The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Waterfall Press (November 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1503937704
• ISBN-13: 978-1503937703

About the Book:

Rayne Shelby has spent her entire life trying to earn the approval of her high-powered family, with the hope of one day managing her late grandfather’s prestigious Idaho lodge. But when she makes a mistake that puts her future in jeopardy, she faces an impossible choice: defy her family or deny her dream. 

The only way to fix the mess she’s created is to enlist the help of her neighbor, Levi, the apprentice of her family’s greatest enemy. And if Rayne gets caught crossing the divided property lines, the consequences will be irreparable.

Levi Harding has never forgotten the August night he shared with Rayne when they were teens—or the way she later rejected him. Despite his warring instincts, he can’t ignore her plea for help or the spark that’s ignited between them. 

But now, as wildfires bear down on their town and family secrets are revealed, their newfound alliance might just go up in smoke.

My Thoughts:

Wow.  I was blown away the emotional power of Nicole Deese's latest novel, "The Promise of Rayne".  I lost count of how many times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room after a scene with Rayne Shelby's uncle.  What a mean-spirited, controlling man!  Oh, how I wanted to reach into the story and smack him!

And her father...man up, stand up, and shield your daughter!  Watching him cave time and time again under the force of his brother was almost too much to bear.  The unhealthy dynamics of the Shelby clan were at times overwhelming...but in a good way.  Your compassion for Rayne will grow with every clash in the Shelby clan.

And then there was Levi...caught up in the maelstrom of the Shelby feud, and standing by Ford Winslow at every turn.  But his heart was growing tender toward Rayne, and he stood the chance of losing everything he'd worked for if he pursued her.

Shades of the fan favorite television drama "Dallas" are scattered through the book.  The thing that sets this book apart is the element of faith and the strength of genuine family.  This is some powerful and emotional reading, and it's worth the tears you'll shed as you turn the pages.

I'm very thankful to Nicole for my advance copy of "The Promise of Rayne".  I've become a new fan, and I can hardly wait to read more of her books.  I'm giving "The Promise of Rayne" my 'Oh, The Feels!' award, and handing you a ginormous box of tissues!

Until next time,

Mark Your Place.

Deena

A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck

• Series: Royal Wedding Series
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 18, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310344530
• ISBN-13: 978-0310344537

About the Book:

Avery Truitt aches for true love—the kind she once shared with Prince Colin. Can she dare to hope for happily ever after, or is a fairy-tale ending beyond reach?

College volleyball star Avery Truitt has not seen her former flame, Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, since he suddenly pushed her away five years ago. But now, the sadness of losing her father and the joy of her sister Susanna’s pregnancy have brought Avery back to Brighton just in time for Cathedral City’s enchanting Christmas season.

Avery knows she can’t avoid seeing Colin—now the Kingdom’s most eligible bachelor—whether or not her heart is ready to relive the pain. But seeing him again might bring her the closure she needs after all this time.

When Colin finds himself at the center of a centuries-old Brighton tradition, he must decide whether to follow the path laid out before him or follow his heart to the only woman for whom he would ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell.

Can Colin convince Avery to meet him at the chapel on Christmas morning—as tradition dictates—or will Avery run back to her St. Simons home and pursue a coaching career as planned?

In the fourth installment of the Royal Wedding Series, New York Times bestselling novelist, Rachel Hauck, weaves a charming story of holiday romance as two broken hearts seek the love they once knew.

My Thoughts:

Move over, Disney!  There's a new modern day fairy tale queen in town!  Her name is Rachel Hauck, and wow, can she tell a story!

I've been a fan of Rachel Hauck's novels for over a decade.  I still remember the first book I read about a young woman trying to make her way in the music industry of Nashville.  Rachel has a natural gift for story, and her characters are memorable and easy to identify with in the midst of their story.

But the Royal Wedding Series is more than great reading.  It is outstanding reading.  Rachel takes the best of our favorite fairy tales, weaves a modern-day thread throughout, and sprinkles in just the right amount of faith to craft a completely unique reading experience that lingers in the imagination for a very long time.

Avery is the younger sister of our first 'married to a prince' heroine, Susannah Truitt.  I loved "Once Upon a Prince" and it's become one of my favorite re-reads.  Avery was a fun character then, and as she comes into her own story it's great to see how she's grown--and she isn't even real!

Rachel makes it difficult to remember that this is all make-believe, that there isn't a kingdom called Brighton ruled by a kind royal family with a strong faith in God.  That Susannah, Regina, Corina and Avery aren't strong women with a deep capacity for love and loyalty, and that the royals who capture their hearts aren't ruling somewhere out there.

One thing I didn't care for was this: "A Royal Christmas Wedding" felt too much like goodbye, and I'm not ready for the series to end!  From the gorgeous covers to the story concept to the final page of each book, every element fit neatly together to craft a delicious reading experience.

That's why, with my thanks to my friends at Zondervan Publishing for my advance copy, given with no obligation on my part, I'm giving "A Royal Christmas Wedding" my 'O, The Feels' award, and encouraging you to get the entire series.

You'll be glad you did!  Here's to hoping Rachel has at least one more Royal Wedding novel coming our way.  Until then...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

• File Size: 5911 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 18, 2016)
• Publication Date: October 18, 2016
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01HMPHE4K

About the Book:

Bestselling Author's New Series Delivers Romance and Adventure as an SAR Team Searches for Others--and Finds Themselves
Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.

Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.

With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future?

My Thoughts:

I can't help myself.  When I have a new novel by Susan May Warren, I savor it.  I admire the cover, mull over the back cover copy, and cradle the book carefully in my trembling hands.  Okay, maybe not the last part, but the first two are totally true!

Susan has a way with character development that is astonishing.  Her imaginary people are so alive, and so memorable.  She gives us just enough background to help us understand her characters, but not enough to bog the story flow down.

And each series just gets better and better.  The drama is realistic, the action is breathtaking, and the romance is sweet and a bit steamy--in a totally acceptable way.  I could easily see myself moving to Deep Haven and hanging out with Kacey and Ben and the rest of the Deep Haven population.

That would be SO MUCH FUN!  

Considering the fire season of 2016 and the flooding that the country has endured, I'm giving "Wild Montana Skies" my 'For Such A Time' award.  You will walk away from this book (and the three prequel novellas) with a greater and deeper appreciation for firefighters, smokejumpers, hotshot crews, and rescue squads.

My thanks to Tyndale for my complimentary copy of "Wild Montana Skies".  I am under no obligation to provide a favorable review.  I just can't help myself...you HAVE to get this book!  Can't wait until the next book is released, but I must.  Until then...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Tinsel Tuesday: A Special Christmas Feature

I'm sure you've seen the graphics popping up on social media.  The countdown to Christmas has already begun, and we haven't even made it through Halloween yet!  Hopefully, this will make the upcoming holiday more joyful...

Beginning October 31, 2016, I will be giving you my recommendations for great books that will make perfect gifts this Christmas!  I'll have fiction, non-fiction, adult, YA, and children's books galore!

So get your pen and paper ready and prepare to take notes!  I will only bring you the best of the best, and until then...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers (October 4, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802414591
• ISBN-13: 978-0802414595

About the Book:

Feeling worn thin? Come find rest.

The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through miles of rolling Virginia mountains. It’s a route made famous by natural beauty and the simple rhythms of rural life.

And it’s in this setting that Hannah Anderson began her exploration of what it means to pursue a life of peace and humility. Fighting back her own sense of restlessness and anxiety, she finds herself immersed in the world outside, discovering a classroom full of forsythia, milkweed, and a failed herb garden. Lessons about soil preparation, sour mulch, and grapevine blights reveal the truth about our dependence on God, finding rest, and fighting discontentment.

Humble Roots is part theology of incarnation and part stroll through the fields and forest. Anchored in the teaching of Jesus, Anderson explores how cultivating humility—not scheduling, strict boundaries, or increased productivity—leads to peace.  “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” Jesus invites us, “and you will find rest for your souls.”

So come. Learn humility from the lilies of the field and from the One who is humility Himself. Remember who you are and Who you are not, and rediscover the rest that comes from belonging to Him.

My Thoughts:

Hannah Anderson tackles a topic that is sorely missing in our culture: humbleness.  Just watch the news, read the magazines, or check what's trending and you'll find one overblown ego after another.  But when someone demonstrates true humility and puts others first, society takes note.

Could it be because we are, deep down, hungry for humble living?  I encourage you to join Hannah as she takes her readers home to her roots in the mountains of Virginia.  She ties caring for the land with lessons from Scripture on practicing true humbleness of spirit.

Because it does take practice.  As humans, we aren't naturally humble, and we haven't been since the fall of man.  But the Bible tells us that God draws near to a humble heart and He resists the proud.  As Hannah so expertly demonstrates through some of the most gorgeous and lyrical writing I've read, there is rest and peace in living a humble life.

I received a complimentary copy of "Humble Roots" from Moody Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I found "Humble Roots" refreshing and encouraging, and I know you will as well.  I'm giving this one "Such A Time", because true, genuine, Biblical humble living is so desperately needed in our world today.

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Worthy Inspired (October 18, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1617957070
• ISBN-13: 978-1617957079

About the Book:

Alexis Blake has one chance to land her own show on the Home Project Network and nothing, not an uncooperative client, a job site without indoor plumbing, or a challenging videographer, is going to stand in her way. 

Elsie, at seventy-plus, is far from the ideal client, but she knows exactly what she wants her fieldstone house to look like, and no designer can tell her otherwise. 

Gabe Langley, the man with the camera, is caught in the middle and it is his wisdom and warmth that just may be the bridge that will bring these two women together. Can they restore more than just a house and bring about special, almost lost forever Christmas memories?

My Thoughts:

Oops, I did it again!  I read another Christmas story in October, but I couldn't help myself.  I mean, Cynthia Ruchti, people!  She's one of the very best, and holiday reading...had to do it, I tell you!

From the moment I met the crusty curmudgeon Elsie (curmudgeoness?) I was in love.  Sure, she had a tough exterior, but I just knew a soft and tender heart lurked beneath her stuck-in-the-muddyness.  I just didn't want her hand's off demeanor to discourage Alexis.

Alexis had the right idea, just the wrong motivation.  Enter Gabe Langley, tour guide to the proper motivation and outlook on Christmas.  I loved his ability to turn everyday events into something holy and magical about the birth of Christ.

"Restoring Christmas" is about more than just finding the joy in the holiday once again.  Cynthia has crafted a shining reminder to find Christmas all around us, all throughout the year.  I really enjoyed this one, and I know you will, too!

"Restoring Christmas" is available from booksellers everywhere.  I received an advance copy via NetGalley with no obligation and for the purpose of reviewing,   I'm giving this one my "Oh, The Feels" award, and until the next book review...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Authors NOT to Read Before Bed

So, this probably looks like a really mean-spirited top ten list.  I mean, I'm urging you to avoid these authors if you are looking for a book to help you relax before falling asleep.  Instead, think of this as a public service announcement to help you avoid a sleepless night.

Because I'm just that kind and thoughtful, here are my Top Ten Authors to Avoid Just Before Bedtime:

1) Susan May Warren: she's my favorite "just one more" chapter author

2) Irene Hannon: just enough bread crumbs to keep you flipping pages to the very end

3) Melissa Tagg: you won't be able to leave your characters in the emotional tangle while you get some zzz's

4) Serena Chase: whether it's her outstanding high fantasy or her contemporary YA novel, she creates a world you'll be reluctant to leave, even when the book ends

5) Ronie Kendig: last time I checked, adrenaline rushes are not conducive to a peaceful drift off to sleep

6) Steven James: good luck turning out the lights with the plot points of a criminal procedural swimming around in your brain matter

7) Katie Ganshert: you'll be so busy praying for these precious imaginary people that you won't be able to close your eyes to sleep until you know they are safe and sound in the arms of God

8) Sara Ella:  I mean, I've only read her debut novel, but I have a sense about this author....and it's a great one!

9) Christy Barritt:  Last time I checked, reading and laughing doesn't blend with sleeping and snoring...and then there are those chills and thrills she throws in for good measure

10) Candace Calvert, Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock, Janice Cantore, Dee Henderson, Liz Johnson, Becky Wade, Kathryn Cushman....what?  Did you think I'd stop with just 10??

Well, I feel good now that you've been warned.  If you're looking for a couple of chapters to help you drift off to sleep, may I suggest War and Peace?  Definitely not this list of outstanding storytellers...unless you tend to fall asleep at 2 a.m....so, until next time...

Mark Your Place,

Deena