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| And yes, we did put ourselves in some danger for this one 😉 Jump on the street when cars aren’t speeding through type thing… |
If you were to have a photoshoot with your favorite instrument, what would it be?
Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I’d love to see — share your link in a comment!
About the Book
It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.
He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding…and why.
Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?
Overall, this was a sweet story, kind of a modern parable about the prodigal son (including the jealous brother). I enjoyed reading the progression of Colt’s modern, high-budget thinking to more humble, down-to-earth, people-first focus. I really, really liked the cowboy feel. It was an interesting mix of old-fashioned cowboy in a modern world, but it was well done. Colt’s heart for the children was so sweet! I loved his relationship with his nieces and Noah.
I wish I could give this book amazing five stars. Like I said, it was a sweet story, but it just didn’t stand out as a strong faith-filled book. There were verses quoted, prayers to God, and overall, a good bit of mention of God. However, it was unclear if Colt was saved at the beginning and “got right” with God as the book progressed? Because at first, his anti-God made me assume he wasn’t saved, but there was no scene of him repenting and turning to God. Secondly, there seemed to be a Catholic hint with Angelina and her mother mentioning Mary and lighting candles. Also, there was what I would consider “mild language” in this book (as in, more “everyday” lingo that we don’t like using around the house).
For those who like to know romantic content, there were several scenes which most people would probably find “sweet romance.” They were drawn to each other, had moments of being lost in the nearness of each other, and they kissed (several times) before they knew there was a commitment.
Honestly, I did enjoy the story, but the spiritual plot and romance just knocked it down a star for me. I know of many reader friends who would probably love the story because it is clean and sweet.
*I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for my honest review*
Best-selling, multi-published author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of over thirty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. With over 3/4 million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.
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“What happened to Edward?”
I’ve had a few people ask me about Edward, from Journey to Love. Of course, my thoughts are: in real life, one might not know the end result of a life they reached out to. I’m content with leaving things where they are. HOWEVER. what if Edward DID have a story? Any suggestions? I’m just tossing around the idea of doing a short story about “The Letter’s Journey” or something, highlighting Edward AFTER Journey to Love. What think ye?
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| She looks as if she’s just soaking in all that love! |
About the Book
In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.
Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.
While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever–if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
My Review
Whether or not Jem is in, she’s in with Merinda and her detective scheme. Though Jem’s last name is Watts, she doesn’t at all think she compares to Wattson–even though Merinda is determined to be a Sherlock Holmes and refuses to let two mysterious murders go unnoticed in political unrest.
Seriously, who would NOT laugh at the title of this book? It just entices you to the humorous account of two bachelor girls as they get into the detective world. This story had me laughing aloud–and that doesn’t usually happen when I read. Yes, there was romance in this book but it was hysterically funny. Going into detail would give spoilers.
I’m not usually a murder mystery reader, but besides the first chapter in which they trailed alongside Jasper Forth–without permission–and saw the first girl’s demise, I pretty much forgot that was the “theme” of the book. It did not at all take on a dark setting.
The girls call one of the men a name which is probably not fit to be repeated (in my vocabulary) but other than that, I suppose one would call it clean. If someone cursed, it was mentioned, “He cursed under his breath” and the author did not fill the reader in with which words he said–which I appreciated it.
Two things knock a star off for me:
It is yet another book that seems to have only “partial Christianity” in it. The one mystery that Merinda doesn’t care to solve is that of religion. Jem acknowledges God, goes to the church in the end. It mentions Ray meeting weekly with a pastor, but a real relationship with Christ isn’t threaded throughout the story.
Secondly, Jem and Merinda really are independent, feministic women. It is tastefully covered in wit, but Jem’s parents disowning her for the way she has chosen to live and Merinda’s whole outlook in life just doesn’t match what I perceive as Biblical womanhood.
A favorite quote:
“Can’t you just see the headlines? ‘Herringford and Watts stomp out the Morality Squad.'”
Jem threw up her hands. “‘Herringford and Watts get thrown in jail!'”
“‘Herringford and Watts become Toronto’s premiere investigators!'”
“Herrington and Watts better get fed soon or Watts won’t be long for their new enterprise.”
*I received this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review*
About the Author
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I can’t really think of anything in music that is more awesome than taking a child who knows absolutely nothing to the point where they can glorify God in their music!
Do you teach anything? If so, what do you find most rewarding about it?
The winner for Amanda Leite’s book, The Path to a Modest Lifestyle is….
Amanda will be emailing you!
If you’re interested in this book, you can buy it here on Amazon.
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Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I’d love to see — share your link in a comment!
Amanda Tero Books 