The Icecutter's Daughter - Tracie Peterson

"As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father’s horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she’s been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.  When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiancé shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.  Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?" (Publisher's description)

I always enjoy reading Tracie Peterson's novels and with The Icecutter's Daughter, she most definitely does not disappoint.   I loved the character of Merrill.  Not being much of a girlie girl myself, I can totally relate to Merrill.  Her strength and determination to care for her brothers and father is wonderful.  I felt bad for her when Corabeth and her grandmother kept trying to make her more girlish so she would attract a guy better.    I wanted to reach into the pages and strangle Svea and her manipulative ways, but was pleased at how she turned out in the end.  I loved also reading about the process of ice cutting and the dangers it entails.  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 favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Swept Away - Mary Connealy

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!  Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.  Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.  But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love? (Publisher's description)

This is the first book I have read by Mary Connealy.  I have always enjoyed western fiction this certainly does not disappoint.  I must say I thoroughly enjoyed every page.  It kept me hanging on from the very opening scene, right up until the end.  I enjoyed how the heroine Ruthy is not just a damsel in distress.  She's spunky and can hold her own when it comes to Luke.  I loved each of the other members of the Regulators and am looking forward to seeing them explored in future books.

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

Unrivaled - Siri Mitchell

"Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager--a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy’s skin.  Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget"  (Publisher's description)

I loved reading this book.  Lucy is a wonderfully written character full of spunk and fight but is also blinded to how her desperation to help her save her father's company hurts those around her.  Charlie struggles to deal with reconnecting with his father who abandoned the family when he was younger but now wants him to help him run his candy company.  When Charlie & Lucy realize that the other is the competition, they struggle with their feelings for the enemy.  This is the first time I have read a book where it flips back and forth between the two main characters' points of view.  I found that it really added to understanding what drove both Charlie and Lucy and how their actions and decisions made the other feel.  The only downside of this book was that I found myself wanting to eat candy while I read it because of the wonderful descriptions of some of the candies Lucy makes.  (Made my mouth water!) 

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

Vanished - Irene Hannon

"A tenacious reporter. A skeptical PI. And a secret that will shatter lives.  Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes-but it’s too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road.  A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can’t forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can’t get anyone to believe her story-except maybe a handsome ex–homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case.  As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn’t want this mystery solved-and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret."

I have previously enjoyed Irene Hannon's Guardians of Justice and Heroes of Quantico series; so when the opportunity came in my email to review the first book in her new series I jumped at the chance.  Just when I thought Mrs. Hannon couldn't get any better, she goes and proves this fan wrong.  Vanished grabs you right from the very first chapter and keeps you guessing right until the very end.  It is a fast paced, page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat.  (I found myself staying up rather late one night saying one more chapter and it ended up being five more chapters!)  Moira and Cal's journey is fraught with danger and intrigue.  The development of their relationship is very natural and not forced.  They each carry a big amount of hurt and baggage that the other helps them to see through the eyes of God.   I look ever so much forward to exploring the other two men that make up the Phoenix Inc. detective agency in future books.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense filled page turner.  (Also highly recommend the other series as well!!!)

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

The Breath of Dawn - Kristen Heitzmann

"Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the "success guru," has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he's living for--until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.  Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.  Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past, will they survive to build a future?" (Publisher's description)

I was extremely excited to see this title come up for review.  I have thoroughly enjoyed every Kristen Heitzmann book that I have read and this is no exception.  I was excited to see the Spencer brothers again, but sad about the loss of Jill.  But that being said I loved Quinn right off the bat.  She is full of spunk and has a giant heart.  The development of the relationship between Morgan and Quinn is a roller coaster ride and beautifully written.  The suspense lasts throughout all 448 pages to say it was hard to put down is an understatement.  Another amazing job by Kristen Heitzmann!

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. 

Placebo: A Jevin Banks Novel - Steven James

"One man must uncover the truth-even when others will stop at nothing to keep it buried.  While investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms. He seeks answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program-and answers to his own family tragedy.  Rooted in groundbreaking science, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. This taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James will keep you flipping pages late into the night." (Publisher's description)

This was my first foray into the novels of Steven James and I must say he can write quite the page turner.  Placebo is an action packed, thrill ride that was rather hard to put down.  The switches of POV throughout the novel was absolutely seamless, some of the best I have ever seen.   My only complaint was that I got lost a few times in all the technology language, but other than that it was a great read.  It will be interesting to see where the next Jevin Banks adventure goes!

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.

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

Publisher’s Summary:

This concise guide by a leading New Testament scholar helps readers understand how to better study the multitude of Old Testament references in the New Testament. G. K. Beale, coeditor of the bestselling Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, focuses on the "how to" of interpreting the New Testament use of the Old Testament, providing students and pastors with many of the insights and categories necessary for them to do their own exegesis. Brief enough to be accessible yet thorough enough to be useful, this handbook will be a trusted guide for all students of the Bible.

My Review:

This book is an excellent reference book on a very interesting topic.  It is definitely written for the scholarly minded reader.  As someone that is quite versed in Biblical Studies, I found this book a bit over my head at points.  Two topics that I thought were very important, that were covered in the book were proper interpretation techniques, as well as the Jewish culture that shapes much of the Biblical landscape.  In many modern writings, the interpretation of Scripture is very loose.  It is good to read books where the scholarship is done, and the time and culture of the ancient texts are taken into account.

Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Baker Academic Books in exchange for an honest review.