"Wild Montana Skies," by Susan May Warren

"Wild Montana Skies," by Susan May Warren

The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

But her mistakes aren't so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn't realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart.

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?

Have to say I enjoyed this book.  There is plenty of action to keep you interested and the details of the search and rescue was very informative.  Love the two main characters Kacey and Ben with all the tension between them.  Very well written; you will guess the outcome there.  

This is the first book in the Montana Rescue Series and I will say I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.  The way this book finishes there is so much more to be told.  It was a good introduction to all the characters, without getting away from the love story between Kacey and Ben.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 A solid book, good storyline, not overly complicated but interesting enough to keep you wanting more.  Well worth the read!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Wish," by Beverly Lewis

"The Wish," by Beverly Lewis

Leona Speicher got the "sister" she always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be the answer to Leona's prayers--until Gloria's father is expelled from their Old Order Amish church for reasons no one will discuss. Much to Leona's dismay, the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear. Then, after a silence of several years, Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona, who makes up her mind to go after her friend. Yet Leona's fiancé--the deacon's son--is alarmed. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?

Over the years I have read countless Amish themed books to the point where I had become sick of them.  It's been a while since I have read one, so thought I'd review this one to see if anything has changed.  I am pleased to say it has.  This book had a little different take on the "normal" Amish theme, but still kept the premise of a typical Amish book.

Leona and Gloria are such good characters and the way they are described makes them come alive to the reader.  This type of book always makes me want to have a simpler life and it does make you think what modern conveniences could you do without?

Stars out of 5 : 4 I did enjoy this book, it made a nice change from the other books I reviewed this month and with Beverly you can always count on a good read.  It had enough drama in it, that you needed to know what happened next, but at the same time it wasn't a hectic book, it made you feel at peace; mainly because of the way everything was described.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Traces of Guilt," by Dee Henderson

"Traces of Guilt," by Dee Henderson

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

I really enjoyed this book, there were so  many twists and turns in it that the story kept you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who/what was going to happen/turn up next.  I have read Dee's books before and this one is of the same high calibre.  The main characters were compelling and they worked well together and each character could have a book written about them on their own, as their back stories were so interesting.  This book is the first in the "Evie Blackwell Cold Case," series; I can't wait to read the next one, as it was that good.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This is a must read book in my opinion.  It is a "meaty" book that just begs to have the next page turned so you can see what will happen next.  Go out and buy the book or borrow it from your local library you will not be disappointed.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"This Road We Traveled," by Jane Kirkpatrick

"This Road We Traveled," by Jane Kirkpatrick

Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.

This book is divided up into three parts.  Before the journey, the journey and after the journey.  I am a huge fan of this type of book but, I found the first part of the book overly long winded and not very interesting.  I enjoyed the other two parts more, so persevere as it does get a lot better.

As this book is based on a true story, it was interesting to see what they went through and how hard life was back then.  It makes you think if you would be willing to go through the same journey for a new life?  The fact that you may never see some members of your family again, seems unthinkable; but I guess that does happen even nowadays?

Jane Kirkpatrick unearths some very interesting stories, and it is truly worthwhile reading the authors notes and acknowledgements at the end of the book.  From a historical point of view this book was very interesting and the way Jane has described the different events makes sense.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Other than the first part of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed this and would say it is well worth reading.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"A Lady Unrivaled," by Roseanna M White

"A Lady Unrivaled," by Roseanna M White

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won't wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those intent on destroying them all?

This is the third book in the "Ladies of the Manor," series.  I have not read the first two books in the series, and although it would be helpful, it is not necessary.  This is a good book, if you are a fan of Downton Abby you will love this type of book.  When you see the cast of characters at the front of the book it seemed a bit daunting to me at first, but it all comes together quite nicely.

It moves along at a nice pace and there are plenty of up and downs to keep it interesting.  The main cast of characters work well together and I do feel there could be more books in this series if needed.  

Stars out of 5: 3  Its a good book, but I probably won't remember it in a month or two.  It's a good book to read over a few afternoons.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Domino Effect," by Davis Bunn

"The Domino Effect," by Davis Bunn

Esther Larsen, a top risk analyst at one of the country's largest banking institutions, is becoming more and more convinced that she has uncovered a ticking bomb with the potential to make the 2008 market crash look minor by comparison. And as her own employer pursues "investment" strategies with ever-increasing levels of risk, she becomes convinced she must do something. But Esther is only one person; can she stand up to an international conspiracy of greed? And if she does, will anyone take her seriously?

Every moment of indecision edges the markets closer to a tipping point--the teetering first domino in a standing row that circles the globe. And when Esther finds her voice, those she seeks to expose will not sit idly by. With global markets on the brink, and her own life in danger, Esther is locked in a race against the clock to avert a financial tsunami that threatens worldwide devastation.

This book is a must read, not because it is a fast paced read and very interesting, but because this could very well happen in the world, another another financial market crash.

I personally do not know much about stock markets and trading and other banking details, I am one of your "joe public" investors, but this book really makes you think that maybe I should pay a lot more attention in what is really going on.  It also brings to light how only a few people can really change the world with a telephone call; which to my mind is frightening.

As with anything a few bad apples can upset the cart and greed is a motivator for a lot of people.  This book highlights this.  It takes a special person to work in the field of banking and Esther showed that.  While reading this book I kept thinking about how the author must have conceived this book and what a great imagination he has.  In reality though I think he has a great insight into this subject.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This book makes you think first and foremost.  I am afraid that the side story of Esther's brother although adds humanity to the story is not a focus; well not for me.  It is well worth a read and one I will recommend to others.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".