Now and Forever by Mary Connealy

Now and Forever 

Wild at Heart Series

by

Mary Connealy

MY TAKE: 

Yay! It's here! After reading the teaser for this book at the end of Tried and True, I've been (im)patiently waiting for the full book. I think I devoured Now and Forever in nearly one sitting. It starts off with one of Mary's biggest bangs ever (and that's saying a lot!) and just keeps you flying through with baited breath all the way through. It's hard to imagine that Mary's books could get better, she's been pretty awesome all along, but I think each new book tops the last. 

Shannon Wilde may be my favorite sister. I love her attachment to her sheep and gentle but tough as nails approach. She and Tucker are such a perfect fit, that the romance is there from page one. What makes this even more fun, is that as a reader I got to enjoy them being in love. Oh, and, Tucker? Wow. He's pretty lovable. There is great tension and humor between all the characters, and the suspense/mystery of hunting their attacker is both spine tingling and romantic. As always, Mary had me laughing out loud throughout the book. And I have to give her kudos for her spot on descriptions of tracking - very cool. 

Looking forward the release of #3: Fire and Ice October 6, 2015.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!

Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!

Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. 

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge. 

The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy. 

The Wild West Wedding series Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist, and In Too Deep. 

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy. 
She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing, a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances. 
She is one of the four authors contributing to Alaska Brides Collection with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days along with Tracie Peterson, 
Cathy Marie Hake and Kathleen Y'Barbo. She had published two ebook Christmas novella collections. 
A Home for Christmas with Robin Lee Hatcher And Candlelight Christmas with Linda Goodnight 
And with a pseudonym she has published the romantic thriller Ten Plagues and she has republished three out of print books Bury the Lead, Fright at the Museum and Trial and Terror, three lighthearted cozy 
mysteries formerly published as the Nosy in Nebraska series under the titles Of Mice…and Murder,
Pride and Pestilence and The Miceman Cometh. 

Find Mary online at:

Seekerville 
Petticoats & Pistols 
Mary's Blog 
Mary's Website 

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

CFBA: The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
The Midwife’s Tale Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015) by Delia Parr


MY TAKE: 

This wonderful book, was not what I expected. Although not heavily marketed as a romance, romance is what I expected. What I found was a delightful story full of mystery, excitement and drama. The romance is lovely, but feels almost secondary to the real story - the discovery Martha Cade makes about herself as a middle aged widow and mother. What a great journey of discovery! She's strong and sassy and independent, but discovers as much of a blessing those traits are, there are times to be weak and humble and dependent on others. It may seem like a common theme, but the story is anything but common.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the story, could also be the one I should caution other readers about the most. Martha is a Midwife and delivers many babies in the story. I find the practice as well as naturopathic medicine really interesting, so it was great to see the research the author had applied. The deliveries are VERY realistic. To the point of describing them in detail using proper anatomical terms. Although I didn't find the use offensive in it's context, reading the word "vulva" in a Christian Romance novel did surprise me! lol. :) I think the author was extremely tasteful in her language and everything was clinical, but because I know there are a small number who would want to know this before reading it themselves, or giving it to a younger reader, I choose to share it here.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Midwife's Tale. Delia Parr did a beautiful job and I would recommend this read to anyone that enjoys this genre.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.

CFBA: The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

Song Stuck on the Brain: Hey Brother by Avicii

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
The Wood's Edge WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015) by Lori Benton

MY TAKE:

The Wood's Edge showed how just a split second decision can be felt for a lifetime of  more. Major Aubrey is grieving and makes a terrible choice, to steal one of the twins from an Oneida mother and replace it with his own dead child. That would be terrible enough, but as his lie progresses it affects everyone near him. Lori Benton has done a fantastic job presenting the rippling results from a tiny stone tossed in a moment in time. Love, heartache, anger, fear - forgiveness. It's a beautiful story and the historical research and well described setting set me back in time until I felt their life in 18th century New York frontier come to life.

If you enjoy historical novels or just enjoy a really well crafted story, you won't want to miss this one.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Wood's Edge, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Benton spent her late teens and early twenties pursuing a career as a wildlife artist, attending the Maryland College of Art & Design before she began painting professionally. When not writing or researching, Lori can be found exploring the mountains of southern Oregon with her husband, Brian. Lori's first novel, Burning Sky was nominated as an ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist and also received double nominations for 2014 Christy Awards. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is her second novel.

National Limerick Day 2015!

Song Stuck on the Brain:  An extremely unique bird call that reminds me of the MockingJay. I've been hearing it for 3 days and can't figure out what bird it is. I've listened to thousands of bird calls on line and Nada. I'm beginning to think this is  rare bird only I hear. Hmmm. There may be a story there...

Today is National Limerick Day! I had so much fun with this last year, that I didn't want to miss it again this year. I've written some original limericks to share.

And for all the struggling writers that spend more money promoting their books than they make but do it anyway because they love their craft: 

When I shared these with my mom, she immediately came up with her own starter: "There once was a chicken named Peepers, Who marched through the town wearing sneakers..." Then said she couldn't think of a way to finish it. So, working together, we came up with two totally different limericks. It's fun how the same starter can be so different. 

#1 

There once was a chicken named Peepers

Who marched through the town wearing sneakers

On his way cross the road

He gustily crowed

I did it ‘cause walking is cheaper.

#2 

There once was a chicken named Peepers

Who marched through the town wearing sneakers

He’d tiptoe behind

Anyone he could find

Squawking at them all “Jeepers-Creepers”

Which do you like better? How about you? Want to try a hand at it? The meter is easy, generally the first 2 lines are 8 beats and rhyme, the next two are 5 beats and rhyme and the fifth line is  beats and rhymes with the first two lines. 

Show me what you got or share your favorite limerick. :)

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest 

BOOK 1 OF THE TALES OF THORNBECK

by 

Melanie Dickerson

Available May 12, 2015

MY TAKE:

Melanie Dickerson is back again with another FANTASTIC fairy tale recreation. Robin Hood meets Swan Lake - Genius.

Robin Hood has always been one of my favorite tales, so to see a strong, caring female in the role of archer is always a fun spin. Odette Menkels is both a shining light and an oddity among the women in her era. Her courage and independence make her desirable and yet outside the norm of what society expects of women at that time. Despite all societies pressures to get married for security, Odette would rather provide food for the poor and study, things she's sure a husband wouldn't allow her to do. Love is a must for marriage. Bravo, Odette. You're a woman after my own heart.

Jorgen is a strong, handsome man with mettle and valor. He's also kind and gentle. If only he had the money and societal standing to convince Odette's uncle he's a worthy suitor.

If only I could magically transport Jorgen to present day and off the pages of my book. Wow. He had me at hello, so to speak. :) The growing relationship between he and Odette is not just sweet, but at moments breathless. Even though it seems to be doomed from the beginning, happily ever afters are possible in Thornbeck Forest and I love the twists and turns that finally bring them together.

Melanie did an amazing job recreating a story I love into another tale I love just as much. Odette and Jorgen are characters that transcend the page and become legends in their own right.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

A beautiful maiden who poaches to feed the poor. A handsome forester on a mission to catch her. Danger and love are about to unite in Thornbeck Forest.

The margrave owns the finest hunting grounds for miles around—and Odette Menkels spends her nights poaching his deer to feed the hungry orphans of Thornbeck. By day, Odette is a simple maiden who teaches children to read, but by night this young beauty has become the secret lifeline to the poorest of the poor.

For Jorgen Hartman, the margrave’s forester, tracking down a poacher is a duty he is all too willing to perform. Jorgen inherited his post from the man who raised him ... a man who was murdered at the hands of a poacher. When Jorgen and Odette meet at the Midsummer festival and share a connection during a dance, neither has any idea that they are already adversaries. The one man she wants is bound by duty to capture her; the one woman he loves is his cunning target . . .

What becomes of a forester who protects a notorious poacher? What becomes of a poacher when she is finally discovered?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama.

 She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.



I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.