Karen Witemeyer's "Heart on the Line" Audiobook

Karen Witemeyer's "Heart on the Line" Audiobook (Recorded Books, June 2017)
Ladies of Harper Station Series
Narrated by Stephanie Cozart


Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Purchased through audible.com. I have a monthly membership.

So Much to Love!

4 1/2 Stars
I took off 1/2 star because of the violence.

Spoiler alert: there is torture of the heroine in the story and although edgier readers might not mind this really bothered me.

This was a fantastic story save for the torture. I don't think it was necessary to the story. Also, someone was killed in the story who would then never have a chance at redemption. In CBA market, I've been advised that killing off a "bad guy" when it means they are going to hell (yes it is just a character but if you are in story world then that person seems real) and then there is no chance of salvation.  Granted, in real life, some people consistently refuse God even when they are given one last chance. But I've heard so many stories of last moment conversions that I always hope someone will repent.

The plucky heroine and her sweet beau, both telegraph operators were really fun. I enjoyed this listen a lot. There is so much to recommend this well-written story!

If you're like me and don't want torture and a lot of violence in your stories, get the paperback or ebook version and skip over the bad parts. It is hard to find a good Christian audiobook of historical romance so don't pass this one by if that is what you need for your reading enjoyment -- just set the speed on 3X and have it rush through some portions!

There is a way for me to share this title with a reader IF you haven't received a free audiobook through Audible.com before. Please indicate if you have or have not tried this service!

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews NO OTHER WILL DO by Karen Witemeyer,

NO OTHER WILL DO (Ladies of Harper's Station Book #1)

By Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House Publishers 2016

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars****

In this sweet story talented author, Karen Witemeyer, introduces us to some amazing characters; Emma Chandler, her two aunts and Malachi Shaw.

Emma Chandler, even as a child was tender-hearted and fill with compassion for those in need. That is one reason why she decided to build a town of refuge for abused women and another reason is, she was raised by two of the feistiest women alive, who showed her a woman doesn’t have to have a man to survive.

Malachi Shaw, was one of those needy people that a certain little angel named Emma rescued from freezing to death when he was a thrown away orphan. Since that night, he lost his heart to her, but someone as sweet and kind as his angel deserved so much more than what he could give. So Malachi left her behind and the aunts that had become his family, to make his way in the world.

Running a town for women was not an easy task but Emma was proud she was the one that answered that call. There were so many women that had been battered by life or the men in their lives, that Emma was proud to be the one to help make their lives a little easier. She was determined to do whatever it took to protect these ladies, even if it meant going toe-to-toe with the person who has been terrorizing her town. When things seem to be getting more dangerous, Emma decides to call on the only man she knows she can trust with her life—Malachi!

When Malachi receives Emma’s telegram asking for help, he leaves behind his exciting job as an explosives expert with the railroad and heads to Harper’s Station to protect his angel! 

Karen Witemeyer has once again thoroughly entertained me with her expert writing skills, and amazing talent I can barely wait until she presents us with yet another charming story.  

***I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers 

in exchange for my honest opinion***

GIVEAWAY: Karen Witemeyer has graciously offered a paperback copy of this jewel to one blessed commenter. (US ONLY)  Leave a comment to enter and please leave your email address so we can contact you should you be that blessed winner! Also, to protect yourself against spammers, please use (at) and (dot). 

Noela reviews NO OTHER WILL DO by Karen Witemeyer

No Other Will Do

No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper’s Station, Book #1)

by KAREN WITEMEYER

Bethany House Publishers (June 7, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars ***** 

A dynamite adventure and romance!

Karen Witemeyer is one of my ‘constant’ authors... Which means I unfailingly enjoy every book of Karen's—so they are always confidently anticipated! Sometimes even with a little drool. But ‘No Other Will Do’, wasn’t as constant. It easily exceeded any lofty expectations I already had!

The unequivocally selfless and compassionate Emma Chandler, has established a colony for struggling and abused women at Harper’s Station in Baylor County, Texas. These women were resourceful and intelligent, and got along just dandy without men. That is, until some threats against them began to get a whole lot more threatening. Emma knew only one man she could trust to come to their rescue.

Ten years ago, Malachi Shaw was rescued by a young angel named Emma when he was an orphaned, freezing, and hungry, homeless kid. Emma and her Aunts gave him a second chance at life and a future. He’s now a successful explosives expert for the railroad, but upon receiving a cry for help from his angel in a telegram, Malachi has no hesitation in dropping everything (not the explosives!) and races to save Emma from whatever trouble she’s found herself in. This ‘trouble’, however, soon escalates and the women must choose whether to stay and fight alongside of him or flee to safety. Malachi’s life isn’t the only thing at stake. The angel that has always held a piece of his heart—is now snagging the rest. Unfortunately, they both have very different lives and purposes. But will any other do for them? And can Malachi be his angel’s savior or will everything blow up in his face?

Author Karen Witemeyer has a cracker of a wit which pretty much guarantees, and delivers, outbursts of laughter in ‘No Other Will Do’.  As for the romantic tension, forget about the characters being breathless… I was the one holding my breath! Expect also to be buoyed spiritually while reflecting upon God’s promises in helping to defeat our enemies—and the knowledge that we are not alone with our burdens. Highly recommended!! 

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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You may find this book for purchase at these and other places: AMAZON, CBD, BAM, B&N

GIVEAWAY: Karen Witemeyer has generously offered a giveaway of a paperback copy of 'No Other Will Do' to one blessed commenter below! (US only)
*Leave a comment to enter and be sure to leave your email for contact purposes should you win, using (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.

Teresa S. Mathews reviews The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeyer

WITH THIS RING? A NOVELLA COLLECTION OF PROPOSALS GONE AWRY
By Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

Bethany House Publishers  January 5, 2016

THE HUSBAND MANEUVER
by Karen Witemeyer

5 Stars*****

There is nothing Marietta Hawkins likes better than hiding out in the hayloft devouring dime novels featuring larger-than-life Dead-Eye Dan. Well, there is one thing she likes better; that's dreaming of being married to the real Dead-Eye Dan, Daniel Barrett, former bounty-hunter, now the foreman of Hawk's Haven, her father's ranch.

Daniel Barrett doesn't like the idea of those books being written about a part of his life he wants to leave behind. He certainly isn't happy when he finds out his boss' beautiful daughter Marietta has been reading them. Daniel thought she knew him for the real man he has proved himself to be, not the larger-than-life Dead-Eye Dan!

When Marietta overhears Daniel telling her father it's time for him to move on, she knows she can't let him leave without getting a proposal out of him. When she comes up with what she thinks is a good plan to prove to Dan she would make a wonderful wife, things gets a little out of hand! Will her scheme work or will her dreams of becoming Mrs. Daniel Barrett be shot down?

Karen Witemeyer's talent once again shines through in this novella. It doesn't matter the length of the story, she grabs your attention from the very beginning and holds it right up until the sigh-worthy end! 

***Thanks to NetGalley and the Bethany House Publishers for 

providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. ***

You can find this exciting novella at AMAZON, CBD, BAM and Barnes and Noble

GIVEAWAY: Melissa Jagears is generously donating a copy of WITH THIS RING? for one commenter over this week. (A comment on Noela Nancarrow's amazing review from Tuesday will give you another chance!) The format will be winner's choice. E-book only outside of US unless available through Book Depository. *Leave a comment to enter, along with your email!*

Noela Nancarrow reviews WITH THIS RING? Novella Collection

With This Ring?

With This Ring?

A Novella Collection of Proposals gone Awry.

by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

Bethany House Publishers (January 5, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Unpredictable Plans precede unexpected Proposals!

Life and love can be vastly unpredictable which can add plenty of intrigue and sparks. This is exactly what transpires in these four novellas of love and proposals emerging from unforeseen circumstances!

THE HUSBAND MANEUVER by Karen Witemeyer

What’s a gal to do when for far too long she’s pined after the foreman of her daddy’s ranch, while her continuous attempts to demonstrate what a great little wife she’d make—goes completely unnoticed? Well when Marietta hears this foreman talk about moving on to his own homestead, she realizes her window of opportunity to orchestrate a proposal from him must happen when her father and the ranch hands leave for the cattle drive. While Marietta’s foreman stays behind to look after her father’s ranch and move his mule stock to his new spread, she plans to leave her Aunt’s place early to go back to her father’s ranch unaccompanied. Sounds like the perfect plan, right? What a shock for the foreman to find his boss’s daughter and himself alone at the ranch—the little lady he’s trying to get away from! Absolutely loved this captivating, enchanting, toe-curling Texas romance!

HER DEARLY UNINTENDED by Regina Jennings

Generous rains, gushing rivers, and a stranded cow… Josiah relishes a great adventure and he found it and a whole lot more at the Ozark homestead of Katie Ellen’s. With her parents away, the perfectionist Katie insists she needs no-one. But then her plans go astray when Josiah and a creepy stranger become stranded at her farm when the bridge washes out. Josiah has always pestered Katie rather than allowing her to know his true feelings but he’s thinking he needs to modify that soon. Perhaps pretending to be her husband in front of the grim-talking stranger in order to protect Katie and her reputation—will give him that chance. But Katie has been hurt by Josiah before, and keeps those walls erected. Can these two find a way to work together to keep safe? What an intriguing, engaging, and delightful tale that demonstrates we don’t always have to do it alone.

RUNAWAY BRIDE by Mary Connealy

When Carrie’s poor excuse for a father, arranges for her to marry the loathsome Damien Kearse to absolve himself from a large gambling debt, Carrie must clandestinely flee her home and the imminent wedding. Escaping with her younger brother, Carrie literally runs into Texas Ranger, Big John Conroy who was sent to deliver Carrie to Colorado. He becomes Carrie’s hero many times over as he comes up against Damien’s men and unscrupulous bounty hunters along the trail. Before too long Big John realizes he needs to make a detour and enlist the help of his war buddies, the Regulator’s. Damien Kearse doesn’t take kindly to having pride stomped on and pulls out all stops. Will Big John be able to keep her safe, along with his heart from this little lady he’s protecting? Not many can pen such an entertaining story infused with genuine western flavour throughout—but Mary Connealy does it so efficaciously!

ENGAGING THE COMPETITION by Melissa Jagears

When Harrison Gray is asked by his concerned Reverend to talk to Harrison’s childhood friend about her upcoming marriage, he figures he oughta do it regardless of his mixed feelings. While tomboy and ranch owner Charlotte (Charlie) Andrews has always fascinated Harrison, she’s also been an annoying itch with her competitive nature. He’s given her a wide berth ever since she humiliated him in a shooting competition a decade ago, but now he needs to man up and ensure all is well. When the bespectacled teacher Harrison who can’t see anything past a blur without his glasses, has them broken by Charlie, she offers to help him in the classroom until he gets a new pair. Will this half-blind teacher and his assistant learn a few lessons along the way and have their eyes opened? Or are there too many obstacles to trip them up? This is a wonderfully engaging and beautiful story of learning from each other and discovering your worth!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Find this book at these places and others: Amazon; CBD; BAM; Barnes &Noble

GIVEAWAY: Melissa Jagears is generously donating a copy of WITH THIS RING? for one commenter over this week. (A comment on Teresa Mathews' review on Thursday will give you another chance!) The format will be winner's choice. E-book only outside of US unless available through Book Depository. *Leave a comment to enter, along with your email!*

Noela Nancarrow reviews A WORTHY PURSUIT by Karen Witemeyer

A Worthy Pursuit

A Worthy Pursuit
by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Pursuing trust, faith, and love..

Being able to trust others is necessary in life but it can also be a particularly difficult endeavor when there has been past hurts. Throughout this romantic western adventure in 1891, the issues of trust and the lack thereof are deftly interwoven throughout the pages of an inspiring and irresistible love story!

Stone Hammond is a bounty hunter turned retriever who has seen it all, and none of it was pleasant. When he is paid to retrieve a young girl by the name of Lily from a seemingly stiff-backed schoolmarm kidnapper, he encounters a beautiful, caring woman who doesn’t fit the usual profile of an abductor. But appearances can be deceiving, so Stone resists trusting this enigma of a woman who seems to actually cherish the child. He intends to get his questions answered but first he needs to earn her trust.

Former headmistress at an academy for gifted children, Charlotte Atherton determines to keep Lily and two other young charges safe after the school was unexpectedly shut down. Charlotte had pledged to Lily’s now deceased mother she’d keep the girl safe from Lily’s grandfather, but when the imposing and muscle-bound Stone Hammond finds them; will she be able to keep that promise? When others begin to also come after Lily, Charlotte will have to decide if she can trust Stone. And when he begins to pursue her heart, can the barrier of distrust she has for men crumble enough for Charlotte to find happiness, love, and a heart that can trust again?

‘A Worthy Pursuit’ is intriguing, engaging, and will hold you captive within the story like a trussed up bounty hunter’s prisoner! There’s plenty of adventure that’s set at a lively pace, and humor to keep you smiling throughout. The character pairing of the heroes is sigh-worthy perfect, with loads of chemistry, witty dialogue, and personality. Other delightful characters are as equally compelling. Highly recommended and extremely enjoyable!

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Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


You may purchase 'A Worthy Pursuit' from these places and others: Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble; Deeper Shopping

GIVEAWAY: We have a $10 Amazon Voucher for someone who leaves a comment below the review!! Leave your email if we don't know you.

Noela Nancarrow Reviews FULL STEAM AHEAD by Karen Witemeyer

Full Steam Ahead

Full Steam Ahead

by Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House Publishers (June 3, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

An Explosive Historical Romance 

Karen Witemeyer was the first author I’d ever read historical romance by, and let me just say – she is still one of the most outstanding Christian Romance writers that I read! ‘Full Steam Ahead’ ploughs through the stream of historical fiction novels, delivering a story loaded with fascinating history about the devastating steamboat disasters in the mid 1800’s due to boiler explosions, and a romance with an intoxicating love that leaves Mr. Darcy in its wake!

Nicole Renard, daughter of esteemed King Star Shipping’s owner Anton Renard, is on a mission to fulfill a promise to her ailing father by traveling to New Orleans to choose a worthy and capable husband, who will become heir to the family’s shipping enterprise. But Nicole is also on another secret mission. She has covertly taken her father’s treasured Lafitte Dagger with her, in a plan to draw the attention of the brutal and dangerous Jenkins brothers away from her parents. They will do anything to get their hands on this legendary item, so will this decision of Nicole’s be to her great peril? Her plans take an unexpected detour when she ends up penniless before she arrives in New Orleans and is forced to look for work. Somehow, she soon finds herself working as a secretary to a madman that seemingly likes to blow up things!

Darius Thornton, held captive by his past, is on an obsessive quest to understand why some boilers blew up and others didn't, striving to make steamboat traveling safer for everyone. This was his passion and only purpose in life, and having a beautiful and keenly intelligent woman apply for his position of secretary, was a distraction he didn't need nor want. She may be skilled with numbers and proves to be an amazing help in his work, but there is absolutely NO way he was going to allow this beguiling, fascinating, skirt-swishing woman to divert his focus!

Darius does not qualify for Nicole’s plans nor the promises she made to her father, so what is she to do when she falls in love with him? And will the nefarious Jenkins brothers ever catch up with Nicole? This outstanding, page-turning, full-throttled novel, is packed with suspense, romance, and a reassuring message to remind us that we can never atone for our failures or mistakes ourselves, but that we can indeed, shed our guilt for God’s grace. Karen Witemeyer skilfully breathes life into her engaging and amiable characters, lacing them with humor, spunk, and the ability to love oh so well! Highly recommended!!

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This book may be purchased from Amazon; CBD; Books A Million; Barnes & Noble; and other good bookstores.
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GIVEAWAY: Choice of any of Karen's books, including this one, your choice of format. Leave a comment, and check back in one week in the upper right-hand corner for winners.

Karen Witemeyer on Overcoming the Fear of the Unknown

Author Karen Witemeyer

Overcoming the Unknown

By Karen Witemeyer

I'm a planner. When our family goes on vacation, I know exactly which hotels we will stop at (reservations were made months in advance), I know which attractions we will visit on which days, and which activities we will engage in. For me, life is much less stressful if I know what to expect. If a crisis emerges, the first thing I do (besides pray) is to start planning how to get through it. Not surprisingly, one of my greatest fears is the fear of the unknown.

In 2003, I was a stay-at-home mom with three children under the age of five. And in 2003, my husband learned that his position was being cut at the university where he worked. When he broke the news to me, I tried to be a good wife. I stayed calm, assured him everything would work out. But inside, the panic button was flashing in red neon and sirens were blaring. What were we going to do?

Thankfully, we were given 6 months' notice, so we had time to plan. Plan? Ha! Putting in applications and praying did not constitute an adequate plan. Too many pieces of the puzzle were out of our control.

Month after month passed. No job offers. My faith became fragile. So I turned to the Word and put my hope in the parable of the persistent widow found in Luke 18. Jesus used this story to teach his disciples that they needed to pray and never give up. So that's what I did. I prayed constantly throughout the day, begging the Lord to provide a job for my husband. Then, when more months went by with no answer, I started praying for the Lord to provide a job for me as well.

I prayed and prayed and prayed. And even when God was silent, I told myself that I would trust him. I repeated that litany to myself constantly, desperate to shore up my flagging faith. No matter what came, God would see us through. That core belief was the lifeline that kept me afloat.

Six months to the day that my husband discovered his position had been cut, he started a new job at the same university. A month later, I started one as well. At the same university. No move required. No need to purchase a second car. Godly grandparents to provide child care. And one other seed took root as well.

God used this time of uncertainty to shock me into following a dream that I had been putting off for years. The dream to write. Thinking I might somehow be able to supplement the family income by writing, I picked up my pen and put it to paper. Even after I re-entered the workforce, the dream refused to die. I kept after it, and six years later, my first novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, hit the bookshelves.

Only God could use my biggest fear to bring about one of the biggest blessings in my life.

Karen's newest novel just released, "Full Steam Ahead."

Bio:
Christy Award finalist and winner of both the ACFW Carol Award and HOLT Medallion, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.   

Buy links for Full Steam Ahead:

Purchase at Amazon - Click here 

Christianbook.com – Click here

Barnes & Noble – Click here

Giveaway: Paperback copy of Full Steam Ahead for one commenter on this post. Answer the question: Do you have trouble coping with the unknown?

Teresa S. Mathews' 2013 Favorite Books

This year has been filled with lots of amazing books; here is a list of some of my favorite ones.

A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano

Jen Turano is a great writer with a fabulous sense of humor.

I fell in love with her books when I read the first one in this series, A Change of Fortune. These next two books in the series continue with characters we meet in the previous books. If you like Heroines that just can't seem to stay out of trouble, and of course they have to be rescued by a handsome Hero, then this is a series you MUST read! 

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A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

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Burning Sky by Lori Benton

In this outstanding novel by Lori Benton we are introduced to a beautiful girl named Willa Obenchain, who was captured by Indians and renamed Burning Sky. Forced by circumstances to return to her white family, will she find she no longer belongs there? This captivating story held me spellbound to the very end.

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Dance From Deep Within by Dina Sleiman
The only words I can use to describe this tremendous book is....it is a must-read.

Dina Sleiman weaves a story of three college-aged young ladies that are each searching for something deeper. One an all-american ballerina who is disillusioned by harsh religion. Another a beautiful Muslim girl that knows there has to be more than what she has been taught. The third a free-spirited "hippie" who is searching for more than the mundane life she has lived in her short years.

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Elusive Hope by MaryLu Tyndall

This is a new series by MaryLu Tyndall and what an amazing series this is! Not only did I love the characters and of course the descriptive writing MaryLu is famous for, I learned a history lesson. I have lived in South Carolina all my life and I had never heard of the exodus of hundreds of Southerners to Brazil after the Civil War. If you have or even if you haven't ever read a book by Ms. Tyndall this is the perfect series for you to read. It's like taking a mini-vacation to Brazil with a whole set of friends. The Second Book continues the story after they have established their new colony and I will tell you there is some many strange goings on in that jungle! 

You DO NOT want to miss this series!

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Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

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Heaven Is Not far by Marian Baay

This is our very own sweet Marian's debut novel and let me tell you I love her like a daughter and she really made "mom" proud. This is a heart stirring love story of a young couple barely married when the husband decides God has called him to fight in the Civil War. Has he made the right choice and will he survive to return to his true love that is waiting for him? 

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Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz

In this second book in the Ballantyne Series, we meet beautiful Ellie Ballantyne, youngest daughter of Silas and Eden, whom we met in book one Love's Reckoning.

Ellie leaves finishing school and is stranded by a storm with seemingly no way to get home when finds herself rescued by not none other than Jack Turlock, a member of the infamous Turlock clan! Could it be possible Jack has changed or is Ellie just dreaming of a love that can never happen? If you have ever read a book by Laura Frantz you know what a treasure it is and this one is no exception to that. I have never picked up one of Ms Frantz books and found myself bored with it after a few pages, she has a talent to bring the tale to life while you are reading it.

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Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This debut story by our sweet Carrie is nothing short of fantastic!! It is the tale of a beautiful freed slave that could pass for white that has the chance to leave Shirley Plantation before the war comes to her doorstep but chooses to stay and try to free her niece and nephew so she can take them with her. After Shirley Plantation is taken over and used as a field hospital for the wounded Angelina meets Matthew Scott son of a Copperhead that was conscripted into the Confederate Army. Can they find happiness in the midst of war and will Matthew find the answers to questions he has about his family at Shirley Plantation?

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Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Oh my goodness what exciting books Karen Witemeyer writes! This is the sequel to Short-Straw Bride, and in it we learn more of the handsome brother Crocket, preacher man of the Archer clan! When he is kidnapped from a train by outlaws he has no idea he is to be introduced to a beautiful young lady, Joanna Robbins whose only birthday wish is a Preacher! Will Crockett be able to help make her dreams come true or will he continue on to the church interview he had been headed too?

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Strand of Deception by Robin Carrol

There is nothing I like better than a good suspense and Robin Caroll is a master of it! In this Justice Seeker book we find a prominent Tennessee politician's daughter has gone missing and later found dead. SAC Nick Hagar and Forensic Specialist in DNA; Maddie Baxter team up to find the killer. Maddie is horrified to think it could he the man that broke her heart! During the investigation Maddie finds she is being stalked by someone intent on harming and possibly killing her. Can Agent Hagar keep Maddie safe and can Maddie keep her heart safe from this handsome man?  If you need a little something to rev you up then grab this and sit back and hold on to the edge of your seat!

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Vanished by Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is another master storyteller that will have you hanging on for dear life when reading her books and this one was no exception to that rule. Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost on a back road in the pouring rain (perfect scary beginning) when out of nowhere a woman is standing in the road in front of her. Trying to avoid hitting her Moira is forced to serve and ends up in a ditch and promptly passes out, When help arrives and she tells her story no one believes her because the young woman is no where to be found. Did Moira only think she saw someone? Moira is not convinced she imagined the woman so she hires a private investigator to help her sort out what happened. What they discover could cost Moira her life! What a wonderful story this was, Irene is a pro at snatching your attention from the first page until the very end! 

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Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green certainly knows how to write a heart-wrenching book. This story will take you through the horrors of the Battle of Gettysburg and the days that followed as seen through the eyes of a young Union widow, Liberty Holloway. When the first shots of that horrific battle started Liberty had no clue before the day was over she would find herself caring for the wounded and dying Confederate Soldiers. Jocelyn's descriptions were so intense it was like you could almost hear the sounds of the gunfire and smell the smoke, it was a hard book to put down. If you like Civil War tales, then you shouldn't miss this one!

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Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman

The amazing Julie Lessman once again has swept me off my feet with a brand new series set in San Francisco. I was so sad to tell the O'Connors goodbye but I knew Julie would make the transition to a new family I would fall in love with an easy one. Cassidy McClare trying to get over being jilted by a no-good fortune hunter, heads west to visit with family in California. As soon as she gets there she runs into Jamie McKenna, another man seeking to marry well but little does he know she is as poor as he is!! What a great tale this was...Julie had my heart pumping on more than one occasion, as only Julie can do!! The Second book in this series Dare to Love Again, is scheduled to release in January and I can't wait to get my hands on it!! 

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The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

If you love fairy tales and happy-ever-afters then you have to read Melanie's books. The Captive Maiden is Melanie's spin on Cinderella. What an amazing story it is; Gisela's life hasn't been the same since her dear father died and left her in the care of her wicked step-mother. Gisela has daydreamed since a little girl of being rescued by the handsome Lord Valten. After a chance meeting in the marketplace could it be possible Valten could care for her, or will the plans of her step-mother forever ruin her chances for happy-ever-after?

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GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a paperback copy of Karen Witemeyer's Stealing the Preacher to one lucky person who tells me THEIR favorite book for 2013. (US Residents Only). Don't forget to include your email address!