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THE AMISH NEWCOMER BY PATRICE LEWIS - Book Review

31/8/2020

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Can an Englisch city girl ever become one of the Plain People?
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She needed a safe place to hide. 
Instead she found a place to call home…


Television journalist Leah Porte never imagined her career would end with her witnessing a murder. Now she’s temporarily living among the Amish in witness protection. Instead of feeling alone and adrift, Leah is warmly welcomed by the close-knit community—and Amish bachelor Isaac Sommer. But caught between two very different worlds, choosing love would mean leaving her Englisch life behind forever…

​GOODREADS   AMAZON
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A heartfelt, warm, and sweet tale of an urban city woman escaping a dire situation in LA to the Amish community where she learns new ways to look at life, about faith in God, and falls so adorably in love with the neighbor.  
This story had such a welcoming inclusive vibe, it was truly a pleasure to read and experience. The community was helpful, kind, and considerate, they embraced Leah Porte, took her in, and taught her their ways, as she requested and wanted to learn more. 
I loved Leah's development in this story as she gains an understanding of Amish ways she learns about her self as well. For the first time, she truly hears about God and is intrigued, wanting more. Leah is easy to like, she is smart and kind and considerate and assimilates so easily into the new culture and ways of the Amish. She yearns to know more, to understand, and as she does she accepts the simple ways herself. 
The romance with Isaac is a delightfully precious slow process, yet the feels they have for each other are real, believable, and on a strong foundation. 
A solid, admirable tale of searching for meaning, learning to trust, to have faith, to love, and live your life's purpose. 
~ Four Spoons

Living on a remote self-sufficient homestead in North Idaho, Patrice Lewis is a Christian wife, mother, author, blogger, columnist and speaker. She has practiced and written about rural subjects for almost thirty years. When she isn’t writing, Patrice enjoys self-sufficiency projects, such as animal husbandry, small-scale dairy production, gardening, food preservation and canning, and homeschooling. She and her husband have been married since 1990 and have two daughters.

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MORE THAN NEIGHBORS BY SHANNON STACEY - Book Review

30/8/2020

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From New York Times Bestselling author Shannon Stacey comes an emotionally powerful story of community, fresh starts, and secrets.

The only thing they have in common is a property line!

He’s trying to uncover his past.
She’s hoping for a brighter future.


Cam Maguire is in Blackberry Bay to unravel a family secret. Meredith Price has moved next door with her daughter. He’s unattached. She’s a widowed single mom. He’s owned by a cat. She’s definitely team canine. All these neighbors have in common is a property line. One they cross…over and over. And Cam thought he knew what he wanted—until his family’s secret changes everything.

​GOODREADS   AMAZON
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A perfect story to escape into. A smooth and sweet romance of two adults who have seen life, experienced pain and loss, and success and are open and willing to see the possibilities that the future might hold. 
I enjoyed this story, it felt so natural, so calm and peaceful, and beautiful. There are sorrow and pain regarding the loss, an aspect that gives the tale great depth, yet mainly there are all the gleeful days of summer on a lakeside that shines like sunrays. I could hear the windchimes making a racket, the birds singing, see the kid with her dog in a hammock enjoying the summer days... 
Cam Maguire and Meredith Price have a connection, the attraction might be instant but the relationship takes time to develop. I liked how they interacted with the people in town and with each other. There were respect and maturity, it felt real, with true emotions, and their drama but it was created by the situations in life and solved with real solutions without dwelling in angst. 
More Than Neighbors is just what the world needs right now, it's uplifting, cheerful, joy-filled tale. And as a book one in a new series it delivers a great platform to build on, promising there's more to come and I can't wait! 
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her two favorite activities are writing stories of happily ever after and off-roading with her friends and family. You can contact Shannon through her website, www.shannonstacey.com, as well as sign up for her newsletter.

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THE HERO OF HOPE SPRINGS BY MAISEY YATES - Book Review

28/8/2020

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GOODREADS   AMAZON
Will Gold Valley’s most honorable cowboy finally claim the woman he’s always wanted?
For as long as brooding cowboy Ryder Daniels has known Sammy Marshall, she has been his sunshine. Her free spirit and bright smile saved him after the devastating loss of his parents and gave him the strength to care for his orphaned family. Only Ryder knows how vulnerable Sammy is, so he’s kept his attraction for his best friend under wraps for years. But what Sammy’s asking for now might be a step too far…
Something has been missing from Sammy’s life, and she thinks she knows what it is. Deciding she wants a baby is easy; realizing she wants her best friend to be the father is…complicated. Especially when a new heat between them sparks to life! When Sammy discovers she’s pregnant, Ryder makes it clear he wants it all. But having suffered the fallout of her parents’ disastrous relationship, Sammy is wary of letting Ryder too close. This cowboy will have to prove he’s proposing out of more than just honor…
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An emotional and touching love story of two friends in a crossroads of life, struggling with their past tragedies, with the losses they have faced and with the passion they feel for each other.
It is easy to adore and admire Ryder Daniels, the head of a family, who put everything else aside as a young man, to take care of the family when needed. He is loyal, kind, considerate, stubborn, strong, and generous, he would do anything to protect his family. His best friend of 17 years, the light of his life, the sun on his sky, Sammy Marshall, thought him how to smile again, and now she is showing him how to feel again... 
While Ryder was so easy to love and admire, Sammy took some effort to understand. The place of trauma Sammy comes from, where she grew up in, the physical, mental, and emotional abuse she had faced, it is unimaginable and thus hard to grasp. As the story unfolds and the damage to Sammy's soul is unveiled, it is heartwrenching to feel an ouch of the immeasurable pain she has had to carry with her most of her life. 
This story went directly to my feels. At first, it was all fun and banter and cute and ardent. And then it got real and raw, there were heartache and agony, and the angst was high even when everything seemed so lovely and tender and sweet cause there were still major pieces of the puzzle missing. 
This beautiful story of love and life, friendship, and family, finding your true north and daring to take the journey towards it was an intense, fervent, spirited tale that took me for a wild ride and pulled all the feels to the surface.
​A book hangover? Oh yes, in the best possible way. I think part of Sammy and Ryder will live in my heart from now on... 
~ Five Spoons!  

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. 
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. 

She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

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UNDER PRESSURE BY KELLY MORAN - Book Review

24/8/2020

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GOODREADS   AMAZON
As sheriff of Redwood Ridge, Parker Maloney has learned to bite his tongue at the ridiculous antics of the town's matchmakers. He's just grateful they've never messed with him before. Except it kind of seems like he's their next target. They keep sending him on one wild goose chase after another with a single common denominator--Madeline Freemont. Whatever. Maddie spent their youth terrorizing him and he has zero interest in reopening the claw marks. No matter how beautiful or intuitive or funny he finds her. Nope. He's laying down the law on this one. Yet there's something to her hot-as-hell spine of steel act he can't figure out and she's beginning to unlock the cell on his restraint.

Maddie Freemont's no newcomer to the cold shoulder. Most of the town never warmed up to her. Or tried. So when her ex leaves her high, dry, and so in debt she's forced onto the street, it's no shock there aren't any offered helping hands. She's making due by taking any odd job she can to scrape by. Even though she would've done anything for Parker's attention once upon a time, the last thing she needs is to be on his radar now. Why they suddenly keep crossing paths is a mystery. But it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore his handsome, subtle charms--and how he's working his way under her resolve to expose desires she long ago shoved aside.
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An amazingly beautiful love story in a heart-wrenching situation, an emotionally wild ride from devastation and distress to filling my mind, my heart, and uplifting my spirit. 
Redwood Ridge is one of my favorite romance series. I fell head over the heels in love with the townfolks, the characters, the battleaxes, the matchmaking, and mostly - with the love stories. And this admiration towards the series has just grown with each new book. 
The sheriff of Redwood Ridge, Parker Maloney, has been on the sidelines of the stories, and I am so glad he got his own HEA. Parker is such a cool guy, tough yet gentle, he is thoughtful, kind, considerate, generous, he is loyal to his friends, openminded, and just everything Madeline Freemont needs, even if that is not obvious at the beginning. 
Madeline's backstory and current situation broke my heart in two. And to know that it is the reality to too many people, left a little ache in it as well in the matter of 'take action to prevent that happening'. It was all so real and raw, yet at the same time wonderfully ardent and marvelous. 
A beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, acceptance, and most of all, learning to trust and daring to take that leap of faith to open your heart to love. 
~ Five Spoons!

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Kelly Moran is a bestselling romance author of enchanting ever-afters. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself. She is a RITA Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Readers Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, and a Finalist in RWA's 2014 Award of Excellence. She's landed on USA TODAY's HEA 10 Best Reads and Must Read lists. She has several books out with foreign translation rights in Germany and the Netherlands. Her interests include: sappy movies, MLB, NFL, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic, but don't tell anyone. She resides in South Carolina with her three sons and her hound dog. She loves hearing from her readers.
Visit her... 
Website: http://www.authorkellymoran.com

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GUARDED BY THE SOLDIER by Laura Scott - Book Review

23/8/2020

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He’ll put his life on the line…

If it means protecting a little boy and his pregnant mom.


After months of searching, security expert Ryker Tillman finally finds Olivia Habush and her young son—just as they are attacked by armed mercenaries. Now safeguarding Olivia, her unborn child and little Aaron is the former special ops soldier’s new mission. But to save the family burrowing into his heart, Ryker must figure out why someone wants them dead…

GOODREADS  AMAZON
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A twisted, action-packed tale with charming characters in the middle of perilous, potentially lethal situations delivers a captivating story that I couldn't put down.  
It is no secret that I love Laura Scott's style of writing. Her ability to tell a story where intense suspense and heartwarming romance enchant the mind, endearing characters win the hearts over, and their unwavering faith in God inspires. 
It has been a few books ago when I read the first book in the series, yet as soon as I started to read this one, the previous events came rushing to my mind, and I was eager to find out what's going on. 
The connection between Ryker Tillman and Olivia Habush was sweet, believable, and natural, so tender - fragile even - as she is pregnant with her late husband's baby, I got all the warm and snuggly feels from them. How Ryker interacted with Olivia's kid, how the bond and trust was formed, it was all a testament to Ryker's good character, to his distinction and decency despite his doubts. 
A fabulous faith-based romantic suspense story that easily could be read as a standalone book, yet is volume two in a series that I can highly recommend!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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Laura Scott is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger. She lives with her husband of twenty-five years and has two children, a daughter and a son, who are both in college. She works as a critical-care nurse during the day at a large level-one trauma center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spends her spare time writing romance. Visit Laura at www.laurascottbooks.com.

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THE LAST MAN SHE EXPECTED by Michelle Major - Book Review

19/8/2020

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How could being so wrong suddenly feel so right?
Falling for her arch nemesis
Isn’t going to happen.


Moving to Starlight was Mara Reed’s first step forward after her devastating divorce. But had she known she’d find Parker Johnson, her ex-husband’s ruthless divorce attorney, there, she might have gone in a different direction. Away from the big city, Mara is seeing Parker in a new light—but is it enough for her to set aside her anger?

​GOODREADS   AMAZON
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This story has it all, the deep feels, the angst, the passion, the cute kids, friends for life, the family drama, and falling in love against all the odds. And all of that is wrapped in a smoothly flowing, riveting tale that made me smile, and sigh, and swoon, and even tear up but they were happy tears cause it was just so beautifully brought together. 
The connection between Mara and Parker was tangible on so many different layers. Their past brought in the painful conflict, their present was sizzling with attraction, and the future didn't seem like a realistic possibility because of the emotional baggage both of them had. 
Yet all the fears and doubts and hassles in the protagonist's minds are balanced with the little joys in life, with the support of family and friends. And through those reservations and skepticism, the characters grow and learn to trust and to open up, to dare to take the ultimate leap of faith. 
I admire and adore Major's writing and her style to tell a story so that it wraps around your heart and mind and imagination like you are part of the townfolks witnessing the events happen in real-time. 
The Last Man She Expected delivered beyond all my expectations!
~ Five Spoons

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Michelle Major grew up in Ohio but dreamed of living in the mountains. Soon after graduating with a degree in Journalism, she pointed her car west and settled in Colorado. Her life and house are filled with one great husband, two beautiful kids, a few furry pets and several well-behaved reptiles. She’s grateful to have found her passion writing stories with happy endings. Michelle loves to hear from her readers at www.michellemajor.com.

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SETTLING AN OLD SCORE by Delores Fossen - Book Review

18/8/2020

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A past tragedy destroyed their love. A vulnerable newborn brings them back together.

Within moments of discovering a baby on his doorstep, Texas Ranger Eli Slater finds himself being held at gunpoint by his ex, Ashlyn Darrow. She claims she was tipped off that the still-gorgeous cowboy kidnapped her newly adopted daughter because of the bad blood that defines their past. They quickly realize Eli’s been set up and now Eli is determined to protect Ashlyn and her daughter. But regaining her trust will be as easy as ignoring the attraction even a lifetime apart can’t erase…

GOODREADS   AMAZON
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From the eruptive start to the very last scene the fast-paced tale of action and intrigue is a wild ride of survival; to stay alive, to find out who is behind the attacks and to deal with the combustible attraction still simmering between Texas Ranger Eli Slater and his ex, Ashlyn Darrow.  
A lot is going on in this story, the non-stop action, the deadly attacks, and the multiple suspects, the tension between the exes, the efforts to keep the baby safe... I took a deep breath and jumped right in the middle of a tale that kept going forward like a high-speed race that left very little room for anything else than to fight back and hope for the best. 
Eli and Ashlyn had known each other since childhood and they have a romantic history from their high school years. Now in the mids of the mayhem brought to their doorsteps, facing a potentially deadly situation, the realization that the attraction still burns piping hot seems like a lifeline for both of them. There is no chance to deal with what happened before or develop a relationship while guns are blazing and madmen are lurking around every corner, yet the emotional connection is like a fierce, strong, palpable pull towards the other. 
I loved the premises of the story. I liked the characters, the tale itself was intense and frenzied, the suspense, the whodunit was filled with intensity. What I wished would have gotten more attention was the ardent second chance love story between Eli and Ashlyn.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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USA Today bestselling author, Delores Fossen, has sold over 70 novels with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She's received the Booksellers' Best Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and was a finalist for the prestigious Rita ®. In addition, she's had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. You can contact the author through her webpage at www.deloresfossen.com

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THE BAD BOY OF REDEMPTION RANCH by Maisey Yates - Book Review

16/8/2020

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This rebel cowboy is looking for a fresh start—will he find more than he’s ever hoped for in Gold Valley?
Police officer Pansy Daniels is the poster girl for responsible behavior. Orphaned as a child, she has dedicated her life to safeguarding her local community. The last thing she needs is a hot-headed cowboy with attitude cruising into town. He may be her new landlord, but that’s no excuse for provoking her…or sending her heart into overdrive.
West Caldwell has come to Redemption Ranch to put his past behind him. Flirting with a pint-size police officer who thinks he’s bad news is definitely not part of the plan, but it’s deliciously easy to get under Pansy’s skin. Then West discovers the vulnerability Pansy keeps so well hidden, and suddenly this renegade cowboy is in over his head. In her arms, West feels like the man he always wanted to be—but can he become the man Pansy deserves?

GOODREADS   AMAZON
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A beautiful heartfelt tale of family, finding yourself, finding love when and where you least expect it and finding redemption, hope, and new beginnings... I loved every moment of West Caldwell and Pansy Daniels' story, I think this is one of my favorites in one of my favorite series, so what do I give to it - six spoons?! I feel like I am still on cloud nine after the amazingly swoon-worthy ending in this book!
The meet-cute for West and Pansy was a perfect start for their fervent tale. The banter that follows, the daring actions that they take, the passion that burns scorching hot between them, as they get to know each other was charming and sort of enchanting, I could not get enough of these two. 
They are by no means perfect, either of them, yet they complete each other like few people rarely do, and with each other's support and some inner struggles, they bloom to show their true selves. 
Both West and Pansy have a broken past, their stories are different yet they get each other,. They understand the road each of them had to take to come to this point in their lives. They both have to learn to accept themselves and their role in their families, in their relationships, even in their community, to be able to take on the new chances and brighter future at their grasp. 
The story is filled with life lessons and one-liners that I wanted to underline and ponder about later on. I adored the tangible passion between Pansy and West, and the deeper emotions taking root. The relationships with their family members were complex and complicated, which turned into life lessons and moments of growth. 
As part of an ongoing series, you can always get a deeper grasp of the story if you have read the previous books, yet this tale could stand alone as well. 
Loved every emotional, passionate, banter-filled moment of Pansy and Wess' love story
~ Five Spoons!

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. 

Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. 

She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

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LOGAN by Regan Black - Book Review

15/8/2020

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The invisible wounds are the hardest to heal...

Months ago, Allison Weaver's boyfriend turned violent after one of his investments tanked. She left him immediately, but the incident shattered her confidence. Now he's harassing her with threats and accusations that her research into an historical site in Charleston, South Carolina has derailed his newest business deal.
Can her best friend teach her to trust-and possibly love-again?
Logan Harris is home for good and eager to reconnect with his best friend, Allison, the one person he truly missed during his career as a Marine. But on their first night out as friends, he catches her ex hassling her.
Protecting Allison is second nature and sticking close while he sorts out the danger reveals an unprecedented attraction sparking between them. But when her relentless ex gets more aggressive, Logan must call in additional resources in order to keep her safe and preserve any hope of a future together.

Goodreads   Amazon
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An intense, fierce, and ardent romantic suspense novella that pulled the reader into the tale from the very first scene, and held the interest throughout the story. 
I loved so many things about Logan and Allison's story. It is relatable, fervent, and emotional. The connection between them is heartfelt, the chemistry is tangible, and the fact that they are best friends and have known each other for years made it even sweeter and even more believable.  
The tension-filled strain in Allison's life is her ex who has violent tendencies and enough money to get away with his crimes. Things escalate as Tanner insistently keeps coming around and harassing Allison. Logan's military experience is put to a test in a civilian world, to keep Allison safe, unharmed - and ultimately - alive. 
Regan's Brotherhood Protectors World is filled with tales of intrigue and passion. The suspense reaches from domestic threats that could escalate into international conflicts to up close and personal attacks and aggressions, whereas the love stories are genuine, warm, sincere, and fervent. Add to that the loyalty and reliability of the brotherhood at the Guardian Agency, and you get stories that fascinate, charm and entertain
~ Five Spoons

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Regan Black, a USA Today bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed romantic novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. She and her husband currently share their empty nest with two arrogant cats in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination.
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For insider access, exclusive prizes, and more, subscribe to Regan's newsletter at http://www.ReganBlack.com/perks

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INCOGNITO EX by Geri Krotow - Book Review

13/8/2020

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When she is targeted by a vicious mobster
A past love is her only hope


When a Russian gangster targets Coral Staufer, she is desperate for help. Coral stumbles across an undercover agent none other than the man she loved and lost, Trevor Stone. Trevor will risk anything to stop her from becoming a mob casualty…even risk his career to protect Coral. But when their past love reignites, their entire mission—and very lives—are at stake.

Goodreads   Amazon
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Breathtakingly fast, explosive action against the Russian mobsters and second chance romance for a divorced couple carries this rapidly unfolding tale. 
I loved the fast tempo of the tale, and I think it was the force that kept my interest high, wanting to know how it all would conclude: you have no other option than hold on to the wild ride! 
The book is part of a series, and I think it would have benefited me greatly if I have had read the previous books. There are a lot of characters, a lot of references to past events and people in them, and I think I would have been more interested in them if I knew their story, as well. 
The fight against the Russian mobsters, undercover law enforcement working on the task force, and quest to find missing information boxes before the gangsters, it all worked for me because everything happens so swiftly I had no time to wonder if it was believable or not, just holding on for the bumpy roll-a-coaster ride. 
When it comes to the romance between Coral Staufer and Trevor Stone I am conflicted, like always when the reason for a split of a relationship, not to mention divorce, is self-sacrifice and lack of communication. Even the love scenes between them seamed riding on angry energy than passionate chemistry. Through halfway of the book, I wasn't sure if they would end up together - and this is a Harlequin romance. So yes, I was conflicted with Coral and Trevor, yet the author showed her skills to tell a dynamic, vigorous tale with spry twists in the plot, full of vim and vigor, in a book that turned out to be so entertaining it was unputdownable. 
A captivating adventure, a wild ride for Coral to find peace of mind, in her heart, and to her farm that changes her life completely
~ Four Spoons

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Award winning, bestselling author of women’s fiction, contemporary romance and romantic suspense. A US Naval Academy graduate and former Navy Intelligence, Geri uses her global life experiences to bring authenticity to her stories.

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THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL by Kat Martin - Book Review

10/8/2020

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Goodreads  Amazon
When journalist Jessie Kegan’s father is accused of espionage and treason, Jessie has no doubt the man she looked up to her entire life is innocent. Worse yet, before Colonel Kegan can stand trial, he’s found dead of a heart attack…but Jessie knows it was murder. Forcing down her grief, she’s determined to use her investigative skills and resources to clear her father’s name. But going after the truth means Jessie soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who wants that truth to stay buried with her father.
Protecting Jessie Kegan is a job bodyguard Brandon Garrett can’t refuse. Jessie isn’t just a client at Maximum Security—she’s the sister of his best friend, Danny, killed in Afghanistan. With dangerous forces gunning for Jessie from every angle, keeping her safe will mean keeping her close and Bran finds their mutual attraction growing, though being Danny’s sister puts Jessie out of bounds.
With their backs against the wall, Jessie and Bran will have to risk everything to expose her father’s killer—before his legacy dies with his daughter.
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A wildly entertaining, action-packed tale with explosive action, intrigue that keeps you on the edge, and ardent swoon-worthy romance that had me at the meet-cute... So far my favorite book in the series, it seems as the stories are getting more intense with each installment.  
Jessie Kegan and Brandon Garrett had amazing chemistry and connection between them. Brandon is a smart, kind-hearted, considerate, protective warrior who can accept his limitations and asks for back up when needed, who appreciated Jessie's abilities and treats her like an equal. Jessie is a smart, strong, capable woman who can hold her own yet doesn't act recklessly, and knows when to lead and when to follow. I adored them together, they are a team, they got each other, and they communicate, they have difficult conversations, and share painful memories. There are tough times and dangers and threats they have to face, yet there isn't unnecessary emotional drama, their life is traumatic enough right now. 
All the multilayered, deadly action coming at Jessie and Brandon seemed at times a bit too much, yet the plot held all the strings well together. And when things started to unfold the virulence was tangible, like a fervent pulse beating on the pages, gripping the scenes, carrying on the twists and turns. 
I'm rather enamored with this tale and I can not wait to get back to the exciting world of the Maximum Security.
~ Five Spoons

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Top ten New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara.  Residing with her Western-author husband, L.J. Martin, in Missoula, Montana, Kat has written 70 Historical and Contemporary Romantic Suspense novels. More than 17 million of her books are in print and she has been published in twenty foreign countries. Kat is currently hard at work on her next novel. 

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TRACKING A KIDNAPPER by Valerie Hansen

9/8/2020

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Foiling a criminal’s plans
makes an officer and her K-9 partner targets.


Thwarting a kidnapping has thrust Officer Vivienne Armstrong and her K-9 partner, Hank, right into the culprit’s crosshairs. Now, even with danger stalking them at every turn, Vivienne refuses to stop working, but FBI agent Caleb Black intends to do his job and safeguard her. Together, can they stop the would-be kidnapper from striking a final, fatal blow?

Goodreads   Amazon
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The story jumped right into the action and mayhem. The chaotic attempted crime giving an edge to the tale,  the heroic reactions shining a bright light to Vivienne and Hank. In all the disarray Vivianne meets  FBI agent Caleb Black, and sparks are flying and igniting as they start to work together.
I liked the story and I found it entertaining. There is an obvious connection between Caleb and Vivianne, but they do have several obstacles to work through to even get along. Caleb is struggling with his faith in God, with the loss of his family, and is shut down from any future romantic entanglements. Vivianne is a capable and strong officer, yet she has a need to prove it to Caleb again and again, to the point of stubbornness and making dangerous mistakes. 
A tale that detonates on all aspects, with the constant twists and turns with the suspense, with the romance that lights up instantly despite the challenges it faces, and with the inner struggles to trust for the divine guidance, to find that inner peace and deliverance of past doubts and sorrows. 
~ Three Spoons and a teaspoon on the side

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Valerie Hansen resides in the rural Ozarks where she writes the books of her heart, primarily for Love Inspired Romance and Suspense. She is married to her childhood sweetheart and has worked as a teacher's-aide, EMT, fire dept. dispatcher, dog breeder, commercial artist, dulcimer builder, Veterinarian's asst., 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, antique restorer and certified Storm Spotter, etc.

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ALASKAN SHOWDOWN by Sarah Varland - Book Review

7/8/2020

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What she uncovers sheds light on a cold case…
and can put her in a grave. 


After finding the body of a missing hiker in her small Alaska town, search-and-rescue dog handler Adriana Steele becomes the target of a serial killer thought to have been inactive for decades. Now Adriana’s determined to help Officer Levi Wicks catch the murderer. But with the cold case heating up…the jaded officer is all that stands between her and death.
Goodreads     Amazon 
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A delightfully diverse story filled with intense suspense, sweet romance, soul searching, and the amazing abilities and connections search and rescue dogs and their handlers have.
The suspense is fierce and explosive. The serial killer's patterns arise questions, the twists in the plot managed to take me by surprise. How Blue reacted in different situations, how the dog's moods changed as bodies were found was palpable and heartfelt.  As well as was the connection developing between Officer Levi Wicks and Adriana Steele. Yes, it was building up fast and under duress, yet it was believable and authentic. 
I admired how naturally Adriana and Levi talked about their faith in God, how they shared about their life struggles and losses. As the story started to unfold the friction from the beginning dissolved, the growth and character development were tangible as they battle the attacks towards them and fight to stay alive. 
Alaskan Showdown was a compelling story that was hard to put down. All the three main elements, suspense, romance, and faith in God, were well imbedded into the twists of the plot making it entertaining, inspirational, genuinely wholesome tale.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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Sarah Varland lives in Alaska with her husband John, their two boys, and their dogs. Her passion for books comes from her mom; her love for suspense comes from her dad who has spent a career in law enforcement.
When she’s not writing, she’s often found dog mushing, hiking, reading, kayaking, drinking coffee, or enjoying other Alaskan adventures with her family. 

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ACCIDENTAL TARGET by Theresa Hall - Book Review

6/8/2020

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On an icy road in the dead of night
what she sees might get her killed.


Allison Moore can’t deny what she sees—a lifeless hand sticking out of a tarp in the back of a crashed pickup truck. Seconds later, she’s on the run with a murderer on her heels. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except police sergeant Jackson Archer. But with someone set on silencing her, can Jackson keep his promise of protection?
Goodreads   Amazon
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​The story starts immediately with a nightmarish type of action and the intensity and danger continue throughout the book.
I liked the premise of the tale - on the personal level with the characters - the healing of the deep personal wounds both protagonists suffer with, finding the peace of heart and mind after tragic events, the resolution for forgiveness, and renewing your faith in God. Allison Moore and Jackson Archer struggle with their issues and personality faults while trying to stay alive and avoiding the attraction budding in between them, all the mayhem delivering a lot of drama, danger, and imperilment. 
An overall great, entertaining story that was a quick, enjoyable, adrenaline rush read. There were a  couple of points when a bit of polish could have made a difference, yet no major issues that would be putting me off from reading future books by this author. 
~ Four Spoons

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​As a native Texan, Theresa loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values. She’s an elementary teacher and mom to two boys—the oldest being in law enforcement, which comes in handy when she’s researching. When she’s not teaching kids or writing, she loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog. She also loves to hear from readers who enjoy Christian Fiction and can be found at 
www.theresalynnhall.com and @theresalynnhall.


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CHRISTMAS IN JULY

5/8/2020

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One Christmas Eve (Cedar Street, #2)One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've never done Christmas in July before and now I am so happy I'm doing it, cause this Christmas novella From Shannon Stacey hit all the feels. I love her Christmas stories, they always manage to capture the spirit of the season with warm and fuzzy feels with laughter and love. The romance between Preston and Zoe is delightful, ardent, and sweet. They both have been hurt before, wounds they carry nearly wrecking their dreams and hopes for the future. This story had me laughing out loud with the banter, swoon and sigh with the passion between the protagonists, and even tear up with the power of love, with the magic of the season, and cheer for conquering life's hurdles. A potent tale in a shorter form of a novella.
~ Five Spoons

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Coming Home for Christmas (Haven Point, #10)Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A brutally beautiful tale of life, love, forgiveness, new chances, and Christmas miracles. It's a story of family, it touches the darkness of depression, and it underlines the chances for condonation, the power of love, and wonder of the season.
I inhaled this story in one evening. The heartache of Elizabeth and Luke and their children pulled me in, the possibilities of new chances and new beginnings held me captive. I have wanted Luke and his children to find all the love and happiness and peace of heart and mind they yearned for and this story filled my heart to overflowing.
RaeAnne Thayne is a master of sweet, heartfelt, clean romance stories that still delivers all the feels of adoration and passion without going into the details. These tales show how everyday miracles still happen, how love still wins, how by doing the hard things in life, the rewards are captured, how family and community can do wonders when they set their minds into uplifting others.
Coming Home for Christmas was indeed a homecoming literally and figuratively, with all the splendor and marvel and intensity of a delightful love story.
~ Five Spoons

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A Tale of Two Christmas Letters (Texas Legends: The McCabes #6)A Tale of Two Christmas Letters by Cathy Gillen Thacker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story has all the makings of holiday cheer, little kids, puppies, cookie making, tree decorating, family, and caroling... It is a sweet and passionate story of second chances, new beginnings, and dreams coming true if you just dare to get your walls down and take the risk of being honest and vulnerable with your feelings.
I liked the characters, I liked the setting, a texas hospital, and two large merging families at Christmas time. The story does have a little thrid person drama, going on a date with someone else after the initial attraction. The conflict in the story is my least favorite type, and it keeps repeated several times throughout the book: lack of communication, not being honest about feelings, emotions, hiding the true reasons for actions. A constant in the tale is the inner monologue from both of the protagonist that shows how their true thoughts and emotions are far from what they show and communicate. I know some enjoy that yet I find it frustrating.
Overall a cute Christmas love story
~ Three Spoons

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Soldier's Christmas Secrets (Justice Seekers #1)Soldier's Christmas Secrets by Laura Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An intense and thrilling start to the story pulled me in and the twists in the fervent tale had me inhaling it at one sitting. The story is engaging, filled with deadly danger, desire to survive, to have a new chance in life, to make amends, to redefine their fate in God and His guidance in life.
I enjoyed all aspects of the tale so much that I didn't even stop to consider if the plot was plausible, and honestly, I don't care, it entertained, it inspired, and gave me an adrenaline rush like a great thriller does.
The protagonists have both had so much sorrow and hardship, yet their hearts and minds were filled with grace and forgiveness. The Love Inspired books are all based in Christian faith, and Jillian's strong, unvarying trust in God, and Hawk's doubts and weariness to believe anything or anyone was true, palpable, and natural part of the harrowing events their go through while fighting to survive in the hands of the culprits.
There are heartfelt, adorable, and emotional moments as Jillian and Hawk deal with their relationship and Hawk getting to know his daughter. I loved the connection between Hawk and his friends, the Callahans, who were the stars of a previous series with the author.
A fabulous, potent start to a new spinoff series, highly recommend
~ Five Spoons

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Cowboy Christmas Redemption (Gold Valley, #8)Cowboy Christmas Redemption by Maisey Yates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raw and real emotions, turbulent inner conflict, sorrow, guilt, and pain, exhilaration, passion, and adoration... As the story is told mostly by the fervent inner monologue of the protagonists, every feeling and all the turmoil in their hearts and minds are palpable forces that shape their characters, makes them grow and change them to be the people they were always meant to become.
I knew the story of Caleb Dalton and Ellie Bell was going to be an emotional roll-a-coaster, only this tale dived into such deep, dark storms of the mind and heart that it blew me away. There is no doubt that these two best friends loved each other, but were they ever going to be able to grow into the profound (romantic) emotions they awoke in each other, that was left to be found out in this unique tale of life, loss, and love, of family, friends, and lovers.
From sweet and adorable to ardent and heartwrenching, I felt all the feels and textures of the turmoil and mayhem in their minds and hearts. Yet, there is redemption, there is deliverance, there is hope eternal, and there is faith for the future. There is growth and maturing from the loss, there is peace from the childhood drama, and there are even those delightfully lovely holiday moments that will your heart to overflowing.
A beautiful, unputdownable emotion-filled, fervent and heartfelt tale that took my breath away.
~ Five Spoons

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Christmas in Winter Valley (Ransom Canyon, #8)Christmas in Winter Valley by Jodi Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jodi Thomas is a talented storyteller, whose words on paper paints vivid pictures into the reader's mind, embedding them into the tales, while wrapping their hearts to the warm, loving feels radiating from her characters.
Christmas in Winter Valley tells the tales of four couples destinies, endearing romances on the side of the most adorable, heartfelt bromance between a young orphan boy and Cooper.
The characters all are charming and sweet, the drama is limited, and while passion and loving are notching the temperatures up in the cold winter weather, the action mostly happens off the pages of the book.
With multiple storylines fusing into one plot, the happiness, joyous, miraculous Christmas spirit is a tangible force bringing people and families together. Of course, the multiple narratives have no chance or space to dig deep into all of the characters and the nuances of the romances budding through the ranch. Yet the message of the season, that there are hope and faith for the future if love conquers all, that is the genuinely tangible happily ever after in the air at the Holloway ranch at Christmas in Winter Valley
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side

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A Coldwater Christmas (Coldwater Texas, #4)A Coldwater Christmas by Delores Fossen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Going to Cold Water and meeting the Laramie brothers and their extended family is always like going home. A chaotic home, where emotions are high, where everyone wants to know the other's business, yet are willing to stand up for each other when need arise.
When it comes to creating a world where readers feel like part of the community is just one of the reasons why I love Fossen's books.
The oldest brother, Kace, has been the caretaker of everyone else since their father walked out on the family, and he truly deserves a happily forever after.
I loved the connection and palpable attraction between Kace and Lana. And the way Lana's little girl reacted to Kace, was truly heartwarming. Lana and Kace seemed to be on the same frequency, the same wavelength, they understood each other and why they were the way they were. Even though I am not big on angst, I wish there would have been a bit more about why Lana and Kace divorced the first time and a clear solution to those issues. But I felt them at the bottom of my heart, rarely is there a couple - even in romance novels - who so tangible belong to each other.
Even in the tumultuous disarray of all the family drama and Coldwater reacting to it, this tale delivers all the feels of family and home, a community where you belong to, and love that will survive even in the toughest times and the biggest obstacles. I laughed, I sighed and I swooned, and mostly I enjoyed the last installment of the saga of Laramie brothers.
~ Four Spoons

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Rancher's Wild Secret (Gold Valley Vineyards, #1)Rancher's Wild Secret by Maisey Yates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Revenge, passion, deep, bold emotions, pretentious facades hiding secrets that are causing family drama...
A breathtaking quick read with a raw ardent coupling that gets a chance to be something more, bigger, deeper, and real while Holden McCall works on his vengeance towards Emerson Maxfield's father.
I love Yates' style of storytelling and her ability to adjust the writing to a different category, even while writing in the same series and their spinoffs. This story, part of the new spinoff and Desire books in Harlequin, had the focus on the fierily igniting, undeniable lust the protagonists have for each other. There was still space for drama, and most importantly the characters to grow and develop, find their selves while finding a new normal in their lives while desperately falling in love.
An intensely fervent tale of hunger for more, in love as well in life, that surely brings on the heat and entertains.
~ Four Spoons

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