Beautiful Wisdom Daily Devotions by Barbour Books

  Book Description:  God's Word is living and powerful and sharper than a sword (Hebrews 4:12), and through His Son, we have new life (Romans 6:4). This lovely daily devotional collection will bless women of all ages with scriptures carefully selected from the easy-to-understand New Life Version of the Bible.  Each devotion includes a title, scripture, faith-building reading, and prayer—designed to draw you closer to your heavenly Father through daily quiet time with the One who loves you most.  This gorgeous devotional is perfect for personal use or makes a thoughtful gift that will be cherished for years to come and pairs perfectly with the Beautiful Wisdom Bibles, available from Barbour Publishing!

My Thoughts: I love, simply love devotional books! I'm always on the lookout for THAT one special book.  Well today I believe I have found THAT book for this year.

It has 365 Encouraging readings for the believe to read and think about.  

At the top of each page is the day.  Eg. Day 183.  Then the title of the devotional.  Then a scripture that goes with the devotional.  Next the devotional which takes up most of the page which is appropriate since it is a devotional book.

At the very end of the page is a short prayer for you to pray after reading the devotional or add to the prayer somewhat like a prayer starter.

It's a beautiful devotional chockfull of God's goodness for every day of the year.

The only drawback of this devotional book which doesn't affect me but something to be aware of when buying is that the font is small not tiny but maybe small for some to read.

It's the perfect gift for a young woman for graduation or for a birthday gift.  It also makes a nice "card" for that person who needs encouragement.

All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

 

 Book Description:  Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more. 

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My Thoughts:  Betsy St. Amant pens a "sweet read" in All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes!  

I admit that I chose this book based on the title and the picture (shameful, I know!)  But I love cupcakes and was caught up in the reality cupcake bake off.

I like Kat she is slowly coming into her "own."  And then there's Lucas...oh! Lucas!  

Lucas sees Kat's potential and he signs her up for a reality bake off show.  Kat is not sure about going on national TV for a bake off.  But she wants something more in her life than plain chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.  {This seems to be the catalyst of the story.}

The relationship between Kat and Lucas was, at times, a little like plain vanilla . . . they're friends but not sure if they should love each other.  The romance part of this story was clean and best described as young love.  Kat and Lucas like each other and are the best of friends BUT they are in love and can't seem to get the love part out. 

The best part of this story are the cupcakes and bakeoff.  

A fun, light read!

Fun Friday!

 

The Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep

 Book Description:  Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land--a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who's making a misery of his sister's life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.

My Thoughts:  Michelle Griep is a master story teller.  She writes a detailed version of life that grips the reader's attention from page one.

In The Bird at Bedford Manor we meet Juliet Finch.

It seems that poor Juliet has a tough row to hoe.  For her survival is harsh and she must find a way to survive.  Being a great survivalist Juliet learns and succeeds at tracking and snaring game.  But things become interesting when Juliet is caught poaching on Henry Russel's land.  A crime punishable by death.

However, it turns out that Henry isn't interested in turning Juliet in instead he tells Juliet that someone is stalking his sister and comes up with a deal that if Juliet will track this stalker because she's excellent at tracking that all offenses will be gone.

This is where it gets interesting.  Did Juliet just sign her death warrant or can she track and outsmart the stalker?

A story not to be missed.  A shocking turn of events will have the reader turning those pages.

I do love Michelle Griep's stories.  And hope you'll check this great story out too.

*This book was provided by Barbour*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Catch (US Marshals, Book 3) by Lisa Harris

 

 

 

Book Description:  After a harrowing attempt on a judge's life at the courthouse, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding a missing woman and an endangered child in connection to the murder of the judge's wife. What seems like a fairly straightforward case becomes hopelessly tangled when the marshals discover that the woman they are searching for is not who they think she is.

Madison and Jonas are forced into a race to find the woman and the child before the men who want her dead discover her location. And in a final showdown that could cost her everything, Madison will come face-to-face with the person who murdered her husband.

My Thoughts:  I enjoy/love stories penned by Lisa Harris.  

This is the third book in the US Marshals trilogy.  I loved them all but this story really brings it all together and answers all this questions the reader has from books 1 & 2.

It would be best to read the first two books.  So much information and all the history of what is going on will make the story in book three so much easier to understand.

This is probably my favorite read of all the three.  The story line is intriguing and quite mysterious. I had a difficult time deciding and guessing the whodunit part.  Actually the story is so well written that I didn't guess.

Oh!  And the action and adventure was incredible but, yet, so believable.  I felt like I was on the run with Madison and Jonas.  Who by the way, are the most absolute best couple.  

The romance is well played and not over done.  Just good to the core people who like each other without all the gooey junk.

What a read for suspense lovers!

Dangerous Ranch Threat by Karen Kirst

 

 Book Description:  Peril on the ranch.  A serial killer on the loose.

An unknown enemy’s dead set on killing cattle rancher Cassie West—and she doesn’t know why. But when Cassie discovers several murder victims bear a striking resemblance to her, it’s clear that there’s a serial killer at large…and she’s the next target. She’ll have to rely on temporary ranch hand Luke McCoy to keep her safe. But can she and Luke expose the killer before they exact vengeance?

My Thoughts:  I love reading about ranches.

Karen Kirst pens a fantastic suspense story with a lot of action and suspense all revolving around a serial killer and a ranch.  

The ranch owner, Cassie West, doesn't realize someone is after her until dead women resembling her are found deceased.  Then she realizes she needs help and protection.  Enter her ranch hand Luke McCoy.  

What a read!  Loved all the action and the romance.