That Certain Summer - Irene Hannon

"Two very different sisters . . . an unexpected homecoming . . . one unforgettable summer Karen and Val are family--yet they're anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had other reasons for moving away--as well as a secret to keep--and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.  Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with past mistakes as they care for their ailing mother. When two handsome men enter the picture, the summer takes on a surprising new dimension. As their lives intersect, can each of them learn how to forgive, let go, and move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?"
I am a big fan of Irene Hannon's procedural/suspense novels and was intrigued when I heard that she was going to be writing one that was not like her previous novels.  Any reservations I may have had were completely gone halfway into the first chapter.  I absolutely loved this book.  The pairings of Val/David and Karen/Scott was so incredibly interesting.   They pulled the best and worst out of each other.  They each had their own issues, but were stretched by their interactions with the others.  I loved seeing Val and Karen's relationship as sisters grow from so antagonistic, to close and being there for each other.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good summer read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Stealing The Preacher - Karen Witemeyer

"A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind. On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request. For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?"

I had picked up the first book, Short Straw Bride, on a whim and absolutely loved it; so when I saw that there was another book about the Archer brothers I jumped at the opportunity to review it!  I love the character of Joanna.  She's so full of spunk but yet also so desirous of God's will.  It made her the perfect match for Crockett Archer!  I also enjoyed the discussions about faith and God between Crockett (the preacher) and Silas (Joanna's unbelieving father).  I hope that Ms. Witemeyer writes another Archer book soon!!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Quarryman's Daughter - Tracie Peterson

"Emmalyne Knox has always loved Tavin MacLachlan. But when tragedy strikes her family, Emmalyne's father declares she can no longer marry. Despite Tavin's pleas to defy the decision, Emmalyne refuses. In her act of obedience, she gives up the future she'd always dreamed of.  When Emmalyne's father returns to the quarry business years later, Tavin and Emmalyne meet again. And though circumstances have changed in both of their lives, they cannot deny the feelings that still exist. Can Emmalyne find a way to heal the decade-long wound that has fractured the two families...and change the hearts of those who stand in the way of true love?"

This is the second book in the Land of the Shining Waters series by Tracie Peterson and as usual it just keeps getting better!  From the opening chapter my heart was totally tied up in Emmalyne's lot in life.  Her devotion to honoring her parents even in the face of having to give up her own dreams and desires broke my heart.  When she moves with her family back to the town she left, she finds her heart still belongs to Tavin.  This book was hard to put down.  I always enjoy reading Ms. Peterson's books.  Her vivid descriptions and characterizations are wonderful as usual.  This book can be read as a stand alone; but I highly recommend picking up the first book.  I cannot wait until the next book comes out!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Deadly Devotion - Port Astor Secrets #1 - Sandra Orchard

"Kate knows the truth is out there--but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.
Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident--and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life. Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide. As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?"

I really enjoyed reading this book.  There were quite a few twists and turns throughout that kept the reader guessing.  I loved the character of Kate Adams.  She is so full of spunk and tenacity.  She's the only one in town who believes that her friend did not die by suicide and does her best to try to convince the police.  Ms. Orchard did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing as to who did it.  The ending left me wanting more, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group