Teresa S Mathews Reviews A FLIGHT OF ARROWS by Lori Benton

A FLIGHT of ARROWS by LORI BENTON

Waterbrook Press

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Once again the talented author Lori Benton has created a story so powerful, I have to admit I ran a gamut of emotions while reading it. In book one of the Pathfinder series, The Woods Edge, we are told the story of Reginald Aubrey, a grieving father whose love for his wife, causes him to exchange his dead newborn son for a baby boy born to a white mother (Good Voice) and Indian father (Stone Thrower). In this book two, A Flight of Arrows, that story continues.

It has been twenty years since that fateful day that Reginald Aubrey made the choice that forever changed his life and the lives of Stone Thrower, Good Voice and their sons. When the twin now known as William Aubrey, finds out his true heritage he runs away to join forces with the British, leaving behind his grieving family. Now Reginald, and Stone Thrower must put aside any ill feelings so they can find William and bring him home.

Two Hawks, the twin raised with their Oneida people has a reason of his own for wanting to be the one to bring his brother home; he wishes to gain trust and respect from Reginald so he can ask for his daughter, Anna’s hand in marriage. Will they be able to find William before the war snatches him away from them permanently?

Ms. Benton is a stickler for details and I must commend her for her excellent research skills. This story will not only entertain you, it will share details of American history that you may not have known. Some may find the first few chapters a little slow moving as the scene is set for the story line, but I promise if you will continue you will be highly rewarded.

I was moved to tears on more than one occasion as the Love of our Heavenly Father was displayed through-out this dynamic story. I was especially moved by a passage spoken by the character Daniel Clear Day “The path the Creator has laid for us to walk has not been an easy path. Not always straight. And it will not be easy in the coming days. But when Creator said He would make rough ways smooth, I believe He was not talking about moving us to an easy path. He meant He was going to make our stride long enough, our legs strong enough, to carry us through. And when we reach our limits, He puts us on His back and He carries us and shields our eyes and hearts from that which would destroy our souls.” Thank you Lori for including this quote, it spoke encouragement to this new widow that walks such a path.  

Thanks to Waterbrook Press for providing me a copy of this 

book in exchange for my honest opinion

You can purchase this book and others by Ms. Benton at Amazon, 

CBC, BAM and other bookstores

GIVEAWAY: Lori Benton has graciously offered to give away a paperback copy of A Flight of Arrows to one blessed commenter. (US Entrants Only!!) To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana's Review Of 'A Flight Of Arrows' By Lori Benton

A Flight Of Arrows By Lori Benton

Waterbrook Press, April 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers

~5 stars~

(No spoilers!)

A Stunning Read!

In A Flight of Arrows, author Lori Benton has written a hauntingly beautiful novel of betrayal, loss, and forbidden love, set amongst the backdrop of the Revolutionary War.

Twenty years have passed since a grief-stricken Major Reginald Aubrey took it upon himself to switch his dead baby for one of an Oneida woman's newborn twins (one born white and the other brown) and raised him as his own. The effects of this horrific act are as far reaching as the ripples in a stream, involving each member of these two diverse families. Two Hawks was born to a white Oneida mother and a full-blooded Native American father—alongside of William Audrey, the twin brother he has been separated from since birth. The handsome and honorable Two Hawks, longs to build a life with Reginald's beautiful adopted white daughter, Anna, but meets with seemingly insurmountable obstacles as he is the dark-skinned sibling who was raised with the Oneidas.

Stone Thrower is determined to get his kidnapped son back, but after learning the circumstances surrounding his true identity, the shattered William joins ranks with the aggressive Redcoats who are preparing to attack the colonials. Will these two families separated by culture and an unspeakable act, discover a way to reclaim the son/brother marching toward them in the ranks of their British enemies—and find reconciliation as well? In a new world rife with prejudice, ignorance, and hatred...is there any hope for Anna to build a future with her beloved Two Hawks?

There are just not enough adjectives to describe this mesmerizing masterpiece of a novel. Replete with raw, vivid historical details, this story is sure to leave an indelible impression on every reader who loses themselves within its captivating pages. I was never aware that the Oneidas teamed up with the colonials against the British to help preserve this great land which belonged to both of them; always thinking that it was the Indians against the white man and vice versa. Although the romance is intense and poignant (not sexually explicit, however), men will love this book as much as women—with plenty of engrossing, realistic battles and male viewpoints—especially those of the brave, but humanly vulnerable Oneida warriors. A powerful, soul-stirring, unforgettable novel of faith, forgiveness, and breathtaking romance, I predict A Flight of Arrows is sure to win many an award for excellency in Christian literature!

Anna's Beloved Two Hawks Perhaps? ;)



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Thanks to Waterbrook Press for providing me with a review copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Lori Benton has generously offered to give away a paperback copy of A Flight of Arrows to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only!) To be eligible please be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana's Spring Favorites!

Spring is by far my favorite season of the year! It's a time of renewed hope, beautiful weather, light gentle rains, spring flowers, and more great books! Here is my spring list of favorite books I have read so far in 2016 in no particular order.

*Click on to title to order any of these wonderful books!*


A Worthy Heart By Susan Ann Mason

Susan Anne Mason has penned a mesmerizing, impassioned Irish American saga of two families whose lives intertwine at the lovely and affluent estate—the O'Leary stables, Irish Meadows, in 1914 Long Island, New York.

Charity's Cross By MaryLu Tyndall

MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader off on a turbulent, exhilarating seafaring journey—from the perils of frothy, turquoise waters filled with swashbuckling pirates and a dangerous jungle replete with exotic birds, foliage, and uncivilized natives—to the beauties of the Caribbean with its warm breezes, swaying palms, sugar cane, and tropical fruits of the West Indies.

The Steeplechase By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels has written an outstanding, detailed story that is so jam-packed it reads like a full length novel. Action, intrigue, spies, breathtaking romance—it's all in there!

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson & Kim Woodhouse

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Sense And Sensibility By Sarah Price

What transpires when you blend Jane Austen's memorable characters with Sarah Price's unique Amish voice? A captivating classic retelling of Sense and Sensibility is born!

Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd

Lovers of Gothic & Victorian era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside!

A Flight Of Arrows By Lori Benton

I just finished reading an ARC of this historical masterpiece!! Review coming up later on OWG! Be sure to pre-order a copy by clicking on to title above this cover—release date April 19!

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MY SPRING TBR LIST!

Sofi's Bridge By Christine Lindsay

Dawn At Emberwilde By Sarah E. Ladd

The Beautiful Pretender By Melanie Dickerson

Do you have any good 2016 book recommendations for me??
~HAPPY READING~

GIVEAWAY: One blessed commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana's Review Of The Wood's Edge By Lori Benton

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

Waterbrook Press, Apr. 2015

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars~*****

In The Wood's Edge, author Lori Benton has penned a mesmerizing, emotionally charged colonial era novel of forbidden love and dark, long buried secrets that transpire between two diverse families of the Oneida tribe and British colonists – and of the beautiful, young white woman who finds herself caught between both worlds.                      

A grief-stricken Major Reginald Aubrey takes it upon himself to switch his dead baby for one of an Oneida woman's newborn twins (one born white and the other brown) as both mothers sleep after childbirth. Fearing for her sanity, Aubrey places the white baby in the arms of his sleeping wife and they raise William as their own son. Major Aubrey's adopted daughter, Anna, dearly loves both her brother, William, and Two Hawks, an Oneida boy she meets in secret at the wood's edge. When the truth finally comes to light, an angry Oneida father lusts for vengeance as Reginald is wracked with pain and regret. When both worlds collide, will Anna lose all she holds dear, including her mysterious friend, Two Hawks? And will she ever be able to forgive her loving father for the haunting decision he made years ago?

When I first read the blurb for this spectacular novel I didn't see how this premise could work, but it does and realistically so! Ms. Benton is a brilliant writer and her research of this particular era in history is impeccable. I thoroughly enjoyed my trips back and forth to the Oneida village, and witnessing William's birth parents' point of view was intriguing to say the least. So much history in such vivid detail, but nothing at all like my boring history classes in school! From the very outset to the surprise twist at the climactic conclusion, I was completely enthralled by this poignant, hauntingly beautiful story of love and redemption. I already miss the stunning cast of characters, but am thrilled that many will be returning in the second book of the Pathfinder series releasing in 2016. Sure to win many an award, The Wood's Edge is on my list of 2015 faves…and it's only April!

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This amazing book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Two copies of The Wood's Edge will be given away to two blessed commenters on any of the posts this week! International entrants -- ebook only.



Teresa Mathews Reviews Lori Benton's THE WOOD'S EDGE

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

Waterbrook Press

Have you ever picked up a book and before you know what has happened you find yourself so enthralled that you don't want to put it down? This magnificent tale by Lori Benton is one of those stories.

Ms. Benton takes us back in time to the 1757 New York frontier, where life at the British Fort "William Henry" is about to come to an abrupt end by the hands of blood-thirsty, marauding Indians.  What takes place during this horrific time will forever change the lives of two families.  

Amidst the fighting Major Reginald Aubrey watched his fragile wife give birth to a son, then moments later while she slept, he realizes the boy has died. Deciding to take him away for burial before Heledd awakens, Reginald heads outside. On the way he sees a young woman that was taken from the Oneida Indians who has given birth to twins, one as fair as she is and the other as dark as his Indian father. Barely thinking twice, the grieving father makes a decision that will haunt him for years to come; he switches the babies.

Barely escaping with their lives, Reginald with Heledd and baby William head for safety, on the way they come upon a family that was all slaughtered by the Indians, except for a little girl, who appears less than a year old. Knowing he cannot leave her, Anna becomes a part of their family.

Years later Heledd takes William to Wales where he furthers his education, leaving behind Reginald and a heart broken Anna. Mourning for her brother, Anna visits their favorite childhood spot near the edge of the woods and there she meets a young Indian brave by the name of Two Hawks, who oddly reminds her of William. They form a fast bond and what develops after that encounter will bring about the healing of two families.

Lori Benton is an absolute master storyteller; with her descriptive wording she paints a picture that you will forever want to hold in your heart. This story takes you to the deepest depths of despair and then to the highest heights of redemption and forgiveness. The storyline is both captivating and emotional; there are scenes that were so moving I was brought to tears. The ending was different than what I thought it would be but it was both rewarding and satisfying and I can barely wait to see where this story leads as it will be continued in the next book in this series.

*Thanks to Waterbrook Press for supplying a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.* 

You may pre-order this and other books by Lori at Amazon, CBD, BAM and Barnes and Noble

GIVEAWAY: Two copies of The Wood's Edge will be given away to two blessed commenters on any of the posts this week! E-book only to International winner!

Diana Reviews "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn" by Lori Benton

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

Waterbrook Press, 2014

Reviewed by Diana Flowers*****



Historical Page-Turner!

Author Lori Benton has penned an exciting journey of one young woman's dangerous quest to find freedom in the frontier wilderness of North Carolina — amidst snow storms, wild Indians, mountainous terrain, and shadowy, dense forests filled with wild animals. It is also a breathtaking tale of romance, long buried secrets, treachery, and abuse. 

After her stepfather commits an unspeakable act, Tamsen Littlejohn makes an impulsive escape, enlisting the aid of frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to safety. The hawk-like beautiful Jesse was adopted by the Shawnee as a young boy, and Cade is the only father Jesse has ever known. Together they drive cattle once a year to Morganton and know the mountainous territory like the back of their hands. But Jesse's agreement to guide Tamsen to the Watuga settlement in NC is more than either of them have bargained for…as he is accused of kidnapping and murder and Tamsen is faced with hardships she never could have foreseen. And neither of them anticipated the shocking secret Cade has withheld lo these many years, nor did they expect to fall in love…

I can certainly see why Lori Benton's first book, Burning Sky, has been nominated in two categories for the 2014 Christy Awards! She is a phenomenal author; whose descriptive imagery and exhilarating storyline takes the reader to another place and time and leaves them there until the climactic conclusion! I fell in love with the loyal Jesse and the brave Tamsen, and when I finished their story I felt as though I was leaving good friends behind—so admirably and realistically were they portrayed. I also was entranced by the mystical aura Cade exuded, and the historical events that took place in the story. Another winner by author Lori Benton you won't want to miss!

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: This week we will be giving away two copies of Lori's new release "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn" and a $10 Starbucks gift card!

**Please leave a comment with your email address to be entered in the drawing. **

  

Teresa S Mathews reviews The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn

By Lori Benton

Waterbrook Press 2014

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Lori Benton has once again woven a hauntingly beautiful love story that drew me in from the very beginning.Tamsen Littlejohn is not happy with the fact her cruel stepfather is pushing her into a marriage with a man she knows little about but for her mother's sake she agrees to meet the man.

Ambrose Kincaid was not at all what Tamsen was expecting; he was handsome, even if he did have fiery red hair, quite charming with his Virginia accent and he was completely smitten by Tamsen's exquisite beauty. Perhaps this arrangement could have worked out until Tamsen sees what she thinks is Mr. Kincaid's cruelty to his slaves. Thinking he must be made of the same cloth as her abusive step-father she abruptly leaves him in the restaurant and rushes back home.

Jesse Bird has heard the story of how he became part of the Shawnee tribe as a small boy but as hard as he tries he cannot remember what happened the day his parents were killed. After losing his adoptive Indian parents at the age of ten, Jesse Bird is taken in by Cade; a man with the blood of two completely different worlds flowing through his veins. Cade has loved Jesse like a son and shared a lot about his past but there is one secret he hasn't shared with Jesse, a secret that will change both of their lives should it come to light.

When Tamsen has a deadly altercation with her stepfather she runs to the stable in search of her mother's servants hoping they can help her escape only to run into Jesse Bird. When Tamsen explains what has happened Jesse makes a life changing decision; somehow he knows that God wants him to help this beautiful young woman. Too bad before this is all said and done he will be a man wanted for kidnapping and murder!!

Jesse and Tamsen head for his home in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina only to be pursued by her stepfather and Amboise. It is during that journey Jesse and Tamsen realize that God has planned their destiny and if they keep the faith He will work everything out for their good; but oh the things they will have to endure before they get to live happily ever after!!

Last year when I read Lori's debut novel Burning Sky I was impressed with the beauty of her writing and I couldn't believe there was any way she could improve upon it. But when I started reading this latest treasure I was awestruck by the fact that what seemed impossible had happened. This book blew me away with how fast I was pulled into it; it was so engrossing I found I had read 63 pages before I even realized it. It has been quite a while since I read a book of this length in less than two days! Oh the emotions that were stirred while I was reading this; there was joy and amazement all the way to horror and unbelief and back again to laughter and satisfaction at the most enthralling ending! This should be at the top of everyone's wish list for 2014; I promise you will not be disappointed. Thanks Lori for a story that has forever found a special place in my heart.

UPDATE: Please congratulate Lori on being a finalist for two Christy Awards for her first book Burning Sky! Congrats Lori, excellent job!! 

You can purchase this treasure by Lori at Amazon, CBD, and Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: This week we will be giving away two copies of this wonderful book and a $10 Starbucks card! International Winners Ebook Only! Please like or follow Lori's Facebook Author Page and leave your email address in your comments. 

When Overcoming Means Surrender by Lori Benton

Author Lori Benton

When I think of overcoming, most often I imagine reaching a mountaintop, completing a task…

Meeting a challenge.

Enduring a trial.

Putting a weakness or bad habit behind me.

But what about those times when, despite our effort, prayer, and faith, the challenge isn’t met, the trial doesn’t end, the loss is irreversible, the mountain proves too steep to climb?

Letting go. Waiting. Surrender.

Far from defeat, surrender can be overcoming in another guise, when we surrender our will and plans and timetable to God, when we come to the end of our striving, and with open hearts say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

There was a season of surrender in my life. It came in the years following my treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1999. I’d been a writer for eight years at that point and had every intention of continuing on that path as soon as the chemotherapy and radiation were finished, and I got the all-clear from my oncologist. The all-clear came, but no matter how hard I tried post-chemo, I couldn’t write the way I used to. It felt like half my brain had been left behind in that chemo room where I’d spent so much time the previous six months.

I was experiencing what’s called chemo fog. After a year or two of fighting it, trying to find my way out of it—through discipline, prayer, better nutrition, exercise, anything I could think of to help my brain recover—I was forced to admit this mountain is too steep for me, this loss may be irreversible. I surrendered my dream of writing novels to God.

Okay, Lord. You haven’t taken away my desire to write, but You haven’t returned the ability. I don’t know what to do, so I’m going to trust that if You want me to write again, You’ll heal my brain—at some point. I’m going to trust You to give me the peace I need in order to do nothing but rest, and wait, until You tell me otherwise.

For me, that was overcoming. Overcoming my impatience, my plans, my will, my sense of timing. My finding my self-worth and identity in writing.

It wasn’t until 2004 I felt the Lord nudging me to try writing again. Turns out He still had a plan for me regarding writing. He just had some maturing He wanted to do in me first.

Whether its reaching the top of that mountain, or finding peace when the strength to climb is taken away, God is using every circumstance in our lives to grow us up, to ready us for the endless fellowship we’ll enjoy with Him in eternity, and to bless each other now, to encourage each other with the comfort we’ve been given.

During this Easter season, take a moment to picture our hero, our Savior, Jesus, on His knees sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, beseeching His Father, “Let this cup (this cup brimming with physical suffering, separation from God, the burden of our sins, yours and mine) pass from me. Nevertheless… not my will, but Yours be done.”

Our greatest example of overcoming through surrender.

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is Lori Benton's second novel released by Waterbrook Multnomah!

Book blurb:

Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love

In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance.

Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

CFP:  Thanks so much for this beautiful testimony, Lori! And congratulations to Lori on her DOUBLE Christy Award finalist status, announced this past week!  Lori's novel "Burning Sky" is a Christy finalist for debut and for historical novel.  

GIVEAWAY: This week we will be giving away two copies of Lori's new release "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn" and a $10 Starbucks gift card!  We'll have two to three reviews of Laurie's lovely novel!!!  Answer this question:  Has God left you with anything you've had to surrender completely over to Him?  How has it affected your relationship with Him?  

Diana's 2013 Favorites!

 Here's a list of my favorite 2013 books in no particular order! It was very difficult to choose as you authors totally outdid yourselves this year!

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Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz 

A beautifully written novel laden with secrecy, deceit, betrayal, and hidden passions. Laura Frantz is a master storyteller!

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Return To Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 This is a riveting, historical read you won't want to miss. Truly a memorable story of hope and obedience!

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Captured By Moonlight By Christine Lindsay

Christine Lindsay sweeps us away to the exotic, hauntingly beautiful land of India in this exciting story of romance, faith, and intrigue!  

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Forsaken Dreams By MaryLu Tyndall

A riveting novel that sweeps us away on a riveting, seafaring journey -- beginning in the ravaged, post civil war torn South to the lush beauty of Brazil!

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The Governess Of Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky

A wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and ladies, secrets, pain, and hidden passions! A must read!

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Heaven Is Not Far By Marian Baay

An emotive, soul-stirring short story of a love that transcends time, distance, and even the Civil War! Heartwarming debut!

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Love At Any Cost By Julie Lessman

A passion-filled, heartwarming journey to beautiful San Francisco...with its lush lawns of the very wealthy on Nob Hill to the poverty stricken streets of the Barbary Coast! One not to miss!

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Beyond The Valley By Rita Gerlach

A powerful, heartrending historical read, full of excitement and romance! You simply must put this one at the top of your TBR stack!

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Whispers Of A New Dawn By Murray Pura

A powerful story of love and healing on the turbulent road to the bombing of Pearl Harbor!

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My Hope Is Found By Joanne Bischof

A lovely, heartrending tale of sin's consequences, redemption, and unrequited love, that will keep you flipping those pages well into the night! I loved this entire series!

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Burning Sky By Lori Benton

A hauntingly beautiful, heartrending tale of a kidnapped white woman caught not only between two very different worlds, but also two handsome men from diverse cultures!





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            Unforeseeable and Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

Exciting, suspense-filled sequels to Inescapable---set in the quaint, homey Mennonite town of Kingdom!  

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The Captive Maiden By Melanie Dickerson

An enchanting, captivating story of knights, castles, and romance; reminscent of the classic tale, Cinderella!

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The Painted Sky Volumes 1-8 by Murray Pura 

 An exciting story of adventure and romance on the sweltering, rugged plains of New Mexico! Will be released as a paperback soon and you may recognize some of the characters from OWG!

 

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A Highlander For Christmas by Jamie Carie

 

I loved this breathtaking Christmas novella set in the beautiful Scottish highlands...of castles set against the backdrop of misty, verdant hills---of kilts and colorful tartans, and the seemingly ill-fated romance between a brave clan chieftain and an English lady!



**Thank you to all of the wonderful Christian authors who provided me and so many others with hours of reading pleasure in 2013! See you next year!**

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Click on to book title to purchase any of these great novels!

 

Name a couple of your favorite books from 2013! Have you read any of the books on my list?