Love’s Deception by Kelly Nelson

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Sep 182015
 

25238234Love’s Deception

Author: Kelly Nelson

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: March 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-59992-968-2

Paperback: 230 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Catherine Lewis lost her husband to a roadside bomb in Baghdad shortly after discovering she was expecting their first child. Seven years later, Cat fears her chance at true happiness has slipped through her fingers.

After growing up the son of a humble Oregon farmer, Ty Bradford is climbing the corporate ladder at an accounting firm in California. But when his father suffers a heart attack he returns home to help with the family farm. Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl stranded on a rural road transforms his previously miserable leave of absence into one of the happiest times of his life.

Ty isn’t a member of the LDS Church, and normally Cat, an active Latter-day Saint, wouldn’t give him a chance. Against her better judgment, she falls for him, believing he is a farmer. Once she realizes Ty is leading a double life, will she shut the door on the relationship for good? Or could Mr. Wrong possibly be the right one for Cat after all?

My Review

I really enjoyed this story of loss, love, misunderstanding, hope and forgiveness.  I really liked Cat and her need to take care of her son and mother.  She was an amazing worker and had a fun, stubborn streak to her.  Cat had a lot on her plate with her mother being so ill, being a single mom, and handling a previous deception from her husband that had passed away.  Ty definitely had his work cut out for him when it came to winning her heart.  Sally especially was a favorite character of mine.  She had a presence about her that filled the pages.  There are many gospel references in this book.  One especially, Come What May and Love it, by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, brought a smile to my face.  When I was done reading the book, I looked up the talk and enjoyed once more.  Ty was instantly likable, I appreciated that his conversion wasn’t instant and it was for him.  I also enjoyed how the author handled the inevitable break up of the two characters.  Cat had to learn to let go and forgive and I thought she did that well in the end.

4 out of 5 stars.  Kelly is also the author the Keeper’s Saga series, I have read book 1 and it was a great start to I’m sure what is a fantastic series.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon

Deceived by Kathi Oram Peterson — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Nov 172014
 

23551406Deceived

Author: Kathi Oram Peterson

Publisher: Covenant Communication

Published: November 2014

ISBN13: 9781621088530

Paperback: 245 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

A storm rages outside the unassuming Los Angeles house, while within, something sinister lurks. A murderer stalks his victim, unaware of a witness to the horrific crime: awakened from a deep, drug-induced slumber, Tara Kelly hears voices in the next room. Struggling to focus through her sleep medication, the young woman helplessly observes her aunt’s murder. Now she’s a loose end the killer cannot ignore . . .

A family friend helps Tara as she does the only thing she can: disappear. Fleeing to the security of a remote Idaho ranch, Tara finds herself under the guard of handsome rancher Joseph White Eagle. Her unwitting protector takes his role seriously, going as far as claiming that Tara is his fiancée. But even as their relationship deepens, Joseph struggles to see past Tara’s similarities to his late wife. When a series of accidents threatens Tara’s life, it becomes clear that her attempt to out run danger has been in vain. The killer will stop at nothing to find her, and Joseph will do anything to protect her even if it means unraveling secrets that will have devastating consequences for them both.

My Review

Once I was able to really sit down and take the time to delve into this book, I really enjoyed it.  I did think the romance between Tara and Joseph was a bit rushed, they did have to play the part of an engaged couple, and I only worried about that since Tara was in such a fragile state.  That being said, the characters were made for each other, and perfect for each other in many ways.  Tara and Joseph both had tragic events happen in their lives, until they find themselves together to protect Tara.  Joseph makes up an engagement to get those on the ranch to not ask too many questions about Tara.  Some do not take this engagement well, including Joseph’s daughter.  Besides the struggles that Tara is having trying to remember what happened on the night of her aunt’s murder, someone is making Joseph’s life on the ranch difficult.  Between shot animals, getting shot at themselves, and putting the lives of everyone at the ranch in danger, are the two situations connected?  The author does a great job of building the suspense and planting seeds throughout the book.  The other characters in this book are written well and through all the suspense, there is a heart-felt love and the feeling of family, and a great example of love and guidance from Heavenly Father through prayer.  I also want to add, the ending was shocking and so page-turning, it was well past my bed time when I finished reading.

4 out of 5 stars.  Kathi is the author of many great books.  Check out the links below to find out more about her.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

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Hearth Fires by Dorothy Keddington

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jan 222014
 

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Author: Dorothy Keddington

Publisher: Walnut Springs/Currawong Press

Published: Dec. 31, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-59992-894-4

Genre: Romantic/suspense

Paperback: 303 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Mackenzie Graham’s ideal assignment – writing an article on storybook homes – takes a dangerous turn when she photographs a clandestine meeting between a prominent judge, a black-market kingpin, and a crooked cop. Rescued from harm’s way by a rugged cowboy-attorney, Mackenzie finds her career and life forever changed. Flying bullets and wild bulls team up with romance and suspense in the classic Keddington tradition. This exciting new novel will warm you on the coldest of nights.

My Review

I am so excited to shout this new book from Dorothy Keddington from the rooftops!  I have been eagerly awaiting a new book from Dorothy for years.  Dorothy is the beloved author of Return to Red Castle, Jayhawk, Shadow Song and many others.  Dorothy is also my “Aunt Rae”, so that makes it all the more exciting.

Hearth Fires is full of the same heart-pounding romance, suspense, and twists that make all of Dorothy’s books shine.  Hearth Fires has a page-turning plot and well developed characters that will keep you up late reading.  I loved Mackenzie and William.  They had a connection that was instant and deep.  I loved the kind, caring way William was with Mackenzie and when he was gone, I missed him.  All of the characters are enduring and entertaining.  You will be thinking about these characters, long after you finish reading.  The story is so exciting, and the romance heart-felt.

5 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Goodreads / Amazon / Deseret Book