That's Not Hay in my Hair - Juliette Turner

That’s Not Hay in my Hair – Juliette Turner

            When I read about this book it sounded awesome.  I loved that is was written by a young person.  I read the author’s bio and was WOWED!  It pains me to say that I didn’t enjoy the book.  There is a writing program that teaches the use of strong words – fantastic instead of great – glided instead of walked – that type of stuff.  I just couldn’t get past all the over-the-top wordage.  Don’t get me wrong, I love excellent word choices, but there is something to be said about too much of a good thing.  It became distracting to me.

            I am going to pass this book along to one of my students.  I hope to get their opinion.  If I do, I will share it with you!

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

Back in the Saddle - Ruth Logan Herne

Back in the Saddle – Ruth Logan Herne

            Back in the Saddle is the first book in the Double S Ranch series.  Colt Stafford had been a successful investor on Wall Street until the market took a dive and he somehow found himself unknowingly in a ponzy scheme.  He tucks his tail and goes back home – not really home – but the place he grew up. 

            Angelina Morales has a past.  She runs the Double S house; she cooks and cleans for the farm workers, and cares for the ailing Sam Stafford.  She also has secrets she would rather not reveal.

            Sam Stafford is the head of the Double S.  He was a hard and unbending man, who has found forgiveness in Jesus, and wants to change his life.

            There are MANY other characters in this story. 

            I enjoyed this book at the beginning.  It intrigued me just enough to read the next chapter, and the next.  Unfortunately, that changed.  What started out as a somewhat complex group of people with complex issues, turned confusing.  These complex people were appearing at the door in just a page or two.  Their complex problems were solved somewhat in a few pages.  It became unreal and felt forced.

            I actually made it through 9 chapters before I stopped reading.  I just couldn’t do it anymore.  Sorry.

**I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.**

Her One and Only – Becky Wade

Her One and Only – Becky Wade

            I have loved The Porter Family Series.  It truly reflects how 4 children can grow up in the same house and be so different. (I have 4 and it is still baffling to me!)  Here One and Only didn’t disappoint!

            This is the story about the youngest Porter, Dru.  She is more edgy than any of the other Porter children – direct and tough!  She is assigned to the security detail of Gray Fowler, an NFL superstar, who plays for Mustangs.  The Mustangs are the rival team of the Dallas Cowboys.  Gray isn’t happy that his bodyguard is a woman.  They develop a working relationship.

            Gray’s past is secret and haunting.  It traps him away from his future.   Opening up is something he doesn’t think he can possibly do.  He finally comes to peace with his past, but it takes a LONG time to get there!

            I loved how the Porter family’s story is still running through this book. 

            I really enjoyed this book, and I think you will too!

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

The Hearts we Mend - A Banister Falls Novel - Kathryn Springer

The Hearts We Mend – A Banister Falls Novel – Kathryn Springer

            I broke my self-imposed rule when reading The Hearts We Mend.  I didn’t read the first book, The Dandelion Field.  However, this time it worked out!  I have also never read any other books by Kathryn Springer, which makes me happy because I really like finding new-to-me authors whose books I enjoyed! 

            Evie has been living with her life on hold for many years.  She is a young widow whose son is getting married and leaving the nest.  In walks Jack, who would seem to be the polar opposite of Evie.  Although Evie has Jack stereotyped, she feels her soul being challenged by how Jack lives his life.  Vise-versa is also true.  However, on that side, I think Jack believes he isn’t good enough for her. 

What did I think about the book?  Well, I did read a few of the other reviews while in the middle of this book, and I can’t believe there are people out there that didn’t thoroughly enjoy this story!  I loved how they begin to see the truth of who they are in Christ.  I love how they let Christ stretch them beyond themselves.  I loved how they broke down culturally built walls.  I loved them theme of looking at people for who they are – not where they are.  I just loved it!

            There are many interesting characters in this story.  Bert, Lily, Dan and Gin all help fill out this wonderful book!  I loved this book, and can’t wait for the next one in the series.   

            My negative had nothing to do with the story, but the formatting of this actual book.  It skipped from page 216 to page 249!  Let me tell you…I struggled!  This chapter was set to be a page-turner!  I moved on, trying to fill in the blanks…and there were a bunch because there were many chapters missing.  Fortunately, after page 280 the missing chapters reappeared!  So, when you buy this book check out these pages numbers before you start reading.  If you have a mixed up copy, follow my page instructions listed above!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  Thanks Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!

A Daring Sacrifice - Jody Hedlund

A Daring Sacrifice – Jody Hedlund

            I loved An Uncertain Choice!  I loved A Daring Sacrifice!  A Daring Sacrifice started off with a very intense scene that just hooked me.  I had a hard time putting it down.  It just stinks to have to cook, clean, work, etc when you are in the middle of a good book!

            I loved the theme of sacrifice.  I enjoyed how Juliana came to terms with how her life wasn’t really honoring her father.  Her shift in thinking from expecting certain behaviors out of people because of who they are – in this case the nobility.  This book had lots of romance in it, but if you would read the discussion questions at the back of the book I think you would understand why.  These topics need to be discussed.

            The one thing I hated about this book…really hated….is the way it ends…and I have to wait for the next book!  Good grief, when will it be published?!?!?  Don’t leave me hanging!

            Buy this book!  Read this book! 

I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.