You're the One That I Want - Susan May Warren

You’re the One That I Want – Susan May Warren

I love the Warren’s books!  I love this series!  I just love these books!  I don’t want the series to end!  I don’t guess I have a choice… poor me!
You’re the One That I Want is Owen’s story mixed with Casper’s story.  See – this is one of the things I love about this series.  You don’t have to say goodbye to the characters… until now…poor me!
Owen has made plenty of poor choices, and has suffered the consequences of those choices.  Some of these consequences aren’t even known to him at the beginning of this book.  I once read a quote that said, “You are free to make your own choices.  However, you are not free from the consequences of those choices.”  Owen finds himself in a place he never imagined he would be.  He meets Scotty, a woman who isn’t necessarily free from problems.
One thing I thought about while reading this book is that each of the Christiansen men marry somewhat emotionally scarred women – and same for the Christiansen women.  I just find that kind of interesting.  I do realize we all have our scars.
The Christiansen family, as always – though I was wondering at a couple of points in this book – pulls together through hardships and celebrations.  This is a wonderful book – it is a wonderful series!
What is next Susan May Warren?  I have to find out – like now – I have to find out now!

**I received this copy in exchange for an honest review!**

With this Ring? Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears

With this Ring?   Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears

            With this Ring is a book that includes 4 novellas.  The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeter starts off the book.  It is a novella that follows a character from A Worthy Pursuit.  Daniel Barrett is trying to follow the rules on the ranch where he works.  The owner’s daughter has different plans.  This is a fun book that has several different twists and turns.  I really enjoyed this novella.

            Her Dearly Unintended by Regina Jennings is the second novella.  This is a cute story of Katie Ellen with all her OCDs who begrudgingly accepts help from Josiah when a stranger shows up at her home.  People and things aren’t always what they appear to be.  This was a cute read.

            Runaway Bride by Mary Connealy is the story of Carrie escaping a horrible situation with her little brother.  Big John comes to their rescue, and complications develop.  To be honest, I liked the first several chapters and then lost interest.  Sorry.

            Engaging the Competition by Melissa Jagears left me wanting.  I just couldn’t finish it.

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.**

The Preacher's Lady - Lori Copeland

The Preacher’s Lady  - Lori Copeland

Elly and Bo have their lives planned out.  Bo wants one little adventure before he settles down.  His adventure leads to a hard life, which leads to a life of repentance.  Elly has moved on with her life and plans to marry Gideon.

 I have to say, I think there are too many things that left me wondering if this was the second book in a series – it isn’t.  For example, what happened to Adele’s husband?  Did I miss it? 

I was also confused about the setting.  Their farm houses were so close that Bo could throw a snowball from the middle of the road and hit her at her barn?  I just was having a hard time with this book.  I was just having a hard time with picturing the setting.  I am a very visual person….

I thought the book was a nice read.  A good read. 

**I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Step by Step - Candace Calvert

Step by Step – Candace Calvert

            This wasn’t my first Candace Calvert book.  I have enjoyed many of her series.  I loved the Grace Medical and Mercy Hospital series.  If I could go back in life, I think I would have chosen a job in the medical field. (A part-time job in case my kids read this – my job was a stay-at-home homeschooling mom! To clarify, I wouldn’t change that!)  I am a Paramedic/ER nurse wannabe!  I love how Calvert is so descriptive about the medical side in her books.  That said I just didn’t enjoy Step by Step.  I finally stopped reading after chapter 9.  I just felt like the same thing was being said in all of the 9 chapters I read to develop the plot.  Taylor has a sad past; she is trying to move forward with her life.  She is ‘dating’ a passively controlling man.  (I didn’t like him!)  Seth is someone from her past, but she just wants to avoid him.  I feel like this was still being established in chapter 9, but I understood in chapter 3 or 4.

            I really wanted to like this book!  Truly!  Cross my heart!  But, I just couldn’t stay in the game.  I will pass it along to another person, and tell them how much I have enjoyed Calvert’s books.  I will let them make their own decision about this one.  And I will read the next one!

**This book was given to me by Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.**

Love's Fortune - Laura Frantz

            Love's Fortune is the third book in The Ballantyne Legacy series by Laura Frantz.  I read the first two books soon after they were released and loved both of them, so I was already sure I would love this one.  I was correct!  It took a little to remember names and relationships, but I caught soon caught on.  Each book follows a generation in the Ballantyne family.
            Laura Frantz's books all appeal to me because she has a way of writing which is very descriptive without being TOO much!
            Rowena, otherwise known as Wren, has left her Kentucky home and all the comforts of it to step into the stiff society of Pittsburgh.  She has a hard time complying with what some in her family expect, however, others love her because she is herself.  James is a beloved "member" of their family and business world.  This story is pre-civil war when slaves are being hidden to help them get to freedom.
              Most of the Ballantynes have deep convictions, honorable values, and a strict moral code.  MOST.  This is a wonderful book.  I would suggest you read the books in order -- a rule of mine -- that I ALWAYS regret breaking!
             I didn't receive this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  My opinion is honest nonetheless!

Trim Healthy Mama Plan

Trim Healthy Mama Plan – Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison

S and E meals are part of The Trim Healthy Mama’s Plan.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review, and it is hard to review a diet book.  I need to lose weight, but this way seems too complicated for me.  I do agree that fried eggs and bacon ARE part of a healthy died, as well as whole grains and vegetables.

Honestly, I won’t be trying this plan because it seems to be too much work.  I even looked on some of the forums.  From what I can tell most people have had success using this plan.  However, it seems like some are still confused about what an S and an E meal is technically by definition. 

In the book most of the meal plans have references to the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook.  So I would definitely buy both of them, if this is a way you want to try!