a stressful event if you haven fallen in love with a foster child. This book will grip your heart and make you want to help out any way you can.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Trevor MacDaniel was an Olympic gold medalist until a bad run hurt his knee, now he is a country out-fitter. When he saves a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion his whole world changes. Natalie Reeve is a special kind of sculptor and when she buys the building next to Trevor's their lives become intertwined, for she can see past his face and into his soul. Together they must work through the gruesome pictures and unseen threats.

I have read books by this author before but I was not expecting what i read. This book is a mystery thriller that will have you wishing you could but it down but wanting to know who will be next. The beginning of the book was a little scary, but towards the end you find everything out and you wonder why you were scared in the first place. I would recommend this book to those who love suspenseful thrillers.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Stolen Ecstasy by Hannaah Howell

Nothing seems to go right for Leanne Summers. First her not mother throws her out of the house and she is left with nothing to her name, then she witnesses a robbery in progress. Hunter Walsh cant seem to leave Leanne after she witnesses them robbing the town bank. So now he must take her with him and drag her into murder, stand offs, and a den of thieves with no morals. Will he be able to save this woman from all who wish them death?

This book is meant for adult readers since there is explicit scenes within the story. It is set in old western were you are more apt to find a corrupt law man then someone to help you. It was well written and keeps you captivated throughout and hoping that the lovers will be together at last. This book was a refreshing story and a captivating read.

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner

Set in present day Virginia this book follows Holly Oak house and its inhabitants through decades. Susannah Page, a young lady in the time of the Civil War, is believed to have been a spy for the Union, and that the women of Holly Oak must now suffer for her wrong doings. Shortly after marrying and moving to Holly Oak Marielle is confronted with ghost stories and twisted facts about the house. Marielle will not rest until she knows the truth of the house and the woman named Susannah who occupied it long ago.

This book was not as I expected it would be. I thought the book would be set back in the Civil War and follow through time. Never less it was still a fascinating read. You discover one woman's courage to betray her country and save the man she loves through a sacrifice she knows she should never have made. While in the present tense you see several descendants of Susannah struggling to uncover her mystery. This book would be a fabulous read for any history, romance lover.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Inside Threat by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

 Inside threat is a thriller. Riley Covington has just gotten back into playing football and is causing quite a stir with the press and players alike. Khadi, who is the woman Riley cares most for, has been given a post as a security specialist. But when terrorists take senators and Khadi hostage, Riley has no choice but to come back and try to save the women he loves.

If you enjoy reading about action adventure or politics this book would be a great read for you. It has suspense, fighting, and politics all rolled up into one great book with a little romance. Although slow at first this book was well written and got more interesting with the turning of the pages. I enjoyed how the story drew me in while reading but I didn't necessarily enjoy reading about politics.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Every Single Women's Battle by Shannon Ethridge


Are you guarding your heart and mind from affairs? This book will help you understand that, while men are more physical, women are more mental and emotional beings. You may not realize that you are destroying your relationships because in your heart and mind you are fantasising about other men.


This book is a great self help tool and devotional. You will be asked many questions and if you answer honestly you may be surprised by your answers. This is a great book for personal study if you take the time to really think about the questions and your honest answers. I really learned more about myself from reading this book and i would suggest this book to any woman who is having a difficult time in her faith and her life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Blessing by John Trent & Gary Smalley

Have you ever wondered if your parents gave you their blessing? Are you wondering if your giving your own children or friends your blessing? While reading this book you will understand if you have ever received or given a blessing, and if you haven't the Blessing gives you detailed instructions on how to go about giving it.

The Blessing is an eye opening book, its very instructive and encouraging. The book contains many places were you are encouraged to stop reading and think about what you have just read. There are many places in the book were you are given a website address were if you would like more information you are able to obtain it. I would greatly recommend this book to pastors or bible study teachers.

BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Out of a Far Country by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan

Christopher searches for a place he can belong, were people accept him as he is. Angela wants nothing more than to have a comfortable marriage and to have her sons achieve greatness. Both mother and son go on an unexpected journey that will change their hearts forever.

After starting this book I couldn't put it down. Every other chapter is written by either the mother or the son. I was constantly wondering how Christopher would come to know God and when the Angela would accept that she can not change her son. This book is a testimony to how God works in two separate lives and how He can give strength to survive a difficult time. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in their own faith, or who would like to know how God can work in some one's life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Waiting Place by Eileen Button



Life is full of moments and spaces of time were you wait. This book depicts different areas in Eileen's life were she was in the waiting place. She describes different circumstances were she was stuck in the waiting place and just wanted out, or a glimpse into the future to see that everything worked out.

This is a great inspirational book, it is filled with short stories with different scenarios. After reading this book I find myself thinking about my own waiting places and admiring her courage to wait faithfully during her own phases. This book would make an excellent night time devotional, were you read a chapter right before you fall asleep.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze.

The Fallen 2: Aerie and Reckoning by Thomas E. Sniegoski

Aaron is training hard to fight the evil powers. Unfortunately the power leader has captured the girl Aaron likes, and his younger brother. When he realizes that the powers leader has been torturing his girlfriend Aaron goes to her rescue only to discover something that has the power to crush and kill him in a single sweep.

The Fallen series are extremely well written. It is very easy to lose yourself between the pages and feel for the characters. After I bought this book I couldn't wait to start reading, and when I finally did I couldn't put the it down.

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Schuyler Van Allen is about to turn sixteen years old and her life will never be the same. She is apart of the exclusive blue bloods, who are wealthy, beautiful, and dangerous. After she is attacked by something that should have been destroyed along time ago she and her friends must discover who is the silver blood who took residence among their own kind.

This book puts a whole new spin on the vampire persona. I enjoyed reading the authors take on vampires and the story line. This book captivated my attention and I can not wait to read the other books in the series to find out what happens to Schuyler. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy vampires and mystery.

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf



Esther is a beautiful Jewish girl faced with an almost impossible mission. She must marry the king who only wants a Persian wife, and she must save her people. What she doesn't count on is falling in love with the king who holds the power over her people and her heart. With the threat of the destruction of her people looming over her she must choose, her people or her heart.

I remember Esther from my child hood Sunday school classes and i never really understood the story. This story may romanticise the events but its very easy to follow. I could not put this book down. It captivated my attention and made me guess at the ending. I recommend this book to anyone who  loves old stories with a new outlook or anyone who loves romance and mystery.

i received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze.

TJ and the Time Stumblers by Bill Meyers



This book is set in the 21 century in a junior high school. TJ has just moved to a new town and a new school and she is desperately hoping to fit in. When two time traveling boys show up to 'help' her, things only go from bad to worse. Not only is she the most hated girl in school now, she also must learn an important life lesson before the two boys permanently ruin her life.

This book is a great read for junior high schoolers. After laughing my way through the pages and wondering what could possibly happen next I was reminded of my junior high days. This book is hilarious in its way to make everything transfer students fear about starting at a new school come to life. I would definitely recommend this book to younger readers who would get a thrill out of the story and all the mishaps.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House.

No He Can't by Kevin McCullough



This book is about Barack Obama's presidential campaign and his presidency. The author goes into great detail about the promises that were made pre-election and what the people saw post-election. There are news paper exerts were journalists have commented on Obama's work and how they view it.

This book was very hard to get through because there were a lot of hard topics and in depth discussions on Obama's campaign pre and post election. This book did frighten me a bit, it brought the truth to the surface and sometimes it is hard to face the truth. If you want to know what has been done during Obama's presidency so far and how it effects our future this is the perfect book to read. 

 BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher, Phyllis Tickle



This book covers all the controversy over communion. It reviews some history and personal experiences with communion. This book goes in depth about how communion is supposed to be practiced and how it can make you feel. Communion is a practice that people now do just for show and do not really understand the importance of it.

I always viewed communion as a thing you do in church every so often. After reading this book, communion has taken on a new meaning. It has opened my eyes to how I was practicing it and how it should be done. Anyone who doesn't completely know what communion is about or doesn't understand how it works this book is an excellent explanation. It is also a great book to read every so often just to reevaluate how you are practicing communion.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

The Secret of Indigo Moon by G.P. Taylor



Erik is unable to sleep as a huge storm rages outside. Doors are being thrown open by the wind and then suddenly slammed shut. While Erik walks around the school discovers two robbers and a secret tunnel. While he spies on the robbers he finds himself trapped in the tunnel were he discovers a note from the former  head mistress. This note leads Sadie, Saskia, and Erik on an adventure that leads to murders and mysteries they are determine to reveal.

This book is set up like the last, with more pictures and comics throughout the book. I enjoyed the mystery and mischief that happened throughout the book, although I was sad when I discovered that I had finished the book. I would really recommend this book  to teens and people who find reading a bit of a challenge. It has a great story line and is not difficult to understand.

I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

David is sent to the final summit it answer a one question to save humanity. At the summit are all the travelers and the archangel Gabriel. David is allowed five travelers to help assist him in finding the answer, but he only has five tries at getting it right.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was both exciting and challenging. The author kept the story very interesting by including taking some of his characters from history, and revealing the story behind them. It was a very perceptive book, asking questions that make you stop and think and really consider what the characters are talking about. I would recommend this book to someone who loves reading history incorporated into the overall message, or those who enjoy a great mind challenge.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by BookSneeze.

To Desire A Wicked Duke by Nicole Jordan

Tess Blanchard  has been lonely and desperate for love and passion since her fiance's death two years ago. But when her arch enemy Ian Sutherland catches her kissing an actor behind the curtain he decides to take matters into his own hands. When they are caught in a compromising position, they are forced into a hasty marriage. Ian couldn't be happier but Tess feels that her dream of falling in love is now over for good. Discovering that their castle is haunted they embark on a mission to figure out who is behind the haunting. Tess must face even more heartbreaking news before she can truly love her new husband.

This book was very entertaining. I really enjoy reading romances set back in history with many twists and turns. The story line was really good, but I kept waiting for the two main characters to discover their love for each other. I was captured between the pages and hope to read the other books in the series.

The First Escape by G.P. Taylor

Saskia and Sadie are identical twins in a girls orphanage. They are so close they share thoughts, feelings, and the need to create mischief. But when one of their pranks separates them from each other they both must face loneliness and danger. When Sadie finds her self locked away in a tower she finds an unexpected ally in Erik, the only boy at the orphanage, who helps her escape. With the cops hot on their trail, she knows she must find her sister before she is locked away in prison. Saskia witnesses ghosts and a plot to kill her guardian, Muzz Elliott, and must do whatever it takes to save her and herself.

This book was a very good read. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that the book takes. There is murder, mystery, and supernatural all wrapped up into one. I enjoyed the way the book was set up, it was different and it made the book that much more interesting. I hope to be able to read the other books in the series soon, and find out what will happen to these three characters along the way. I would recommend this book to Harry Potter fans and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Tyndale House.

Tithing by Douglas Leblanc

Tithing is an ancient practice that is viewed in many ways by many Christians. This book interviews many Christians and their views on tithing. Whether they tithe their money, assets, or time. Many of the people interviewed describe how they find God's grace through this process, and how they believe in giving as much as possible.

I found this book very challenging. I have always known about giving the ten percent but to read about people who give much more than just ten percent and still have no worries astounds me. People giving their financial problems over to God and then giving more and more, while still being blessed is very hard to understand. This book was very insightful and really made me think about were my own money goes, and how I can give more. If you are looking for an in depth challenge or a clearer view on what tithing is, this book has great examples. You will find yourself asking what more can I do, or can I learn to live with the basics instead of name brands?

BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

An Unlikely Countess by Jo Beverley

Prudence feels like she is destined for better things when fate finds her in White Rose Yard. She desperately pleads to her brother for help but when her letters go unanswered she feels action is in order. After meeting with the strange Catesby, who leaves her with a silver pin and two sixpence, she remembers him to bolster her courage. After a fateful encounter with Catesby at the alter on her wedding day she becomes the unknowing countess of Malzard. But with a sister-in-law still grieving for her husband and stillborn child, along with the demon mother in law, Prudence's life is far from easy. Will she be able to live down the accusations and live to love her new husband?

This book is mystery and suspense all in one. You follow the life of a young women who sacrificed to help her brother. This book was a nice read and i enjoyed reading about all her misadventures. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy history romance, and have a love for damsels in distress.

Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare

This is the second book in the trilogy. Rhys St. Maur believes that he is indestructable, and that luck is always on his side. After Leo is killed Rhys returns to his ancesterial home of Devonshire where he runs into the beautiful Meredith Maddox. Rhys is instantly smitten but when he meets accident after accident, he discovers that building the town up again may be harder than he had thought. With new insights to Leo's death Rhys meets with an accident that changes his preception on life. But can he convince Meredith to accept his marriage proposal?

This book was bery delightful and entertaining. This book had me guessing what might happen next and I was constantly wrong. I have enjoyed this series so far and am looking forward to readin the next book in the series.

One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

Spencer Dumarque is also known as the Duke of Midnight to all young ladies and thier mothers. He enters the ballroom at exactly midnight dances one set with one girl, and then leaves. When Amelia d'Orsay learns of her brothers considerable debts to the duke she decides to take matters into her own hands. When the duke enters she steals his hand for the dance to try to convince him to forgive the debt. After whisking her to the balcony they learn of thier friend Leo's death. After a long and trying night together the duke is adament that Amelia marry him the next day. Although she agrees to the marriage she will not let him have his marital rights until Leo's killer is found. She did not take into account that she would fall madly in love with Spencer and soon forgets her vow. When her brother runs off with the duke's young charge she must decide between the duke's love or her scoundrel of a brother. After leaving the duke she sees her brother off on a ship bound for America, when she returns with her elder brother to his house in London she is greated with a grand ball. All attending are hoping to see the love smitten duke come and whisk Amelia out of the room. She is surprised when he shows up, if a little tardy, asking her forgiveness and steals her away much to everyones great surprise.

This series is a trilogy and is wrapped with scandal and dark secrets better left untold. I couldnt put this book down, i was wondereing if the duke and Amelia would come above thier problems and live together happily ever after. I was not disappointed. I can not wait to get my hands on the second or third book in the series, i hope they are as thrilling as the first.

Forbidden Game by L.J. Smith

This is a three in one book. The Hunter, Chase, and Kill are all included in this one book. Jenny wants to buy a game for her boyfriend, Tom's, birthday, but she doesnt want anyone to know. She decides to go to the wrong side of town were no one knows her. When she suspects that there are men following her she quickly ducks into one of the stores on the deserted street, were she meets Jullian. He is as mysterious as the Game he puts into her hands. When the all the quests have arrived they set up the game. It is a cut out of a house with little human pieces that you color to represent you, you must also write down your deepest fear and place it into the house. When everyone wakes up in the house Jenny is faced with Jullian. All of her friends are in different rooms of the house all of them are facing thier worst fears. She must go and rescue them all. After the game is won she must venture to Jullians land to get her friends back that failed during the game. There she finds her grandfather and is determinded to set him free. Jullian must decide what is more important the woman he has been watching for years, or his life.

This book will keep you on your toes wondering what is going to happen. I thought that this book had a very good story line and i couldnt put it down. This author writes wonderful books and i love reading all of them.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Clary believes that she is a normal girl with a normal artistic mom. When she goes to the club and sees a gang of kids torturing someone in the closet she wants to call the police. But how can you call the police if your the only one who can see whats going on? Her mom calls her warning her not to come home, when Clary rushes home she is almost killed by a demon. After Jace, one of the kids from the closet, rescues her, her life will never be the same again. She now is involved in a secret world with vampires, werewolves, and demons. She is part of the elite shadowhunters, the police of this secret world. When she finds out that the infamous Valentine is the one who kidnapped her mother, she will not stop until she finds him, and the ugly truth he unveils.

This book had so many twists and turns, that it kept me on my toes. I did not expect the ending to this book, nor the views on vampires and werewolves. I enjoyed reading this book and immediatly started on the second one. I cant wait to finish it and start reading the third one.

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeane Gist

Anna Ivey works as a cook to a man who tries to force himself on her. She applies to Asa Mercer to become a cook in Seattle to a lumberjack. What she doesnt know is that she is to wed the man who employs her. Haunted by the deaths of her father, brother, and mother, for which she blames herself, she is unwilling to marry Joe Denton or let him close. When she finds out that he either marrys or loses his land she feels sympathetic towards him, but not enough to help him out. Feeling she must stand on her own she leaves his land and becomes a nurse. Joe wont let her go that easy so he starts to court her and notices how sick she is becoming. The doctor diagnosed her with tiburculosis after they marry, so he puts his land up for sale and plans on moving down south. While on thier honeymoon in San Fransico they get a second opinion, they find that she is only allergic to clorophorm.

This book had me laughing several times throughout its pages. it was a great read and ties into her previous book The Meassure of a Lady. I enjoyed reading about lumberjacks and why they always were cutoff pants. Also about how they chop down trees. This book only strengthened my conviction to read all books by this author.

The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist

Rachel Van Buren arrives in San Fransico during the gold rush, with her younger sister and brother. Trying to get to her morals she agrees to work for a man who owns a hotel and bar. Her younger sister falls prey to the men who shower her with thier affection and her brother becomes a gambler. She opens a resturaunt that only accepts family people. When a fire spreads througout the city she learns that the women she scorned arent so horrible after all. After she is married she opens up a resturaunt and employs soiled doves to give them a second chance.

This book was full of interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed reading about a woman, in the midst of sin, stand on her beliefs and try to help other people. The book was very good and i know i will read this one several times.

The Diamond of the Rockies series

This book is christian and uses scripture. Carina DeGratia is from a large Italian family were everyone is close and they all know your secrets. When her heart is broken she moves to the mining town of Crystal Colorado and meets with all sorts of trouble. While finding solitude in the skeletal town of Placerville she stumble upon the mystery of Rose and Wolf, who happen to be her new husbands parents. After forcing him to uncover the truth about his parents they travel north to her home. Her family is less than thrilled about her marrying outside the family and without thier consent. Carina is now forced to face the man who broke her heart while trying to get Quillian accepted by her family.

This series were very good and i have read them a few times. I enjoyed reading some Italian scattered throughout the books. They keep you captivated and wondering what could possibly go wrong next?

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

This is a christian book with many references to scripture. It is set back in colonial America were women and men with felonies were shipped over seas to either be brides or indentured servants. Constance Morrow is the daughter of a Lord with a sharp mind for numbers. When her uncle is charged with a crime and awaiting transportation to America Constance finds herself in trouble. Being kidnapped and sold as a bride she tries pleading her case only to be forced into marriage. Before her father can come rescue her, she finds herself in love with the man she is wedded to.

I have read this book at least twenty times and still find it an enjoyable read. It is humorous and historical. I enjoyed reading many books from this author, and hope she is not done writing yet.

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Lillian Haswell is the daughter of an apothecary, with a photographic memory. She leaves for London with her mother's relatives and when she returns she is surprised to see that her life she left behind is in shambles. Her father has fallen ill and has let his shop go to ruin. Now she must not only restore the Haswell name and get the store back to rights, but also decide were her heart is. She faces many trials with the local doctor and the new rules constricting the apothecarys way of life.

This book was an interesting read. The plot was well layed out, since you couldn't predict what was coming next. The ending, though was a surprise. I was hoping for a different direction, but overall it is an excellent book.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Greys life is inturuppted when a mysterious man named Patch walks into her life. She doesnt know whether to trust him or run away as fast as her feet can carry her. After several near death experiences she hopes that she can trust him with the truth, if not her life, when a suspected killer transfers to thier school. Not only is she determinded to get to the bottom of the murder, but she is desperatly trying to save her friend from thier influence. When she is threatened into playing hide and seek in the school, her life is on the line, so is everything she thought she knew.

This book was a great read if you have time to get lost within the pages. The plot kept you interested and I can not wait to read the sequal Crescendo. This is one of those books that captivates you and leaves you wanting more.