Rumors and Promises by Kathleen Rouser

I recently had the pleasure of reading Kathleen Rouser's new book, Rumors and Promises. I was swept up in the tale of young Sophie Biddle and her daughter as she's thrown into a world of having to provide for herself instead of living in the lap of luxury, like she was raised.

A meddling minister, Ian McCormick and his sister, are determined to help Sophie. He's dogged by his past failures and wants to assist however he can, without drudging up his past mistakes.

Sophie passes her daughter off as a younger sister, but her conscience is pricked by the lie. Trying to avoid rumors and speculations of her sordid past, will she ever be able to find love and acceptance and a promise of tomorrow?

Kathleen Rouser has a wonderful way of describing things and pulling the reader into her story. Her dialogue, setting descriptions, and historical accuracy makes her an author I'll be reading in the future.

This book was provided free for review by Heritage Beacon Fiction - 2016.

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

Colt Stafford returns home with his tail between his legs. After becoming penniless and failing at his career on Wall Street, he has no other choice but to go back to the one place he vowed never to return to, his father's home.

Angelina Morales seems to be more than just his father's housekeeper and cook. She'd hiding something, and he aims to discover it.

Troubles abound as Colt agrees to work with his younger brother to help during calving season on the ranch. Their father is ill and may not recover. Colt has no desire to stay any longer than necessary until he finds himself enjoying Angelina's company more and more.

I loved this modern version of the Prodigal Son that Ruth Logan Herne wove. She had me rooting for each of the characters and eagerly flipping pages to learn more of this delightful tale. I give a 4 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.

This book was provided free for review by Multnomah Books - 2016.

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

Lucetta Plum is a well-known actress in New York City with a flock of admirers. Some require the care of her personal protector to keep them at bay. But when one fan becomes threatening, she is forced to flee the city. Her dear friend suggests they travel to her grandson's castle to seek protection.

Bram Haverstein isn't used to visitors, especially ones as beautiful as the actress he has held in high esteem for quite some time. While he's welcome to helping his grandmother and Lucetta, he has some secrets of his own which he doesn't want discovered.

Jen Turano does an incredible job of weaving this tale. She provides laughter along the way, as well as a down-right enjoyable story that will want the reader wanting more. I give it a 5 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.

This book was provided for free by Bethany House Publishers - 2016.

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Marie Carrington is on the run and in need of a safe haven. A stranger helps to pay her way across the ferry to Prince Edward Island. When he offers a job and a place to live she hesitantly accepts, at least for a short time.

Seth Sloane agreed to help his uncle with the renovation of the Red Door Inn before it opens. He's got nothing better to do since losing everything after a disastrous relationship.

Two damaged souls brought together by an old man to open a bed and breakfast in memory of his wife. Can they put aside their differences aside and complete the mission?

While this is a continuing saga, I give it a 4.5 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.

This book was provided free for review by the author.

Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Cassidy Starr has returned to the home of her beloved aunt to pick up the broken pieces of her life. The rambling home was bequeathed to her, and she has visions of creating a bed & breakfast and organic strawberry farm. After going through a devastating divorce, Cassidy is determined to remain independent and not allow any male to sway her otherwise.

Next door neighbor and rancher, Jarrod Monohan has other things in mind... like convincing Cassidy to open her heart to him. Their shared kiss years ago still haunts him. Will she let him get close enough to kiss her again?

Kissed by a Cowboy is the final tale in Debra Clopton's 'A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance' series. Debra has a way of spinning stories that has the reader clamoring for more. You won't want to miss this book. I give a 4.5 out of 5 for happily-ever-after endings.

This book was provided free for review by Thomas Nelson, 2016.

Happily-ever-after Review of Beyond the Silence

Lillian Porter has lived a sheltered life while being raised by her grandparents. Deep down she longs to pursue the dream her parents had of traveling to California. Despite her grandfather's forbidding, she accepts a position as nanny and heads to Angels Camp.

Woodward Colton's seven-year-old son hasn't spoken since his mother's death a year prior. Woody is praying his new nanny will make a difference in the boy's life. What he hadn't counted on was the sweeping changes she brings to his life as well.

I have really enjoyed reading Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse. They brought together two unlikely characters to provide a fun, enjoyable book. I found myself rooting for both Lillian and Woody, and I was eager to see the mystery solved. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House - 2016.

At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

Miranda Wimplegate is content with her Boston life, helping out in her family's auction house, which serves wealthy individuals. But when she's partially responsible for a prized portrait being sold by accident, she feels she must do whatever it takes to get it back and avoid financial ruin for her family. She's even willing to travel with her grandfather to the wilds of Missouri to obtain the illusive painting.

Wyatt Ballentine's world is thrown in disarray when his beloved auction house is bought before he has enough money to throw in a bid for it. What he hadn't counted on was having to deal with the eccentric owner and his beautiful granddaughter. He has to decide what is most important in his life.

Regina Jennings book is a delightful tale that draws the reader in. She has a wonderful way of describing things to the reader and providing a portrait of her own making. You won't want to miss out on getting a copy of this book. :)

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House - 2015.

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

Katie Vale hadn't anticipated her boyfriend proposing as soon as they reached his grandparents' home and definitely not with his whole extended family watching in anticipation. What a way to start the holiday week together by telling him 'no'.

Micah Binder is determined to not let their Christmas celebrations be tainted despite Katie's refusal to marry him. He desires for her to experience the delight of a huge family crammed together, enjoying the holiday as if it were their last one together.

Katie hadn't planned on being changed by the attitude and joy the family shares but that might happen with An Endless Christmas.

This was my first time to read a book by Cynthia Ruchti, and I found it to be delightful. You won't want to miss this book as you prepare for the season. I give it a 4.5 for happily-ever-after endings.


For more information be sure to check this out: http://litfusegroup.com/author/cruchti


This book was provided free for review by Worthy Publishing Group - 2015.

Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Abby Knighly is in need of a change from her old life and painful reminders of her past. She decides to pack up everything and move to Wishing Springs, Texas. What she hadn't counted on was

narrowly missing a cowboy in the middle of the road on a dark night.

Bo Monahan has no interested in being tied down so he isn't prepared when an infant son he never knew existed is dropped off on his front porch. He hates to admit he can't care for the child without help. The new woman in town seems like the perfect person to ask.

The two find themselves drawn to each other but with no desire to be tied down to a future together. Can they overcome the obstacles standing in their way and find peace in the process?

Debra Clopton has succeeded in telling the fun tale of the second Monahan brother in book two of her 'A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance' series. It is sure to delight and cause readers to turn pages until the happily-ever-after ending. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5.


This book was provided free for review by Thomas Nelson, 2015.

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

Silas Jonesey is alone in the world or at least so he thought. Abandoned as a child, and left by his mail-order bride ten years prior, he's shocked to finally get a letter from his wayward wife. He's not sure what to expect when she shares her location and asks him to come.

Kate Dawson is over-protective of nine-year-old Anthony, especially when the boy's mother dies and leaves his care to her. She isn't sure what to do when two men show up and claim to be the lad's father. Who should she trust? Does she really want to give up responsibility for the boy to either of them?

Melissa Jagears has created a delightful conclusion to her bride series. It's one that will thoroughly entertain readers and keep the pages turning. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.


This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers - 2015.

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard

Kate Adams has a knack for finding herself in the midst of police investigations. As a researcher, she's trying to discover what she can about a "miracle plant" and why a big corporation is controlling everything about it and are willing to go as far as murder to keep word from getting out about the plant.

Detective Tom Parker is trying to solve the mystery surrounding Kate and the trouble she falls into while also letting the impulsive woman know he cares for her. When he finds her withholding information from him and afraid to trust, he must dig deep to uncover the answers.

Desperate Measures is the third and final installment in the Port Aster Series by Sandra Orchard. Readers will find this one a special delight as the two grow and learn how much they care for each other. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.

This book was provided free for review by Revell - 2015.

Now & Forever by Mary Connealy

Shannon Wilde enjoys life on her simple homestead, tending sheep until she gets swept over the side of a cliff by Matthew Tucker. Well, in all actuality she's the one responsible for hurling them down the side of the mountain and into the raging river full of rocks, rapids, and treacherous water.

Matthew Tucker was content with his life in the backwoods until his eyes met the blue gaze of one Shannon Wilde. He wasn't fooled by her dress and immediately knew she was a woman, especially when he find himself strapped to her in order to keep them alive through the rapids.

Mary Connealy weaves a delightful tale in her Wild at Heart series featuring the Wilde sisters. I found this book to live up to Mary' reputation of writing lively historical romances. I rate it a 4 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers - 2015.

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

Charlotte Atherton is determined to keep her three young charges safe, even after losing her position at Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths. She is particularly driven to protect Lily, the young girl she pledged to raise after the girl's mother died, even if it means keeping her away from her dishonest grandfather.

Stone Hammond is determined that after he tracks down the kidnapping teacher, it will be his last assignment and he'll finally have the money he needs to settle down and purchase his own property. How hard can it be to bring in one pesky female?

Karen Witemeyer weaves a delightful tale of two who are at odds with each other but must find a way to protect a young girl. I found her new novel to be a 5 out of 5 when it comes to happily-ever-after endings.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Bethany House Publishers - 2015.

Family of Her Dreams by Keli Gwyn

Tess Grimsby longs for a family of her own. Instead, she must be content with being a caretaker to a recently widowed man's children. Raised in an orphanage, Tess is well aware of the trauma and stages of grief that children go through and hopes to make a difference in the lives of her two young charges.

Spencer Abbott has his hands full as a stationmaster and trying to create some semblance of order for his children. He hadn't counted on a headstrong nanny that questions him on what seems like every decision. But he can't deny the good Tess has provided either.

Is Tess worth the trouble?

This was the second book I've read by Keli Gwyn, and I found it quite enjoyable. She provides a sigh-worthy happily-ever-after. You won't be disappointed.

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Maggie Hope writes an advice column and at the last minute fills in for a friend/coworker to interview a local champion horse trainer for a morning TV show. Not only is she out of her element in front of the camera but also interrogating the handsome cowboy who has been in the tabloids on more than one occasion.

Tru Monahan is leery of the media after having his name blazed across some of the scandal magazines, not that the stories were legit. But when he's interviewed by Maggie he feels sorry for her. When he boasts that he can take a novice and have them able to ride a cutting horse within weeks, Maggie challenges him.

With the threat to stand by Maggie's bet if she wants to save her column, and Tru's being pressured by his sponsors to follow through on the ultimatum, leaves the pair in a situation that neither of them are thrilled over.

This is my first time to read a contemporary romance by Debra Clopton, and I have to tell you that I was thrilled to find such an incredible author. In fact, I was so excited, I ordered 16 more of her prior titles. :) Betting on Hope had me turning pages and wishing the story wouldn't end. Debra has a delightful way of getting into the heart of her characters and breathing life into them so that the reader is cheering for them to succeed. I give this novel a 5 out of 5 for happily-ever-after endings.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Thomas Nelson Publishers - 2015.