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!*

Carrie's Favorite Christian Fiction Reads for 2014

At the Edge of a Dark Forest
OWG Bibliotherapy Book of the Year

Surprised by Love, by Julie Lessman

While Love Stirs

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

The books are listed in no particular order but I do have a favorite novel for 2014 and that story is by Caryl McAdoo and the reason is because she's one of the few authors whose "voice" seems so very similar to my own and I really enjoyed the story and characters in Vow Unbroken. All of these novels, however, are STELLAR!!! Several, too, were strong contenders for bibliotherapy book of the year! Elizabeth Camden's and Elizabeth Byler Younts's, in particular! I haven't yet reviewed Elizabeth's on the OWG blog but hope to remedy that omission soon.


 
There were SO many WONDERFUL novellas and short stories out in 2014 and I reviewed quite a few. I didn't feel I could do them justice by pulling out individual stories but I may come back later and do a recap of my fave collections for 2014 because I loved a whole bunch of them, especially the Christmas ones! I have included one novella because it is my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year - Connie Almony's Beauty and the Beast story about PTSD and addiction as well as recovery and rehab for a wounded vet. Beautifully done and a DEBUT book!!!

I'll also be announcing the Angels' Heart winner for 2014. Last year that honor went to Julie Lessman, which disqualifies her for the next five years.  We have three nominees right now from the OWG bloggers and will be deciding soon.

Why no audiobook category? In 2014 I had surgery on my heel. I had a torn Achilles tendon and other issues that had to be repaired. I listened to some audiobooks but I also ended up reading a great many with my eyes instead of listening. Love my Kindle!!!  One audiobook I suggest you avoid is the one for Tamera Alexander's LOVELY novel A Beauty so Rare because the narrator is so poor she ruins the beautiful story. Wonderful book so just read it on your Kindle or ereader and set the font size to large. I have several audiobooks I haven't reviewed on the blog yet that I may add to the post for the novella collections. In general, though, I felt it wasn't a great year for audiobooks for Christian historical romance, which is what I primarily read (because that's what I also write.) But there were some very good ones and I'll get to those in a later post!

Question: What were some of YOUR faves for 2014?

Giveaway and Review of Regina Jennings's New Release - A Most Inconvenient Marriage

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Set aside a chunk of uninterrupted time for this novel--because you won't want to put it down once you start reading!  Regina Jennings has really come into her own with this book. Abigail, a nurse for the Union, promises "Jeremiah Calhoun", that she will marry him and go and care for his sister, an invalid with Rheumatic Fever, and his mother, and his farm. Abigail has no one to turn to as the Civil War comes to a close and accepts the dying man's offer. Except that the real Jeremiah is alive and has been waiting four long years to be reunited with his fiancee Laurel. Set in the Ozark mountains and faced with criminals who are stealing horses and killing people, the tension in the story will keep you turning page after page.

Laurel Wallace, in Jeremiah's absence, and having heard that Abigail had married "Jeremiah", who was pronounced as dead has become romantically attached to the local doctor. When the real Jeremiah arrives home and goes looking for his fiancee, he's not about to give up so easily despite the doctor's maneuvering to keep him at bay.

bibliotherapy: Jeremiah has suffered a mini ball injury through his thigh and initially his one leg is not even able to tough the ground because of muscle contractions. Abigail Stuart is a nurse and has leaned some new techniques to help recover muscle usage.

Jeremiah's sister, Rachel, suffers greatly with recurring Rheumatic Fever which has damaged her heart. I could really feel for Rachel, because I have rheumatoid arthritis and I know how those hot and swollen joints can pain you. But Rachel's issue is really more to do with unforgiveness.

A powerful romance! Highly recommend.

Giveaway: Winner's choice of paperback or ebook. USA only unless ebook or available through Book Depository.

Noela Nancarrow reviews A MOST INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE by Regina Jennings

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

by Regina Jennings

Bethany House Publishers (December 2, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 Regina Jennings’ books never disappoint, but this one just blew me away! Unique as always; intriguing as ever; but it was also beyond riveting, thereby making it impossible to put down. So my advice is not to plan on doing much once you begin reading! There were smiles, tears, and an incredibly satisfying feeling upon finishing that you’ve just read a great book.

It seemed simple at the time. Grant a dying soldier’s wish by marrying him so as to inherit his family’s property. She finally had somewhere to go, somewhere where she’d be wanted. And all Abigail Stuart had to do was to help the soldier’s mother and severely-afflicted sister on their farm. However, what was supposed to be a convenient marriage, turned out to be anything but.

The Civil War had recently come to an end and Jeremiah Calhoun finally returns home, injured, but yearning to see his mother, sister, and his sweetheart Laurel. Instead he arrives home to find an unfamiliar willowy blonde ludicrously claiming that he is an imposter since she’d married ‘Jeremiah Calhoun’ in a prison hospital shortly before he died. Should he send this scheming beauty on her way or avail himself of her assistance for the sake of his family until he’s more able-bodied?

Abigail doesn’t want to leave after feeling like she has finally found a home on the Calhoun’s farm in the rugged Ozark Mountains of Missouri. However, she knows it’s only a matter of time before Jeremiah sends her away and becomes engaged to his beloved Laurel. Can she persuade him to allow her to stay? Will she even want to after he unwittingly creeps into her heart but not her life? Furthermore, who was that dying soldier claiming to be Jeremiah, to whom she'd married?

There’s a captivating web of intrigue that weaves throughout the story in this tale of memorable characters and genuine heart. Tension abounds with treacherous marauders lurking about the mountain. A heart-pulsing romance slowly develops. And inspiration is embedded in this novel with words of wisdom on seeking God’s will instead of striving on your own, and the freedom and peace that forgiveness brings. A well-rounded story that is highly recommended!! 

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You can find this book at Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM; and other good bookstores!

GIVEAWAY: USA - Winner's choice of paperback or e-book! International - Ebook only unless available through Book Despository.

Regina Jennings: Is God Asking Too Much?

Is God Asking Too Much?

By Regina Jennings

Do you ever feel like God has placed two conflicting callings on your life?

Okay, God, I think You want me to teach Sunday school, but have You noticed how busy we are helping my parents? There’s no way I can fit that into my schedule.

Lord, I’d really like to invite that family over for dinner, but unless You’re sending a maid to volunteer at my house this week, it just isn’t going to happen.

"Tent city" at the Jennings' home!

That’s how I felt when God called me to begin writing. For years I’d set aside my dreams because I knew that I was supposed to homeschool our children. It seemed that the demands of the individual lessons, sports practices and co-ops left no room for anything else. I was at full capacity, doing what God had instructed us to do. Maybe someday I could try the writing thing, but not until my children had graduated.

But then a funny thing happened. I became convinced that this was a test of faith. The question wasn’t whether I’d get published or not—that didn’t seem like a possibility at all. The question was whether I had the faith to try. If God wanted me to homeschool and write, then He would show me how.

Do you know what I found out? I learned that God will not contradict Himself. He will not call you to do the impossible. How do I know that? Because All Things are Possible with Him. You can’t imagine how you’ll find the time, but God knows.

It might mean dropping some activities that aren’t in His plan for you. It might mean letting go of some routines or traditions, but don’t feel overwhelmed. He will provide. Every morning you can look in the mirror with confidence and say: “God has given me enough time to do everything He wants me to do today.”

CFP: AMEN SISTER!!! Regina, I remember being at ACFW conference when you pitched your first book to Bethany as a newbie. That had to have been a shock to you when they picked it up right away, especially given what you said in your post above. How wonderful that God has blessed your faithfulness in reaching out to do what He has called you to do!

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Regina's wonderful new novel this week. AND Regina is kindly giving away a signed copy! (Thank you, Regina!!!)  Question: Do you struggle to believe God will enable you to do what He's called you to do?

Regina Jennings's "Caught in the Middle" Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Caught in the Middle

Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

Book 3 of the Ladies of Caldwell County

Bethany House Publishers

My OWG blog angels introduced me to Regina Jennings books two years ago, but I didn't get a chance to read her work until recently.  I began with the novel that the Angels raved about: Sixty Acres and a Bride.

In the month of March, while recovering from foot surgery, I made up for lost time and read all three of her books on my Kindle!

Anne Tillerton is the abused wife from Sixty Acres and a Bride. SPOILER: She had ended up killing her husband when he tried to assault Rosa. The story starts out with a literal bang when Anne rescues a train being robbed and she shoots the toe off one of the bandits! She'd intervened when Hero Nicholas Lovelace (the antagonist's brother from book one) was trying to protect one of the young ladies. He would have been attacked if Anne had not acted. 

In Regina's latest book we finally get to understand what had happened to Anne. She'd been brought up by an unloving father and then been lured into intimate relations with her teacher, who becomes her husband.  After marriage this pedophile also becomes physically abusive. Is it any wonder that Anne has no desire to remarry? She's been hanging out with a bunch of buffalo hunters and is still a crack shot.  Nick is now living where Anne has ventured off to while searching for her old friend to bring back to a nearby town to serve as a cook. But her "friend," who has had an illegitimate child, is living is what we soon discover is a bawdy house. And the woman departs with a new consort leaving behind her infant son!

Anne takes the child to  Nick's office, since he offered his assistance, if she needed it, after the train robbery   Nick meanwhile is running for a political office and Anne wants to return to her group of buffalo hunters. But the baby grows on both of them as they begin to love the little boy and grow in their relationship with each other.

You will find yourself rooting for this unlikely couple all the way through! Strong story and character arcs.  Well done, Regina!

Bibliotherapy elements: Abandonment, abuse, adoption, trust, and learning to love again!

You can purchase this and other books by Regina at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBD and other bookstores.

Giveaway: We're giving away two books this week. One is an autographed copy of Caught in the Middle and the other is winner's choice of any of Regina's books, choice of format.

Noela Nancarrow reviews CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE by Regina Jennings

Caught in the Middle

Caught in the Middle
by Regina Jennings
Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Our life’s journey is rarely ever what we expect. Nicholas (Nick) Lovelace and Anne Tillerton both discover this truth in this fabulous historical romance. These two endearing characters suddenly find their lives propelled in completely different directions to the paths they were navigating their lives along. The unpredictability throughout this heartily entertaining novel will keep you guessing as you revel in watching this couple find each other, God, and their life’s purpose.

Anne, wrapped in her pistol-hiding loose green duster and wearing a floppy slouch hat, finishes off the ensemble with men’s britches and donning her smelly boots. She’d do whatever it takes to be invisible and cause people to keep their distance. With a harrowing past that has caused Anne to be untrusting of everybody and in particular men, her experiences have overshadowed every aspect of her life creating in it a lack of peace, relationships, and an often isolated, uneasy existence.

Anne was on the train to Garber, Texas, to hunt down the woman that was the cook for her buffalo-hunting friends back in Pushmatha, when an alarming incident happened that was the prelude to a life-changing series of events. I loved the character of Anne who was an exceptionally well-rounded character, hardened and feisty, yet with a vulnerability and innocence about her.

Nick, the hero of the story was a refreshing and charming character. He’s someone you’d love to know – being a man that listens and is forever patient whilst possessing a fantastic sense of humor as well! He’s also ambitious and driven but open to God’s leading. When he meets up with Anne on the train, he’s intrigued by her, finding other ladies of his acquaintance extremely dull in comparison. But when Nick steps onto the political trail, will this scruffily-dressed woman looking more like a man than a woman, hinder his chances of success? Nick is facing pressures from his employers and the corruption that raises its ugly head in the political arena. Suddenly his life isn’t so clear cut and Nick and Anne find themselves caught in the middle of their dreams, growing feelings, and a baby thrown in the mix! When Nick’s perfectly-orchestrated life gets messed up, will he still be willing to trust God? And will Anne ever come to the place where she can trust anyone, let alone God?

‘Caught in the Middle’ is immensely enjoyable and gratifying, with heart-rending moments that’ll have you in tears. It also delivers a timeless message of how easy it is to believe when things are going well, with the real test of our faith and trust in God unfolding when we go through difficult times. Highly recommended!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble and other great bookstores!

GIVEAWAY: This week we have two giveaways.  Regina is giving away a signed paperback (thank you, Regina!) and we are giving away winner's choice of any of Regina's books, choice of format. (USA only.)

QUESTION: Has your life ever taken a direction that was a surprise to you?

Teresa Mathews Reviews Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

Book 3 of the Ladies of Caldwell County

Bethany House Publishers

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

When I was introduced to Regina Jennings books two years ago I knew her characters and I were going to become dear friends. So imagine my delight when I discovered this book would tell the story of a brave young woman we met in Sixty Acres and a Bride; Anne Tillerton.

Anne thought she could put the past behind her when she took up the harsh life of a buffalo hunter. Never again would Anne trust a man with her heart after being mistreated by her father as a child and abused as a young woman by her now deceased husband. Until that fateful day she ran into Nicholas Lovelace from back home. Anne doesn't need this, all she wants to do is find that silly cook Tessa and bring her back so she doesn't have to cook at the train depot at Pushmataha.

While waiting for the train to Garber, Texas Nicholas Lovelace, spies a woman dressed in the garb of a buffalo hunter and he knows there is only one beautiful woman that dresses that way; Anne Tillerton.  On the way back home the train is stopped by a group of robbers. When Nick tries to come to the rescue of a young lady that is being accosted by the robbers, he would have been shot had not the brave Ms. Tillerton intervened and shot the toe out of the said robber's boot. Nick happily realizes Anne still has dead aim!

When Anne finds Tessa she can't get the errant cook to agree to come with her. Instead Tessa flees and leaves behind a surprise for Anne; her sweet baby boy! What is a buffalo hunter supposed to do with a baby? Remembering that after she saved Nick's life he told her if she ever needed anything all she had to do was ask; Anne sets out to find Nick's office, surely he'll know what to do! Anne shows up at with the baby in tow and what follows is a story that had me going back and forth between laughing and gasping. Nick just wants to have a life in politics; Anne just wants to go back to her buffalo hunting. Well we all know you don't always get what you want but when God is in charge of the plans you always get just what you need!

This book is Regina Jennings at her finest; it is packed with excitement and romance and it truly blessed my heart to see how Anne came to terms with her past and learned to trust her heavenly Father. If you haven't read one of Regina's books then let this be your first and I promise you will want to rush out and grab the other two in this fun series. Thanks Regina for this truly satisfying read! 

***Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***

You can purchase this and other books by Regina at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBD and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: This week we have two giveaways.  Regina is giving away a signed paperback (thank you, Regina!) and we are giving away winner's choice of any of Regina's books, choice of format. (USA only.)

Best of 2012 – Noela's Top Ten Books

HUNTER’S PRIZE by MARCIA GRUVER

Hunter’s Prize is the 3^rd in the Backwoods Bride’s series of books (but can be read alone) and I honestly can’t recommend this exciting and engaging book, and series, enough!  Absolutely loved it!!!

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LOVE’S RECKONING by LAURA FRANTZ

My favourite couple of 2012 is Silas and Eden from Love’s Reckoning! Wheest!! Silas stole my heart as well as Eden’s in this beautiful novel!!

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VEIL OF PEARLS by MARYLU TYNDALL

Veil of Pearls was the first I’d read of MaryLu’s and was so impressed, I’ve been devouring the rest of her brilliant swashbuckling stories ever since… along with boxes of tissues!!

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TO WHISPER HER NAME by TAMERA ALEXANDER

Best cover of the year! And a brilliant story to match!!

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UNENDING DEVOTION by JODY HEDLUND

I knew Unending Devotion was going to be good but it ended up leaving a massive impression on me! The drama, history, and romance were outstanding and made the book impossible to put down!!

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A LOVE SURRENDERED by JULIE LESSMAN

This very much anticipated book didn’t disappoint in its drama, passion, and positive messages!!

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SHORT STRAW BRIDE by KAREN WITEMEYER

It is through Karen Witemeyer’s books I first grew to love Inspirational Historical Romance so I really owe her so much! Short Straw Bride was also much anticipated and very enjoyable!!

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CENTRAL PARK RENDEZVOUS by KIM VOGEL SAWYER, RONIE KENDIG, DINEEN MILLER, AND MARYLU TYNDALL

It is because of MaryLu Tyndall that I read this book because I hadn’t read anything by these other authors as of yet, but after reading this cleverly written and heartwarming story that will soon change!

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PRIZE OF MY HEART by LISA NORATO

I’d read the first chapter of Prize of My Heart online, and this story would not leave me alone until I read the rest! And I’m so glad I did… a fabulous story!!

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SIXTY ACRES AND A BRIDE by REGINA JENNINGS

A wonderfully romantic and enjoyable story that was a real treat to read!!