Three Reviews: Books with Strong Heroines

I love books that have women who know what they want and don't let anyone dissuade them from accomplishing their goals. These books have just such women.

The title and cover photo show you how feisty this heroine is.

I found A Talent for Trouble to be extremely amusing. I've not met Ms. Turano in person, but she must have a hint of mischief living inside her because once again she's written a lovely heroine with a mischievous side. I loved Felicia Murdock and her penchant for life. After a disappointment, she decides to be what she's always wanted to be - herself. Doing so lands her into some unfortunate circumstances, which I found funny because I can see myself doing the same things, if I had been in the same situations.

Back cover:

Miss Felicia Murdock firmly believed her destiny was to become a minister's wife. When the minister on whom she had set her sights marries another lady, Felicia is forced to take a close look at her life and comes to a few uncomfortable conclusions. Determined that something needs to change--and soon--Felicia discovers she is finally ready to spread her wings and embrace life the way she's always wanted. 

Grayson Sumner--or Lord Sefton, as he's officially known--has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a normal, respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some well-meaning friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter a young lady who seems to have become quite adventurous and quite determined to get herself into all sorts of troublesome situations. 

Intent on remaining independent, Felicia is reluctant to accept Grayson's help, especially as she finds herself developing feelings for him. However, just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in her life has endangered Felicia. Will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

Roses: 5.5 - for making me laugh  :)

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This heroine doesn't at first seem to be strong, but it takes a strong woman to submit the way she does. That's all the hint I'm going to give. :)

I enjoyed this sweet romance. From the first words of Perfectly Matched to the last, we get to see the growth of two people as they struggled through the highs and lows of marriage - whether by mail-order or by choice. Ms. Brendan's way of showing how marriage is never about one person's desires made me appreciate my spouse more.


Back cover:

Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters' examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife. Almost immediately it's painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily. 

Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount? 

Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God's timing is always perfect.

Roses: 4.7

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And lastly the spunkiest of all. :)

I just love spunky heroines and Laurie Alice Eakes has given us just such a character in Reluctant Courtship. Honore Bainbridge trusted too much and made some bad choices. She did it with a clean heart, but now she is being punished by society and her family. We see her angst, and her attempts to do her best despite other's opinions.

This book also touched something deeper in me. The difference between right and wrong is not determined by our past experience, though we tend to view circumstances through those experiences. Both Honore and Lord Ashmoor have to look past their past and see the future with new eyes.

Back cover:

A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future?

Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family’s country estate, where she will hopefully stay out of trouble, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. Tall, dark, and handsome—what more could a girl ask for? 

But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. If he’s to keep out of a British prison himself and secure his place in British society, Lord Ashmoor needs a wife beyond reproach—something the vexingly beautiful Honore certainly is not. Though they find themselves drawn to each other, family obligations may conspire to keep them apart forever.

For the sake of her heart, Honore determines to prove Ashmoor’s innocence—even if doing so risks her own life.

From the first sentence, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes thrusts you into high drama amid the rocky cliffs of Devonshire, England, and keeps you suspended there until the final page.

Roses: 4.9 - for giving me a spunky heroine

Links to purchase:
A Talent for Trouble
Perfectly Matched
A Reluctant Courtship

Blessings,
Ginger

Crazy Busy...Update on Me

Hey, ya'll. I just realized I haven't posted in some time. Life has been crazy busy lately.

This past weekend, my third son, his boy scout troop and our family went to a local preserve and built a bridge for his Eagle Scout project.

My older son's truck has been on the fritz for several weeks and finally died this week. We had to do some finagling with schedules and vehicles until we could get a new one, which my husband had been looking into getting next spring. That time table got moved up a bit. :)

I'm also busily editing my manuscript, tentatively titled The Eyes of Her Heart, to send to an agent and editor. I'm waiting for the edits to come back on my contracted novel, One Choice.

Did I mention homeschooling is in full swing? :)

I hope to get back to my regularly scheduled blogging in the next few weeks. Just hold tight, things can't STAY this busy.

Can they?

Blessings,
Ginger

Wednesday Review: Romantic Suspense, Amish Romance, and Romance...

Three books today for your reading pleasure. Thread of Suspicion by Susan Sleeman, Love Stands Still by Kelly Irvin, and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter. Also I've added a new feature--well, an old one that I'm re-instituting. Under my rating is a link to Amazon to make it easier for you to grab the book without having to search. Enjoy.

This is the fourth book in The Justice Agency series, but reads as a stand-alone. I encourage you to read Double Exposure, Dead Wrong, and No Way Out as well because they are all wonderful books.

Dani's story touched me. As a woman, I like to think I can tackle any job I set my mind to, but we all need help sometimes. In Thread of Suspicion, Dani has to learn to accept help and it's hard for her. Her story is both touching and exciting as we see how she became a part of the Justice family.

Back cover:

FALSELY ACCUSED! 

When someone sabotages former navy SEAL Luke Baldwin's "unhackable" software, there's more than his reputation at stake. Faced with treason charges, Luke turns to Dani Justice, a computer expert and skilled investigator. She's eager to dive into the challenging case…until she uncovers a devastating connection. The hacker framing Luke has a personal, deadly history with Dani. Luke's code of honor and his growing feelings make him resolved to protect the sweet, strong woman he knows is more vulnerable than she'd admit. But what good is his training or determination against an enemy who can hack into any system and find them wherever they hide?  

The Justice Agency: Family and law enforcement go hand in hand.

Roses: 5.0
Thread of Suspicion
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I connected with Bethel immediately--a long car trip stuck between two car-seats equals discomfort for even the most able-bodied. From there on, it was easy to see and feel everything through her eyes.

Kelly Irvin made reading Love Still Stands so enjoyable, I just didn't want to put it down. I went so far as to get up more than an hour before my normal wake-up time because I couldn't get the story out of my head. :)

Bethel's struggle in a new place came to life on the pages, as did the other characters'.

To be honest, before reading this story, I was reluctant to read "another" Amish novel, but this one was so different and refreshing, it has encouraged me to continue reading in this genre.

Back cover:

Readers of Kelly Irvin's Bliss Creek Amish novels will be overjoyed to discover her new series for lovers of Amish fiction: The New Hope Amish. In the first installment, Love Still Stands, a group of dedicated families leaves Bliss Creek to establish a new community in Missouri. Among them is Bethel Graber, a beautiful young woman with a passion for teaching. But after being disabled in a terrible accident, overseeing a classroom is out of the question...and romance seems a long-lost dream.

Bethel begins physical therapy, determined to make a fresh start. But that won't be easy in the town of New Hope, where the locals seem anything but eager to welcome their new Amish neighbors. Amid growing intimidation from the community, Bethel must find the strength to face her many challenges and the faith to believe that God still has a plan--and a love--for her life. 

Roses: 5.0
Love Still Stands


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The loss of a loved one is a life changing experience. Denise Hunter has taken that experience and given us a glimpse of how hard it is to "just get over it". An underlying theme is how easily a misunderstanding can happen when secrets are kept.

Barefoot Summer was well-written and kept me interested enough to keep coming back when I had to step away for other things. I didn't connect with Madison and Beckett as well as I would have liked, but their stories drew me in, and I loved Ms. Hunter's descriptions of being on the water--I could almost feel it, though it's been years.

Back cover:

Madison’s heart closed the day her twin brother died.

Since losing her twin, Michael, in a drowning incident, Madison has rejected the faith he lived by. Instead, she’s devoted her life to fulfilling Michael’s dream—winning the River Sail Regatta in their small Indiana town, Chapel Springs.

As she trains for the regatta, Beckett O’Reilly is teaching Madison to swim. But he’s keeping a painful secret from her—and as they grow closer, that secret threatens to upend their lives . . . and the lives of both their families.

Roses: 4.5
Barefoot Summer

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I hope you found something to enjoy today.

Blessings,
Ginger

Are You Afraid? Guest Post by Kimberly Johnson

Today I have the privilege of welcoming Kimberly Johnson to A Bed of Roses. Help me to make her feel welcome.



Kimberly married her college sweetheart and is a graduate of Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two teenage sons and their yellow lab. Kimberly is an avid reader and loves romance, suspense and romantic suspense. She enjoys playing the piano, hiking and coffee with friends. She loves hearing from her fans. You can connect with her on her website at http://www.kimberlyrjohnson.com

Are You Afraid?

By Kimberly Johnson

Just like my character Keira Noble in my debut novel The Christmas Promise I struggle with fear or the habit of being fearful of this or that. In fact I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the topic since I’ve spent the majority of my life fearing one thing or another. Fear of the unknown, fear of what’s next, fear of what if so and so gets in an accident, etc . . . The list goes on and on, but I’ve learned to put my trust in the Lord, because He is faithful and has proven that to me time and again.

Thankfully I can turn to scripture for help during these fear filled times. Proverbs 3:5, 6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)

As a Christian I know in my mind that God says repeatedly in the Bible to not fear. As I have matured not only as a Christian, but in life as well, I have claimed many of those scriptures. If you are interested, here are two additional verses that have helped me, Isaiah 41.10 and 1 John 4:18.

I still battle fear on a daily basis, but with God’s help I am improving. Keira, the heroine in The Christmas Promise, fears driving in winter weather, specifically ice. Her fear is paralyzing. Do you know that kind of fear? What do you do to overcome it?

I pray the Lord will bring to mind His promises when fear has us in its grips and that we will remember to put our faith and trust in Him and not allow fear to overwhelm and control us.

DR. PETE HARDING DOESN'T DATE SINGLE MOMS 

No matter how lovely Keira Noble's smile, or how adorable her four-year-old son. He's been down that road before and knows it can lead to a broken heart. But that doesn't mean he can't help the pretty widow find a puppy to put under the Christmas tree for her son….
Pete claims he only wants to help her find the perfect gift for Cody. Yet Keira can't deny the tender feelings in his eyes whenever he looks at her. Could this handsome Scrooge have a change of heart, and create a new family for Christmas?

Do you have verses that help you when you feel afraid?

Kinship

As I was thinking about what to post, the word kinship popped into my head.

Kinship, as defined by dictionary.com, is
Noun
1. the state or fact of being of kin; family relationship.
2. relationship by nature, qualities, etc.; affinity.
Origin:
1825–35; kin + -ship

I like the second definition. An affinity. That means I feel something for you because we like some of the same things.

I like to read Christian romance novels. A lot. I feel kinship to others who like to read the same.
I like to write and create Christian romance novels. A lot. :) Again I feel a kinship to other writers (of romance or otherwise).
I have children. There is a kinship between mothers, no matter their ages.

With whom do you feel a kinship?

Blessings,
Ginger

Three Reviews: Dangerous Passage, The Governess of Highland Hall, & Kissing Frogs

Do you like suspense novels? Clean romance? Then Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris is the book for you. This is my first time reading anything by Ms. Harris and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to read, and enjoy. From the very beginning of the book, I was hooked, and until the suspect was revealed, I was clueless.

Kudos to Ms. Harris. I look forward to more titles from her in the future.

Back cover:

When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a tattoo of a magnolia on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But it doesn't take long for them to realize that there is much more to the case than meets the eye. As they venture deep into a sinister world of human trafficking, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts. 

"Dangerous Passage "exposes a fully-realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead. Romantic suspense fans will be hooked from the start by Lisa Harris's first installment of the new Southern Crimes series.

Rating: 4.5 roses

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The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is a touching love story which reminds me that love is more important than possessions or position.

Ms. Turansky wrote an excellent novel that had enough conflict to keep me reading to the very end, which was sweet. I would have preferred a little more closure, but that is a personal preference.

Back cover:

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help? 

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey. 

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. 

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

Rating: 4 roses
Release date 10/15/13

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I found Kissing Frogs by D.A. Featherling to be highly amusing. Em's need to be in control turns many normal events into humorous situations. If you need a laugh while reading a highly romantic story, this is the novel for you.

I have not read the first book, and didn't feel as though I were missing anything, so it can be considered a stand-alone.

Back cover:

Book 2 - Second Time Around Series Until she decides to look for a husband, Em Snider is so-o-o-o in control of her life. But her trip on the internet matchmaking highway soon shows her that she can't control the journey. Her first encounter is a warning. There are toads out there! A Christian internet matchmaking service provides Em a chance to discover Prince Charming, if she can survive the shocks. Em is soon ready to quit, or will she find true love if she'll get off the brakes and let God be in control?

Rating: 4.5 roses

Blessings,
Ginger