Tuesday, February 28, 2017

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille


My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla’s Reveille (My Heart Belongs)
by Erica Vetsch



What a wonderful story that not only keeps your attention but you become so invested in it that you forget what time it is. I almost read this in one setting and sure didn’t want to put it down. The author pulls on your heartstrings from the delightful children who have just lost their parents to the aunt and uncle who both want to raise them. The author fills the pages with danger, Indians, death, wonderful characters you will just love and one you will not be too crazy about. There is always one in the group that is a sour face that takes the fun out of everything. This is a wonderful fun, sorrow, bright, clean and a very surprising delightful read that really keeps the reader invested not only in the story but the characters.

 Fort Bliss is along the San Antonio-El Paso Trail in Texas Priscilla finds no bliss in this small fort where she finds her niece and nephew running wild with little or no adult supervision.  Being the only living relative she is planning on taking the children home with her to rise.  This starts off pretty fast when something happens to put her face to face with the doctor of the fort neither are but aren’t impressed with the other. When Priscilla finds out the doctor is the children’s uncle she finds she has a fight on her hands with a man that brings back so many bad memories for her younger days who isn’t willing to give the children up.

When an accident happens and the doctor is called in he finds the women who caused it all and shakes his head. This woman is prissy and won’t last one week in the hot sun of Texas. When he finds out she is the children’s aunt and is planning on taking the children home with her doesn’t change his opinion of her in the least if anything it makes it worse. One thing is for sure over his dead body will she be taking those children anywhere.

What you find between these pages is a story that is well written with an author who has done her research with a gripping tale that will hold you spellbound as she takes you on an adventure through dangerous territory with Indians that are friendly and some that are not.  This is a story with Christian values that is a fun read full of humor, sorrow, danger, love, excitement and even a few thrills. I very much doubt you can pick this book up and put it down easy.  The characters are people who you can relate to with a plot that is very exciting.  I found myself laughing and at times holding my breath from the vivid details that pull you in making you feel you are there watching the military go through the drills or out on the plains seeing travels through dangerous Indian territory.

Priscilla and Elliot are very strong in body, mind and wills, neither is willing to give an inch. There is a very strong attraction between the two but Pricilla will never marry a military man and Elliot doesn’t think she is strong enough to fit into his world. Both are in for a few surprises as they take each other by storm in this very stormy romance. I just love the twins that keep the story moving as they keep everyone on their toes. They are just a delightful children both so different but still the same. You will find some very dearing moments, some very emotional ones and a few that will almost stop your heart beating. I did find myself doing a little research on a few things I wanted to know more about. The authors research is outstanding she pulls you in with facts that blend well with her plot. I really liked how the romance unfolds slow and steady as the author grabs you right where it counts taking you away to another time in history that you would dearly have loved to have been a part of.  The author knows how to pull on your religious beliefs without making the story over powering. Even those who might not care for clean Christian story will find this to be to their taste. This is one author you will want to get to know. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a highly entertaining read that grabs your attention to pick this up. I have picked this as one of my favorite reads for this year.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."



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Summary

Journey now to Fort Bliss in West Texas of 1874, where...
A Battle Is About to be Waged Between Two Hearts.

 
Fashion artist Priscilla Hutchens has a grudge against the army that has ruined her family and taken the people she holds most dear. When her twin niece and nephew are left orphaned at Fort Bliss, Texas, she swoops down on Fort Bliss to gain custody of them immediately.

There is just one thing standing in the way—Post surgeon Major Elliot Ryder, who is also the twins uncle, also claims the children and thinks he knows what is best for them.

Priscilla and Elliot will cross swords, but each will have to lay down arms if they are to find a lasting peace on which to form the family both are longing for.  Who will win the battle? Or will a truce be called for the sake of love and family?

More from My Heart Belongs in Series...
My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmella's Quandary by Susan Page Davis (March 2017)
My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca's Plight by Susanne Dietze (May 2017)
My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels (July 2017)
My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar (September 2017)

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Shopping for a CEO's Fiancee


Shopping for a CEO's Fiancee

Written by: Julia Kent
Narrated by: Sebastian York
Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-19-16
Publisher: Prosaic Press 



Oh my lord it has been a long time since I laughed so hard from the first page to the last. I can’t think of anything worse than waking up with 4 people in the room naked with wedding bands on and not know who, what or even if you are married. Even though they can’t seem to remember what happened last night others can remember very well, they even have video of each of their down fall. After the mess they have made of it I doubt they will be doing any drinking anytime soon.

Andrew is alpha all the way not knowing what he wants until he finds out he might not have it. Then goes overboard doing his best to keep it in this case it is Amanda as his wife who may or may not be his wife. It doesn’t help when the families add more fuel to the fire which adds some delightful fun to the read. I can’t think of anything more embarrassing then the whole family seeing you they way these couples are found the morning after. It is a story that sticks with you and keeps going through your mind all throughout the day making you laugh for no reason.  My employees were just about ready to lock me up in the fun farm until I shared part of the story with them. I know a few of them have also since read and enjoyed this book.

It is nice to see the male lead the role on the chase almost on bended knees. Let’s not forget Amanda and the role she plays from the orange mess on her body to her love of cats keeps the reader very entertained.  There is a lot of confusion between these two people as well as friends and family having a blast with the facts. Throw in two gay men who they may or may not be married to any of them and you have a free for all. I can’t remember the name of the one but he sure got his digs in on Andrew. Which left Andrew saying HELL TO THE NO I might not remember but I sure as Hell didn’t marry that.  The guy just couldn’t let up at every turn he throws it back in Andrews face just what they might or might not have done.

Once we find out who is or isn’t married to whom or what there is still more humor as Andrew back peddles giving Amanda what HE THINKS she wants. Which is the norm for men he got it all wrong, with the hoops he jumps through there isn’t any doubt he is in love way over his head? Only a man in love could make such a fool of his self.

Mr. York narration is outstanding really bring the story to life. He puts so much emotion making you believe every word that is written. His insight to the character roles are wonderful as well as his performance. His male and female voices are a delight you always know who is talking and just what they are feeling. There are no background noises or any place where the volume changes from one chapter to the next. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. His character voice for Andrew is just what I thought it should be, powerful, lost and at times angry making you feels everything he does.  He hits each emotion with the right tone from excitement to horror of the unknown. This is all done in a very natural way that pulls the listener in and making this a very believable read. I had no trouble at all picturing each scene unfolds just the way the author wanted it to be. Mr. York has a very pleasant voice that brings so much hooking the listener from the first page to the last. I didn’t want to put it down and found things to do so I could listen longer.  I am so looking forward to listening to more of his work.

The author knows what it takes to bring laughter to her readers giving them a highly entertaining read that keeps them invest throughout the story. I loved the writing style it is always a pleasure when you pick up a book from a new author and getting a wonderful delightful read that really makes you laugh. This was well written you can tell the author put a lot of thought in to it. NOTE: If you are looking for a clean sweet read you won’t find it here. What the author does deliver is some very hot passionate scenes that really turn the heat up. You have to remember this is from a male’s point of view which means most of them think about and can’t get enough action. You get a wonderful plot that is believable with romance that is a little over the top. Add it all together it is an outstanding read/listen that I plan on reading again. I totally loved it.

"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator." Questions: Julia@JKentAuthor.com

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Summary
We skipped right over the whole fiancée thing and went straight from girlfriend to wife. At least, I think that's what happened. I woke up after my brother's Vegas wedding reception with my luscious girlfriend in bed with me. We're both wearing wedding rings.
So is her coworker, Josh.
And our Vegas chauffeur, Geordi.
Who the hell am I married to?
Unraveling this mystery will be as difficult as figuring out why Amanda and I are having panic attacks over the thought of being husband and wife.
It's true that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, with one exception:
If she's my wife, we'll make it work.
If she's not? I'll make it happen.
Get the ninth book in Julia Kent's New York Times best-selling romantic comedy series as Andrew and Amanda sort out their wild Vegas night...and the rest of their lives.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Gunman's Reckoning


Gunman's Reckoning

Written by: Max Brand
Narrated by: Al Kessel
Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-27-16
Publisher: Jimcin Recordings



What a delightful listen from a very talented narrator. The author has lived out his time in book he wrote long ago. It is really a shame this author die as a war correspondent in Italy in 1944 at the age of 51. He was a very talented author with a lot of stories published. This was one of his best that is very entertaining with characters that are down on their luck trying to make a buck. The author gives vivid details that you have no trouble picturing in your mind add the narrator and you have one heck of a listen. I had a little trouble getting into this but once I was I couldn’t wait to see what happened.

Mr. Kessel adds so much to this story with his very talented voice giving me a story I really got hooked on. His character voice fit each character to a T pulling the listener in making them believe it is real. I had no trouble at all picturing each scene with vivid detail in my mind. Mr. Kessel characters are wonderful he gives them such emotion from chuckling when the character does to anger when mad and sad when heartbroken. His male voices are just as good as his female ones. There was no background noise, not a place where the volume was higher or lower than anywhere else in the audio, if any breaks were taken I could not tell. He gives you a clear, clean and crisp listen that hooks you almost from the start. His performance is outstanding he knows how to deliver a wonderful audio.  I really feel like I would enjoy the audio over the book it feel more alive more real. When you get to the part about the housekeeper you just get a creepy feeling just as the author plans you to the narrator really carries it out giving you a compelling listen I could not put down.

The story is based on lies, adventure, excitement, love, mystery, forgotten love, old love, new love that twists it way into your heart. At times I felt sorry for Donnegan and other times I thought he got what he deserved. No matter what he always put the colonel’s daughter first. Her happiness over his even in danger she always comes first. It is hard not to like a man like that. I am not sure just what I think of the Colonel he is so wishy washy at times you cannot really get a handle on him. You think you know him and he changes right before your eyes. He is a very wise man but I do think more of a BS than most which makes him in dearing at times.


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Summary
Frederick Schiller Faust was a prolific writer who wrote under a number of pseudonyms. One of these was Max Brand. Gunman's Reckoning is the story of a drifter who is given the job of righting a great wrong. In the midst of carrying out his task, he finds out that he was not told the entire truth. He continues anyway, because in doing the job, he has stumbled on the answer to a long quest of his own. This book is a western romance that has a bit of everything: love, mystery, lies, action and humor. It's a must listen for all those who love westerns.

A gunman agrees to do a rich man’s dirty work in this classic Western from one of the genre’s early masters

Donnegan is not proud of his past. But when words ran dry and matters could only be settled with a gun, he never hesitated to make things right. Now fate has led him to The Corner, a wide-open gold-mining town in the valley where two rivers join. An invalid by the name of Colonel Macon wants Donnegan to settle a long-standing land claim that’s been taken over by outlaws. Charmed by the colonel’s beautiful daughter, the gunman agrees. But nothing is as it seems in The Corner, where the line separating good from evil is so badly blurred it might not be there at all.

A contemporary of Zane Grey and a major influence on Louis L’Amour, Max Brand was a true master of the Western. Gunman’s Reckoning is a fine example of the moral complexity, fluid prose, and nonstop action that defines the best of his wor


The Mormon Marshal


The Mormon Marshal

Written by: Jack R. Stanley
Narrated by: Ben Tyler
Length: 2 hrs and 47 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-28-16
Publisher: Jack R. Stanley 




This was a highly entertaining read from the first page to the last base on western life and one man’s faith how he will bring justice and stay true to it. I really love everything about this story it is full of excitement, adventure, danger, justice as well as compassion.

Mr. Tyler’s does an outstanding job making this audio very realistic with voices and tones that fit the part of the Wild West.  There are no repeats of wording, no changing of volume and no background noise just a smooth clear and clean listen that really pulls you in. His males voices are just as wonderful as his females one. You always know who is talking and what emotion they are feeling. You can really hear the laughter, sorrow in his voice making this more of a movie that really pulls you in. He has a voice that I had no trouble listening to and fit the character. I was so pulled into this story I didn’t want it to end. The narrator puts true emotion into this audio giving you a very entertaining listen. I had no trouble picturing the scenes as they unfolded, I almost felt like I was there seeing it live.  I have not listened to anything by this narrator. I am really looking forward to checking out more of his work.

The author puts a lot into small time frame with no fillers just fact that gives the readers everything they need to know. I never felt anything was missing or lost every word gave meaning to a delightful story. You are given such vivid details you have no trouble picturing the scenes the author as put together. The only thing I could complain about is it wasn’t long enough. I really got into this story and loved the characters. From my understanding of the Mormon faith the author was true to it, giving the reader a little more understanding. There were times I held my breath thinking this can’t be good as my heart started beating double time. I really was taken back in time being held on the edge of my seat waiting to see just how justice would be found. I haven’t read anything by this author and found him to be a delightful. I love his writing style. He has a way of pulling the read in from the first page until the end. I am really looking forward to reading more of his work from this very talent author.


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Summary
Joshua Guymon is a small town sheriff in the mostly Mormon Star Valley of Wyoming Territory. This is back in the days when to be Mormon was to be an outsider in the American West. His younger prodigal brother seems to have settled down from his wild ways and married. Joshua goes to meet his brother's bride and see how the newlyweds are doing on a ranch in the southern part of the territory. But trouble has a way of finding Joshua, from a crooked gambler to a highwayman to an escaped prison killer. What starts out as a social visit to his brother becomes a western adventure and a decision between his faith and being a US deputy marshal.