Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Lawfully Wanted (The Lawkeepers) by Jenna Brandt

So once in awhile a new book catches my eye and I decide to pick up a new to me writer and try something different.  


Book Description: Levi Emerson and his partner, Clyde Forester, have been undercover for over a year chasing the ring leader of the largest cattle rustling group. After months of pursuit, they are closing in on their target, and looking forward to bagging their bounty. A paid informant has told them the the rustler's next target will be the Larsen Ranch in Rockwood Springs, Texas. When Levi arrives at the ranch, he poses as a cowboy in order to gain employment at the ranch and catch the cattle thief. 

Abigail Larsen is the daughter of one of the largest cattle barons in all of Taylor, County Texas. She has just returned home from finishing school, and her father has plans for her to marry Andy Wilson, a local rancher and recent widower, in an attempt to expand the family's influence in the region. Though she wants to do her father's biding, the rumors of how Andy mistreated his first wife leaves Abigail worried about her future. 

When Levi and Abigail accidently encounter each other on the ranch, the connection is instant, but they both know a relationship between them can never be due to their circumstances. Yet, as the couple continue to spend time together through various circumstances, the connection only deepens. 

Will Levi catch his wanted thief and collect his bounty? Will he tell Abigail the truth about who he is? And will Abigail choose to go against her father in order to be with the man she wants? Find out if these two star-crossed lovers can find a way to be together in this epic 1880s historical romance.

This was a nice quick and easy read.  Abagail has been in Boston at school and when she returns is pushed into a marriage.  I felt sorry for Abagail and was cheering her on throughout the story as she looks to God's plan in her life.  

Levi was a great character as well and he becomes drawn to Abigail.  Both share a strong faith and the tie that brings them together.  It was a well written love story and I truly enjoyed it.  

Will Levi and Abagail be able to overcome the barriers surrounding them?  Will Abagail be able to forgive Levi when she finds out he deceived her or will she be stuck in an arranged marriage?  Pick up your copy of Lawfully Wanted and find out!  Happy Reading!  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* 

Monday, July 23, 2018

A Love for Leah by Amy Lillard (Amish of Pontotoc Book #2)

I'm always super excited when I get a new book from one of my favorite writers.  So when this gem showed up I couldn't wait to dive into it!  


YAY!!  Leah gets a turn at her own story this go around.  From the back:  For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith can open minds—and hearts—to create surprising bonds for a lifetime . . .

Independent-minded Leah Gingerich has always been outspoken. And even though she is now a progressive Mennonite, she's rediscovering the joys of family traditions back in her Amish hometown. Yet she can't help but clash with her handsome new Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. He's too hard-headed and old-line to see that his traumatized young nephew, Peter, needs faith and help—or that a woman who stands up to him may be what he needs to heal . . .

After a devastating tragedy, Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his nephew for a fresh start. Holding fast to his beliefs is the only way he feels he can aid Peter—and himself. But somehow, Leah's freethinking ways and feisty challenges are sparking a happiness he's never felt before. Soon, Jamie can't imagine his life without her. But are their differences ultimately too great to overcome—or can love bridge their way to a future together? 

So first things first.  You need to read the first book, A Home For Hannah.  Think of it like this, you can go to a nice restaurant and get just a steak and be fine.  But isn't it much better to get the potato, salad, bread and dessert?  Some book series are like that.  You can just read this book and be fine, but to really understand and to have closer connections to what's going on you need to start at the beginning.  

I loved Leah.  Amy Lillard makes characters that come to life.  They have flaws and you find yourself drawn deeply into her worlds that she creates.  You find yourself connecting with her characters as well and caring for them.  I felt deeply for Peter and Jamie as well.  

There were a few places where I did want to bonk both Leah and Jamie.  They do argue quite a bit and that made me nuts.  The ending was a little too fast as well.  Maybe an epilogue to tie things together would have helped some?  

Will Leah and Jamie find what they are looking for?  Will they trust in God to lead them in the right direction?  Pick up your copy of A Love for Leah and enjoy a great story!  Happy Reading!  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*