At Home in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne - Audiobook Review

At Home in Wishing Bridge
By: Ruth Logan Herne
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
Series: Wishing Bridge, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-02-18
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Five Stars Plus! *****

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the first novel, too, in this series. I listened to the story as an Audible.com download. The narrator was wonderful and perfect for the story. On Amazon the novel has ranked at #1 on Christian Women's Fiction but there's a lot of romance in the novels, too, and the story is listed under Clean Romance. 

The book is available in multiple formats and published by Waterfall Press, Amazon's imprint. They specially pick authors to publish for them. Ruth Logan Herne does a fantastic job with her stories so it is not wonder they invited her. 

We got to know Nurse Practitioner Thea in book one. She's got some dark secrets and deep hurts. Thea also has a sky-wide big heart. I love all the children who populate the book. As a former psychologist I was delighted how Ruth nailed all the possible reactions kids can have to difficult situations. Dr. Ethan Brandenburg is an interesting and well-developed character. He's not perfect. He has some big flaws. And he has a big spiritual arc that I loved. You'll need to listen to or read the story to find out what happens with these two. 

I can't wait for the next book in this series!!! Highly recommend!!! 

Publisher's Summary

Ruth Logan Herne, the bestselling author of Welcome to Wishing Bridge, invites readers back to the small town where big dreams come true.

After surviving the streets of South Philly, Thea Anastas never thought she’d wind up working in rural New York. But a call from a friend in need convinced the nurse practitioner to make the trip. Now her temporary position is making a difference in Wishing Bridge—though Thea can’t afford to make a difference, to fill a gaping hole in the sweet, small town. After all, the current medical practice is being dissolved in three months, and bigger opportunities are luring her away…

Her partner, Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, has his own struggles: caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and holding firm to his decision to leave Wishing Bridge for a prestigious job in Chicago. Though Thea’s no-nonsense advice in the office has been good for business, her compassion in Ethan’s personal life has been good for his heart. But how can he offer a commitment to a woman when they’re both about to say goodbye?

Wishing Bridge may be surrounded by forests and farms, but Thea is starting to realize that friendships and family form its heart—and that what she wants in life and love may be right in front of her eyes.

GIVEAWAY: Giving away winner's choice of a paperback copy or a Kindle copy. Leave a comment to enter. 

Back in the Saddle Audiobook by Ruth Logan Herne

Publisher's Summary

Here comes a captivating western romance and family-centered drama with a heart of gold, featuring plenty of cowboys and family drama, from prolific author and networker Ruth Logan Herne. 

Colt Stafford's winner-take-all personality clashed with his father's similar temperament and led Colt to pursue his own success far from the Double S ranch. The opportunity came in private equities once he earned his way to a desk on Wall Street. But timing is everything and Colt's financial demise coincided with his father's illness. God's perfect timing doesn't always seem all that perfect, but Colt needed a job, the Double S needed Colt, and Sam sent his prodigal son a ticket, and Colt came home. He rediscovers his love for ranching, for Washington, and for the great outdoors. His father's change of heart seems surreal, and by the time Colt realizes he belongs with his family, he's lost his heart to a Latina cop whose gone undercover to protect her child and her mother. Through the accidents of timing, God has brought multiple facets together at the Double S, just in time for healing, hope, and home. 

©2016 Ruth Logan Herne (P)2016 Recorded Books

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A Lovely Listen!

I listened to my copy of Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne via Audible.com. This is a Christian contemporary romance. I'm normally a historical romance reader but I loved Wishing Bridge, which I reviewed earlier on the blog, and I wanted to listen to another of Ruth Logan Herne's stories. And I wasn't disappointed!

This story, for this collection series (Double S Ranch) release over a year ago but I'm playing catch up with my listening. And what a lovely story to listen to on audiobook! Lovely narrator who is perfect for the heroine. Like the Publisher's summary says, this is a "Prodigal Son" story, so don't expect that you will immediately be charmed by Colt, the hero. He's got a pretty big character story arc in this novel. But you'll love the beautiful Latina heroine and her family, I guarantee it. And she can see Colt's potential. Maybe. Kind of. You'll have to listen to or read the story to find out!!! 

GIVEAWAY: This week I'm giving away a devotional. Leave a comment on this post or on my Sunday post for up to two entries for a chance to win.

Audiobook Review of Ruth Logan Herne's Welcome to Wishing Bridge

Audiobook Review
by Carrie Fancett Pagels

5 Stars *****

Welcome to Wishing Bridge (Brilliance Audio)
Ruth Logan Herne

I'm glad I "won" a Goodreads giveaway of this novel -- even though I never did get notified nor did I get a copy! Because what I did instead was snagged a cheap audiobook version of this absolutely lovely Christmas novel, the first in a new series by Ruth Logan Herne. Ruth was an Overcoming With God blog Angel Award Recipient last year! She has a big heart and an even bigger talent. She's a dedicated professional author, working diligently. She's up early in the morning (Ruthy logs into the 1k1Hr group on Facebook around 5ish most mornings -- when the rest of us are usually sleeping!). But back to this story.

If you're looking for a feel-good story with great narration, lovable characters, and some interesting plot twists and mystery, this is the audiobook for you! Its such a great listen that I plowed through it in about two days! That's unusual for me.

Kelsey is an almost-30 teacher with a master's degree but unable to find permanent work and has set off on a heartbreaking journey at Christmastime. Having lived for two years in Western New York, not far from fictional Wishing Bridge, I have also been caught in a Lake Erie white out. So Ruth's descriptions of driving conditions totally brought back memories! I'm afraid to say much else about this story for fear of spoilers! There's a blurb online you can read but I'd just suggest -- go BUY this story and listen!

Welcome to Wishing Bridge is available in multiple formats.

Cowboy Christmas Homecoming - from Gilead, Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Four Historical Novellas - Cowboy Christmas Homecoming is sure to bring the reader enjoyment during this holiday season.

Pick this one for your Christmas read!

With stories from Julie Lessman, Mary Connealy, and Ruth Logan Herne -- Christian historical romance readers can't go wrong with this new release from new publisher Gilead!!!

FIVE STARS *****
(Disclaimer: I was only able to finish reading three of the four novellas before life got too hectic. I was unable to read Anna Schmidt's novella. But the first three novellas were so good, I give the collection a 5 Star rating regardless!)

The stories:

Last Chance Christmas, Julie Lessman’s novella, was a lovely read. As usual, Julie infused her story with passion and with Christ as the core of the relationship. I’ve had to wait over a year for another Julie historical and it was worth the wait!

A Cowboy For Christmas, Ruth Logan Herne’s novella, once again convicted me of why readers love her writing! A fantastic read! You won't be able to go to sleep until you finish it! She does a great job in captivating the reader.

Longhorn Christmas, Mary Connealy’s novella, makes you want to kick up your heels by the fire and read. She has some bonafide creds to tell this story — Connealy lives on a ranch with her husband. When you read this story you know you are getting the read deal. And that is as satisfying as the story!

Connie's Christmas Prayer, Anna Schmidt’s novella, I was unable to get to.  

Available through Christian Book Distributors
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble 

I read this collection of four novellas as a download from NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Giveaway: A copy of the book (ebook only international unless available on Book Depository.)

Bonnie Reviews Ruth Logan Herne's Home on the Range & Silent Night, Star-Lit Night

Home On The Range

by Ruth Logan Herne

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

Five Stars *****

Home On The Range is the second in the Double S. Ranch series - the story of Nick Stafford and Dr. Elsa Andreas. After a tragedy in her family therapy practice, Elsa retreats in seclusion to a small cottage in the woods of Grays Glen, Washington. Abandoned by his mother at a young age, Nick blames his father Sam Stafford's parenting techniques and is resentful of the time his father has spent building up his name and  large ranch in central Washington. Abandoned again, by his wife, Nick was left to raise two daughters alone and is determined not to make the same parenting mistakes his parents made. Having stayed to work his family's large ranch after his brothers left to pursue their own passions - Nick's life becomes even more complicated when his oldest daughter, Cheyenne, creates problems at school.

When Cheyenne's school principal persuades the principal's sister, Elsa, to guide Nick's daughters, and hopefully draw Elsa out of seclusion in the process - a love/hate relationship is set off between Elsa and Nick re Elsa's therapy techniques with his children. Nick is forced to re-examine his own plans for his children and his opinion of his chronically ill father while Elsa faces a crisis in which she is confronted with her feeling of guilt over past mistakes.

Home On The Range is a beautiful romance and family story of forgiveness, acceptance, change, hope, redemption, restoration, and faith - one of my favorite stories from Ruth Logan Herne, as well as my favorite of her beautiful book covers.

***~~***

Silent Night, Star-Lit Night

By Ruth Logan Herne

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

Five Stars *****

December 18th

Eight and one half month pregnant E.R. nurse Mia O'Loughlin is preparing to leave for the 1200 mile drive from San Diego, California to Roslyn, Washington to visit her dying grandfather when cowboy Jed Taylor appears at her door. The longtime best friend of her husband Daniel - killed in Afghanistan, Jed had been summoned by his mother and Mia's aunt, Pauline, to escort Mia home. His father deceased, Jed works with  cranky Uncle Pete in operating the family's Taylor Farm, Ranch, and Home Supply - in addition to his 400 head of cattle and horse ranch. He's anxious to complete his mission and return home due to the 12" of early snow, blizzard threats, and there being no one able to fill his shoes at the store or ranch where December's sales are a large part of end-of-year profit margins.

When their journey is detoured by heavy snow, causing a rock slide, and later - a snowdrift avalanche blocking the road, Mia and Jed are forced to walk to seek shelter. Finding the Star Inn Bed and Breakfast in the small picturesque town of Heywood, Oregon, Mia and Jed spend the time becoming more closely reacquainted and helping the town's storm victims. Mia struggles to come to terms with the dysfunction of having been raised with an indifferent alcoholic father after the death of her mother, her feelings of lack of self-worth, the guilt from only infrequent visits to her grandfather, and secrets of repercussions from a cheating husband.

Silent Night, Star-Lit Night is a beautifully touching, inspiring romantic novella and story of two families - their hope, forgiveness, and healing through the true spirit and message of Christmas.

***~~***

Links to purchase:
Home on the Range

Christian Book Distributors

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

Silent Night, Star-lit Night:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

Giveaway: Ruth Logan Herne is generously providing a signed paperback copy of Home On The Range as a giveaway to one blessed commenter on the above reviews of her books. If the winner is an international resident, an e-Book will be provided instead. AND two winners of ebook copies of Silent Night, Star-Lit Night!!!

Please leave your email address in a safe format - for contact purposes, should you be our winner.

Reviews & Giveaways of Ruth Logan Herne's Latest Books!

BONNIE REVIEWS 

'HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY' AND 'THE FIRST GIFT' 

BY RUTH LOGAN HERNE 

5 STARS EACH BOOK

'HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY'

When ex-beauty-queen Emily Gallagher is hired to plan a wedding for Grant McCarthy's deployed sister, Christa- losing her own heart isn't a part of her plans. An over-protective single parent of toddler twins, Timmy and Dolly, Grant struggles with his faith and holds bitterness towards the appearance-obsessed mother of his children and a father who deserted him when he was a child. Divorced from a rich, self-absorbed husband, Emily relies on her faith and past experiences to put her life back together.

'Her Unexpected Family' is a beautiful story of love, hope, forgiveness, redemption, second chances, and faith. Tim and Dolly stole my reader's heart while Emily and Grant's story gave  me inspiration!!

'THE FIRST GIFT'

The story of 5 year-old Cassie Carruthers, from a northern Appalachian community, who is verbally abused and neglected by an alcoholic and drug-addicted father, 'The First Gift' is also the story of 27 year-old Kerry McHenry, the kindergarten teacher and woman of faith who sees her own past in Cassie's present and is attracted to two men: self-absorbed doctor of oncology, Ryan O'Donnell and widowed Deputy Jake Slattery who hasn't forgiven God for the accident which claimed the life of his wife and left him with two small children to raise. When the lives of Kerry, Ryan, and Jake intersect in an effort to save the life of Cassie - Kerry is forced to make some life-altering personal decisions of her own.

Ruth Logan Herne is one of those gifted authors who borrows from her own past experiences in the writing of her stories - filling them with gut-wrenching emotional scenes, real-life situations, and endearing characters. 'The First Gift' includes heart-pounding suspense and addresses the subject of racial diversity. Through it we are also reminded of God's grace and love and the impact one person can have in the life of a child. A beautiful story that captured my heart from page one with it's characters - who remain there!!

Bio and Purchase links:

Her Unexpected Family at Amazon  

The First Gift at Amazon 

Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of writing sweet books that make people smile and sigh and sometimes cry... but they're good tears! She loves stories of forgiveness and redemption with unforgettable characters from beginning to end. Friend her on facebook/Ruth Logan Herne where she loves to chat and pray with folks, and on Twitter she's @RuthLoganHerne... or visit her website at http:ruthloganherne.com or visit her at these fun blogs: www.ruthysplace.com, www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com or over in Seekerville at www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Giveaways: Ruthy will provide two copies of Her Unexpected Family and one copy of The First Gift as giveaways on Bonnie’s reviews! Thank you Ruthy! Winner's choice in all three if in the U.S., e-Book if international.

Bonnie Roof Reviews 'Back In The Saddle' By Ruth Logan Herne

Back In The Saddle By Ruth Logan Herne

Multnomah, Mar. 2016

Reviewed By Bonnie Roof

~5 stars~!

DianFlow

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"A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, FAITH, AND LOVE"!!!
 

When prodigal son and Wall Street financier Colt Stafford is implicated in a Ponzi scheme resulting in his assets either being frozen or lost, he returns home to work on the Double S. Ranch on which he was raised in small town Grays Glen, Wa.. Arriving earlier than expected, he is met with the click of his father's gun in the hands of Angelina Morales, housekeeper and caregiver for his father Sam - who is recovering from an accident and other health issues.

When Colt disappointed his father by seeking a career in New York City - it complicated an already tense relationship with not only his father but also his brother Nick who was left to manage the ranch when Colt left. Nick is frustrated by additional personal issues which have resulted in his raising two young daughters alone.

No-nonsense, take-charge, efficient Angelina, a former police detective, is hiding secrets that caused her to leave a career she loved and retreat to the ranch with her widowed mother and young son - to secure their safety.

Sam Stafford was left a bitter, demanding man, interested in advancing his assets at any cost, after the death of his wife, Colt's mother, at a young age. Encouraged by Angelina's faith and the realization of his own mortality, Sam is determined to redeem himself by making amends and reconciling his family - while Colt and Angelina struggle between returning to the careers they love and their increasing attraction for each other.

"Back in the Saddle", the first in the Double S. Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne, is a powerful novel of reconciliation, forgiveness, hope, faith, love, and self-awareness. I look forward to reuniting with the realistic, engaging characters in future novels of the series.

I was provided a free copy of "Back in the Saddle" in return for my honest opinion, which I have given.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



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

GIVEAWAY: A paperback or e-book copy of Back in the Saddle -- winners choice of format! (outside of US -- ebook only.) To be eligible please leave a comment & your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourselves from spammers.

 

Books of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Novel of the Year
Brentwoods' Ward by Michelle Griep

Debut Novel of the Year

Debut Christian fiction of the Year

Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello

Other Favorite Books of the Year

SERIES that I can't wait to read so I've used my Kindle!

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

FABULOUS Series by Lorna Seilstad!

In Good Company by Jen Turano
Another Fabulous Series!

After a Fashion also by Jen Turano

To Win Her Favor

by Tamera Alexander

Also part of a fabulous series!

NOVELLAS of the Year

Novellas of the Year

 To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
(Also available in audiobook format) This is part of a collection but available individually.

Bibliotherapy Novella of the Year

Tobogganing for Two by Darlene Franklin

Other Novellas of the Year

The Skiing Suitor by Niki Turner

Part of the "A Love's Sporting Chance" collection from Forget-Me-Not Books

With This Kiss Historical Collection

His Beloved Bride by Ruth Logan Herne and  
Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman 

(The entire With This Kiss Historical Collection was lovely!)

Novella Collection of the Year - Most Eligible Bachelor from Barbour. All of the novellas in this collection are wonderfully done and I read all of them! This is my favorite of all the Barbour collections I have read to date! 

In this collection DEBUT Novella of 2015: Susie Dietze, Love's Reward 

• The Highwayman by Shannon McNear
• Four Brides And A Bachelor by Gabrielle Meyer
• Baker's Dozen by Gina Welborn

• A Doctor's Agreement by Cynthia Hickey
• The Final Baker Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo
• The Most Ineligible Bachelor In Town by Connie Stevens
• A Bride For A Bargain by Amanda Barratt
• Archeologist's Find- by Erica Vetsch

Other lovely collections with great stories by talented authors (Some of these I read while recovering from major surgery in the spring and enjoyed so much!) 

The Convenient Brides a great collection which includes wonderful novellas like those by Gabrielle Meyer - "A Groom for Josette," and Erica Vesch - "A Bride for Bear," stories from Andrea Boeschaar, Jennifer Uhlarik, Melissa Jagears' great story with "mature" characters and more!

Homestead Brides was SO GOOD!!! Wonderful novellas from some great authors!  A delightful collection. Ruth Logan Herne's "Prairie Promises" and Carla Olson Gade's "Proving Up" were two of my favorites, but all were so well done. One of the most moving tales was written by DiAnn Mills. Add in Pam Hillman's, Mary Connealy's, Erica Vetsch's, Kathleen Y'Barbo's, Darlene Franklin's and Becca Whitham's novellas and you have many novellas to keep you busy reading enjoyably for a long time!

I have to include the 2015 collection Christmas Traditions (Forget-Me-Not Romances, July 2015) because even though I am in it with The Fruitcake Challenge, I don't want to omit all the wonderful stories and authors in this collection, which stayed at the #1 spot on Amazon for anthologies for a long time and on the top #5 through Christmas. It includes a new 2015 novella by Angela Breidenbach plus wonderful stories by Cynthia Hickey, Gina Welborn (who spearheaded the collectin), Patty Smith Hall, Niki Turner, Darlene Franklin, and Jennifer AlLee.

GIVEAWAY: Paperback copy of Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep and another winner will receive Ebook or paperback (USA only unless available on BD) of choice of any of these books! Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which are you most yearning to read?  If you are like me there are probably many books you didn't get to read this year that you hope to catch up on!

Bonnie Roof Reviews REFUGE OF THE HEART By Ruth Logan Herne

  

Refuge of the Heart

by Ruth Logan Herne

Published by Franciscan Media

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

5-Stars*****

When District Attorney Mitchell (Mitch) Sanderson rescues Magdalena (Lena) Serida, and her 5-year-old sister, Anna, from the peril of a flat tire in a store parking lot - little does he realize she could be the rescuer of his heart. Shielding it against loving again, since the loss of his wife and unborn son in a drunk-driving accident, 5 years prior - he still blames God for their deaths.

Lena, a church-sponsored refugee from war-torn Chechnya, Russia, had witnessed the horrors of war firsthand - her strong Christian faith having led her through the loss of the rest of her family. However, Lena is hiding a dark secret - one which causes her nightmares, anxiety attacks, a fear and distrust of law enforcement, and a reluctance to testify on war crimes before the U.S. Senate. Once a near-affluent doctor, she is now being schooled to become a nurse - while working part-time in a nursing home, raising her sister, and living in a poverty-stricken, crime-infested neighborhood. 

Mitch, a caring man from an affluent family, and a relentless worker who has strived for 3 years to remove problems in the justice system that allow criminals to escape incarceration - has earned respect and trust for his conviction rate. Drawn to Lena through her strength, courage, and faith - their relationship is challenged when Mitch's friend spreads rumors about Lena to him, causing a possible obstacle to his re-election, and his doubt of Lena's integrity.

'Refuge of the Heart' is a novel that touched me deeply with it's touching, heart-warming message of faith, trust, courage, redemption, hope, and strength. I read most of it in one sitting - through the night - unable to put it down. It expanded my knowledge of, and compassion for, the plight of refugees from war-torn countries, and aroused sympathy for Lena, in her courageous battle to a better life for she and her sister. Enduring the poverty of less than enough food and a lack of warm clothing and bedding, the struggle for money to put gas in her car. Things many of us take for granted. Lena's misinterpretation of the English language made me smile, as did the sweetness and conversations of Anna. The novel didn't overwhelm me with scenes from Anna & Mitch's past, or jobs - thus allowing me to become totally engrossed in the story of Mitch and Lena: their romance, faith, and lessons to be learned. Lena's resilience, practicality, dreams, and faith through such adversity was truly inspiring.

I love this longer novel from Ruth Logan Herne, her first novel for publisher Franciscan Media. I consider it a "work of art", her best writing to date, deserving of more than a 5-star rating. I became invested in the characters, feeling their pain and joy, thinking of them long after I finished reading the novel. I hope Ruth has plans for a series, a continuation of Mitch and Lena's story.

You may purchase this and other books by Ruth at Amazon, CBD, and BAM.

GIVEAWAY: Ruth has graciously offered to give away one copy of this wonderful story; e-book or paperback - winner's choice! To be eligible please be sure to leave your email using (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Bonnie reviews WITH THIS SPARK - CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE by Four award-winning authors!

With This Spark

'CASTAWAY WITH THE COWBOY', author PAM HILLMAN - 5 stars

Pam Hillman whisks the reader away to a 1876 deserted Caribbean island in her adventurous romance, 'Castaway With the Cowboy'. Level-headed Montana horse wrangler/cowboy Zach Holifield is hired to deliver Jessup Grantham's prized stallion safely, by ship, to Costa Rica. When in an attempt to outrun a storm, the boiler blows a hole in the side of the ship, causing it to fill with water and catch on fire - Zach finds himself in a small rowboat along with passengers nanny Abby Lindstrom and her charges Meggie and J.J. (children of Jessup Grantham), cabin boy Toby, and middle-aged missionary couple Milton and Paulette Manning. After fighting choppy water to land on the beach of a deserted island with a steep, rugged terrain, steamy humidity, and bugs attacking from every direction - they are forced to work together for survival.

This beautiful story is full of adventure from beginning to end, vivid descriptions, romance, realistic characters, and wonderful elements of faith. I was mesmerized by the characters survival techniques, which kept me swiftly turning pages for the outcome, involving a surprising unexpected twist near the end. I found 'Castaway with the Cowboy' enthralling, the only downside was that it just wasn't long enough - I didn't want it to end!

Don't miss Pam Hillman's wonderful 'Stealing Jake' - just released in paperback, and new novella The Lumberjack's Bride, included in 'The 12 Brides of Summer' (Novella Collection #3) on eBook.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

'LIFETIME INVESTMENT', author MYRA JOHNSON - 5 stars

It is July 1929, newly-weds Lily and Adam Longmont are beseeched to move from Hot Springs, Arkansas to Agua Viva, Texas - after the death of Adam's uncle Richard. His aunt Stella is in danger of losing her working cattle ranch, supposedly from poor financial management, it is felt Adam can turn things around in a matter of months. Adam, who has lived his entire life in the city, and Lily, a college graduate with a shiny black Ford Runabout, milky complexion and delicate hands - are in for a rude awakening when they arrive, by train, in this desolate area just miles from the U.S./Mexico border. They are met by a brusque, cynical, gaunt aunt and driven in a buckboard to a ranch house without electricity, phone, or indoor toilet - and no car. Lily handles household duties, in order to free aunt Stella and Adam to handle ranch business; both Lily and Adam find themselves faced with continuous exhaustion and their marriage being torn apart from the strain.

The 1929 stock market crash and resulting Great Depression only add to the problems of disappearing cattle and other serious tragedies. Opinionated, stubborn Lily - and Adam, with his feelings of obligation to family, must learn to survive difficult circumstances through trust, cooperation, and communication - not only with each other, but through prayer and faith in God. 'Life Investment' is a touching, heart-warming romance which offers insight to a difficult era and setting. I loved this wonderful story by Myra Johnson, and highly recommend it!

Myra Johnson's 'The Sweetest Rain', Flowers of Eden - Book 1 (Franciscan Media) releases Sept. 18th; her (Love Inspired) 'Rancher for the Holidays' releases Oct. 20th.

 ~  ~  ~   ~  ~  ~  ~

You can find WITH THIS SPARK - Christian Historical Romance for purchase at Amazon!

GIVEAWAY: OWG wishes to thank Pam Hillman, Myra Johnson, Ruth LoganHerne, and Mary Connealy for their generous contribution of 1 copy, each, of the 'With This Spark' eBook as giveaways for FOUR blessed commentators! Please leave a comment on Bonnie's reviews, as well as on Noela's - and you'll gain 2 entries in the drawing! (Please leave your e-mail if we don't know you.) 

Noela reviews WITH THIS SPARK - CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE by Four award-winning authors!

With This Spark

With This Spark – Christian Historical Romance

By Four Award-winning historical authors

By Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, MyraJohnson

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Texas Tea by Mary Connealy

“Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.” Those words make me grin as they conjure up images of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. But when Libby Cooper thinks of Texas tea… well, it just makes her mad! In Sour Springs, Texas, 1895, the beautiful thirty-something local teacher is living with her Ma and Pa on their large ranch. And none of them are interested in making money from the oil seep on a far reach of their property. Least of all Libby! In her opinion, those in the oil business are rough, ruthless, and unscrupulous varmints. So when her old childhood friend Luke Reeves comes back into her life and sparks explode between them, she’s mightily disappointed to discover he’s come looking for oil on their land. Libby’s past was embroiled with a couple of the most despicable men, one being a conniving, greedy oilman. How can Luke show her that he’s different and has her family’s interests at heart? And can he keep them all safe from the real scoundrels seeking to get rich on the Cooper’s oil?

With the customary finesse of author Mary Connealy’s pen, she had me flipping through the pages, devouring this delightfully spirited and romantic story with laugh out loud humor! Making this story extra special are revisits with characters from other books of Mary’s, providing some tempting bait to those who may not have read about them! A wonderful novella!!

*Don't miss Mary Connealy's fabulous 'Now and Forever' (Wild at Heart, Book #2) which was released June 2, 2015. Coming up Oct 26, 2015 is Book #3 of the Wild at Heart series, 'Fire and Ice'.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The Pastor Takes a Wife by Ruth Logan Herne

Macy Evers is about to embark on a new life by becoming seamstress Hattie MacGillicuddy’s assistant in the aptly named town of Second Chance. Before she takes that first step through the shop door, Macy manages to knock the local pastor Will Barber down the couple of steps from the boardwalk and into the dusty street below! As the weeks pass, Macy manages to cause him to fall again… but this time it was his heart that tumbled for Macy. Although it is her long-held dream to be someone’s cherished wife, Macy’s secrets that accompanied her to Second Chance, results in her not only feeling completely undeserving and shameful, but also fiercely protective of those secrets. Can this woman who desperately needs a new beginning, find her second chance at life? Or will her massive deception crush all chances of happiness?

This engaging and uplifting story wrapped itself around my heart, touching me deeply with its powerful message of using God’s Word for guidance and the inspiring themes of forgiveness and trusting God. The ever so charming and likable personalities enriched the story all the more. And the tender love between the characters… made me realize afresh why I adore reading romances! Just perfect. Thank you Ruth!!

*Check out Ruth Logan Herne's fantastic 'Healing the Lawman's Heart', released on May 19, 2015.

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 *** I have read all four of these incredible stories and can highly recommend this collection! Here I’m just reviewing the first two novella’s in the book, and on Thursday, Bonnie Roof will review the following novella’s by Pam Hillman and Myra Johnson. ***

You can find this amazing book on Kindle for purchase at Amazon!

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GIVEAWAYS: We have FOUR Giveaways this week as each one of these four wonderful authors are giving away a copy of 'With This Spark'!! Leave a comment (and your e-mail if we don't know you) to enter!