A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

Goodreads Summery: He's a handsome billionaire. She's not impressed.
Katie McKenna has never loved any man but one; billionaire Luc DeForges. He was her first love. But there are a billion reasons why she's engaged instead to Dexter Hastings, a solid and stable man who wants the same things she does; marriage and a family but all of the things that she wants without the deep-seeded pain and fear of being abandoned that Luc brings.
Dexter and she have worked an arrangement that's akin to faith without action, love without deeds -- a dead faith. Going home to New Orleans to sing for her childhood friend's wedding, Katie must search her heart to find out if any of her reasons for being with Dexter are stronger than love. Only when Katie steps fully into faith and jumps off the cliff of life into the arms of Luc does she understand the fullness of God's grace.

Luc broke Katie’s heart and humiliated her in her home town years ago. She is now a Special Ed teacher and almost engaged to Dexter who is safe. Out of no where Luc shows up at her school and demands she come home to sing at his brothers wedding. Katie has vowed to move on and not let him get to her again. Will a trip home to New Orleans cause her billion reasons why to evaporate under the hot New Orleans sun or will she find true love once again?

This was a fun book I enjoyed it a lot. It’s the kind of romance novel that makes you feel all warm and fussy inside. I enjoyed seeing Katie who starts out kind of dead inside just living day to day return home and find herself again. There are parts of this book that seem a little hard to believe but the book is kind of magical almost a Cinderella feel which makes it fun to read. I did not feel though like I got to know Luc as well as Katie his feelings seemed more of a mystery and it took a while to understand his side of things. Over all a fun book with a good Christian base. This is a book I could see myself picking up and reading again just because it brings out the romantic in me!

Book Rating

Steamy Rating

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy (Sophie's Daughters #1)

Goodreads Summery: What happens when an idealistic student nurse encounters an embittered army doctor in a stagecoach accident? How will she react when she learns her training didn’t prepare her for tragic reality? How will he, an army deserter, respond to needs when he vowed to never touch another patient? Can these two stubborn mules find common ground on which to work and bring healing to West Texas?

Beth is heading home to Texas for her sisters wedding. She has been away at school training to be a nurse(though she wants to be a Doctor!). She ends up across from Alex on a stagecoach. She soon finders herself saving the day with Alex’s help. Alex served as a doctor in the Army but after a horrible battle he ran and has been running for years. He can’t get the horrible images out of his head but with Beth by his side he finds himself able to Doctor again. Will these two find love or will Alex not be able to over come his past?

This book was amazing! I simply loved it!! I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time. I lost sleep reading this book I could just not put it down! Mary Connealy  is an amazing writer. I was a little worried when I saw her writing about the main character of the 3rd book in the series in the first but she did it beautifully. I was so drawn into these characters I started looking at other books of the author and found Beth was the daughter of one of the characters from a earlier book. I know want to go back and read all about her and all the other books that came before this one. The characters come across as real with problems to over come but you just fall in love with them. As soon as I finished this book I started on the 2nd in the series and found myself running for the 3rd as soon as it was done. A must read if you enjoy a good western Christian romance!

Book Rating

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

 Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

Goodreads Summery: Deep in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, shy Sarah King is happiest when working in her vibrant Amish kitchen garden, but new family responsibilities lead her into the confusing world of the Englisch. Sarah finds her life turned around when she encounters the community’s new Englisch veterinarian, Grant Williams. His blue-gold eyes and his obvious concern for her people attract her immediately. Sarah seeks solace and direction from the Lord as she creates a quilt pattern which details her struggle between two worlds. The Lord is guiding Sarah to follow His will, but will she listen?

Sarah is a young Amish woman who has not found herself yet. She is shy and loves to spend hours in her garden growing her vegetables. Now that her older sister is married she is taking over running the road side stand which puts her out of her element. On her first day at the stand she meets Grant the new Englisch vet. There is an immediate connection but such a relationship is forbidden. Will Sarah give up all she knows for true love or will Grant find himself by becoming Amish? You will have to read this book to find out!!

I really liked this book. I admit I love a romance book where there is a bit of a block in the road for the couple. I found myself holding my breath wondering how it was going to turn out. I read this book with an online book club and some of the other members questioned the relationship between the two. I guess I found it so fun to read because I liked how true love was crossing a line. Over all a great book and I can’t wait for the next one in the series.  

Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long due out March 29th 2011!!

Book Rating

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The Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Goodreads Summery: Discover along with Titus Fisher how life can begin anew in Christian County, Kentucky. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving a broken romance behind is the best decision Titus ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets two women: one who seems perfectly suited for any Amish man and one who challenges long held ideas of the woman’s role. Who will Titus chose, and will it be the right choice?

Titus has been in love with Phoebe since he was 13. Phoebe though is not ready to settle down and breaks Titus's heart. She heads off to California and Titus takes a new job in Kentucky to try and forget about Phoebe. Suzanne is the granddaughter of the man Titus is going to be working for. At first Suzanne reminds Titus of Phoebe so they don’t get alone. Esther is is a good friend of Suzanne and she takes an interest in Titus as well. Will Phoebe come back? Will Titus see past the resemblance he see’s in Suzanne and see her in a new way or will Esther win his heart?

I started out really liking this book. I found the story interesting. As the book went on I had trouble with how many characters where telling the story and how often we jumped from Kentucky,Pennsylvania to California. I found it hard to get to know Suzanne and Titus. The book is well written though and I enjoyed reading this book I just felt a little overwhelmed with the different characters. Suzanne was my favorite and I liked how she did a lot of growing in the book. She over comes her lack of cooking skills which was a fun side story of the book. If you like Amish fiction I am sure you will like this book.

This book will be released April 1st 2011!

Book Rating

Steamy Rating

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 Lydia’s Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Goodreads Summery: Visit Amish Country during the fall as Lydia King attempts to make Charm, Ohio, feel like home after losing her husband. But is her heart ready to open back up to love when gifts appear on her porch from a mystery source? Could it be from the widowed father of four energetic boys, or is it from the man who has rejected romance to be his family’s caregiver? When life hands Lydia another challenge, will the gift giver be there to support her?

Lydia moves back to Charm Ohio with her young son to live with her mother. Lydia’s husband has died a year ago and she has lost her job. She has a strained relationship with her mother and she is hoping by moving in with her mother and helping her take care of her ailing grandfather they will build a better relationship. She soon catches the eye of two Amish men. Menno who is a widow with 4 active boys and Levi who’s whole family has dwarfism except him.  Tragedy soon strikes Lydia. Will she be able to over come it and find true love again?

I liked this book a lot and I wanted to love it and I would have if it had not been for one of the tragedies in the book. I don’t want to give it away but I felt it was not needed and it really ruined my enjoyment of the book. I felt after finishing this book that the ending could have easily been reached without it. That said it was a great read. I enjoyed the suspense of who Lydia would choose and guessing who the mystery giver was.  It was also heart warming to see the relationship between Lydia and her mother change. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Rating

 

Steamy Rating

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Blogger Hop(#4) & Follow me Friday(#4)

I am excited to do my first Blog Hop for this site! The Book Blogger Hop is a weekly, multi-day blog party that is a fabulous way to meet other book bloggers, find out about new books, make new friends, and share our obsession with books!! The Rules:

1. Link your book blog on the Linky List on the Crazy for Books site.
2. Post about the Hop on your own blog and answer this week’s question.
3. Visit other blogs in the Linky List.

“What book influenced or changed your life? How did it influence/change you?”

Mmm. I honestly have to say the Bible. It has helped to make me who I am. st

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host {Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. Follow our Featured Bloggers -http://stalkingthebookshelves.blogspot.com/
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!  
8. If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Leave me a comment and I will follow you back!

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

Goodreads Summery:

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick and the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.
Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided to bring together.
This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers' best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Cora Crowder is a hard working young woman who needs order in her life. She grew up in an abusive family. While she was at college she became a Christian and got a job far away from her family. She tries to like Christmas but seems to miss its true meaning.

Simon Derrick is Cora’s bosses boss. He is a hard worker and love his family. He is the bread winner and lives with his Granddad, Grandma, Mom and younger sister. He has always felt like a loser when it came to dating and also worried someone he dated would not love and except his family. One snowy night both Cora and Simon end up at this used bookstore that has a interesting feel to it. Both receive a ticket to a Christmas ball but very few people have ever heard of it! Some magical things begin to happen(the virgin cat anyone?) that work to bring these two people together. Can Cora over come her past to move forward with her future?

This book was okay. The magical quality of the book was fun but I felt there where so many questions about how this was happening that I had trouble focusing on the story. I enjoyed the story though. I thought Simon’s sister Sandy was a great character and she made me smile many times. I loved how Simon loved his family. I will say the ending was a little of a let down for me.  It again left me with more questions than answers.  Over all it was a fun read.

Book Rating

Steamy Rating

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers, to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Cinderella List by Judy Baer

 The Cinderella List by Judy Baer

Goodreads Summery: Since she was a child, Marlo Mayfield has kept a list of traits her Prince Charming must possess. After a series of bad relationships, Marlo's beginning to lose hope that her ideal man exists. But when she caters a party for Jake Hammond, Marlo realizes he could be the man she's been waiting for. There's only one problem: Jake is super wealthy, and Marlo's not sure she fits into his blue-blooded world. But Jake is determined to show Marlo that with a little faith and a lot of love, he just might be the one.

Marlo is a cook and a cater. She is also a hopeless romantic who uses a prince charming list she made as a child as a check list when she meets a man. She meets Jake when she caters an event at his home. She soon finds he holds many of the quality's she has on her list. Will Jake be her prince charming?

I love the Love Inspired line by Harlequin. These books are on the shorter side which makes them quick reads. They also are a little cheaper to buy. These books have a Christian theme to them as well.

This book was a fun read. There are some side stories about Marlo’s sister which I also enjoyed. You can’t go wrong with these books.

Book Rating

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A Case for Love (Brides of Bonneterre #3) by Kaye Dacus

A Case for Love by Kaye Dacus
Goodreads Summery: TV society reporter Alaine Delacroix feels like David facing Goliath when she takes on the biggest corporation in town to keep them from putting her parents’ garden center out of business. Lawyer Forbes Guidry wants nothing more than to stand up for the endangered local-business owners—but it will mean risking his job and crossing his powerful parents. Can Alaine and Forbes make A Case for Love?


This is the 3rd book of the Brides of Bonneterre Series. I have not read the other two books in the series so you might want to check them out as well.


Forbes is the older brother of Meredith from book 2 and cousin to Anne from book one.  Alaine is a good friend of Merediths. She is a reporter and host of her own news show. She wants to climb the ladder and become a big time news anchor. 


Alaine finds out that her family’s businesses are in jeopardy of being shut down so that a new development can come in.  She soon finds out the how this is happening is shady at best and works to find a lawyer to help her family and friends.
Forbes is a lawyer and sometimes takes pro bono cases on the side and circumstances lead him to be the lawyer for Alaine’s family. The problem is its Forbes family business who is behind the take over.  Will God help Forbes make the right choice with out losing his family and the women he loves?


This book almost became a DNF. I had a hard time getting into it at first. I also found the plot some what predictable. But I kept reading and once I got about 50% in I started to enjoy it more.  The ending was okay and I admit to tearing up at the happy ending but the ending felt rushed and maybe a little unbelievable. The characters where well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. I also wanted to learn more about Anne and Meredith. I felt the author does a good job of incorporating the other two book characters with out over powering the story at hand. But in the end this was just a so so book for me. I don’t see myself picking up the first two books unless they are on sale or free at some point.
Book Rating

Steamy Rating


I received this Ebook for free through NetGalley for this review. The options are my own.