Rodeo Rescue by Teri Wilson

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Inspirational Romance
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Blurb: With the ink still dry on her new veterinary license, Rodeo Queen Ruth Davis returns to Angel Springs as the new town vet. It seems her plans to save the world as a veterinary missionary are on hold. But, when her first patient arrives in the arms of battered rodeo man, Dodge Atwell, she realizes God has bigger plans than she ever dreamed possible.

The last thing Dodge wants, or needs, in his life is Ruth. Her annoying habit of quoting Scripture only serves to remind him that she’s everything he’s not—Pure, innocent, good.

When Dodge returns to her clinic, with yet another rescued dog, Ruth cannot help but become fascinated with the man and his scars—the physical ones there for the world to see, as well as spiritual ones she senses lurking beneath the surface.

Could the reluctant animal savior be the hero she’s been waiting for all her life?

Review: I am going to sound like a broken record but I just can't help it. Ms Wilson has done it AGAIN!!!!

Ms Wilson is a totally ROCKING author whose talent astounds me. She has the ability to pull you in as a reader and make you PART of the story. As this is a story in a series and I have read the first I have to say that I FEEL like I am part of this town and all the characters. The emotion is strong and the events are real. I LOVE the way Ms Wilson just lets it all flow in such a magical way. It came as no surprise to me how much I loved this story as there has been NOTHING of Ms Wilsons that I have read so far that has not just blown me away. I am looking forward to reading her work for years to come.

Only in Novels by Laura Briggs

Story: 7.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 16.5
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Contemporary Inspirational
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Blurb:When a simple mistake lands bookstore owner Lannie Maxwell with the wrong author for her book signing, she wonders if her tiny business is destined to fail. Instead of Ms. Modern Homemaker-an author sure to multiply the bookstore's gross revenue-Lannie finds herself stuck with D.E. Hensen, an unorthodox and infuriating adventure novelist. The dashing D.E. is determined to help Lannie rescue her struggling business, but his outlandish ideas threaten to turn her world upside down. Can the two put aside their differences to save the store-and find their own version of happily-ever-after?
Review: This was a cute little story. The emotion that she felt about her bookstore literally jumped of the pages at me from the beginning. While I thought there were some…silly ideas :) suggested by the hero, I think the author did a really good job making it all work. In the end I was pleased with the journey I made.

The inspirational aspect of the story was not over the top, but a pretty steady influence throughout. All in all it was a story that had likeable characters, a cute plot and story line and a good conflict that I found to be believable.

Good job Ms Briggs :)

In His Sight by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Story: 6
Presentation: 8
Total: 14
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Inspirational
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Blurb: Grade school teacher Carson Alexander has a gift—a gift that has driven a wedge between him and his family. Worse, it’s put him at odds with God. Feeling alone and misunderstood, Carson views God’s gift of prophecy as the worst kind of curse…that is until he meets Lorelei Conner, landscape artist extraordinaire, and perhaps the one person who may need Carson and his gift more than anyone ever has.


Lorelei Connor is a mother on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has followed her all over the country trying to steal their daughter. Distrusting of men and needing to keep on the move, she’s surprised by her desire to remain close to Carson Alexander. Through her fear and hesitation, she must learn to rely on God to guide her—not an easy task when He’s prompting her to trust a man.

Can their relationship withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon?

Review: While fraught with inspiration and the Lord, the plot seemed to be weighed down at times by scenes that just didn’t seem to move the story forward at all.

I enjoyed the characters for the most part. I think the light paranormal element could have shined a bit more giving me, the reader, a better look at it rather than just a passing glance. While it was discussed, the actual “feelings” seemed rather vague and gone before I knew it.

All in all it was a story that I think had really good potential but I felt like I read a first draft rather than a final product.

Susan's 4th of July Fireworks by Kara Lynn Russell

Story: 6
Presentation: 9
Total: 15
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Sweet Contemporary
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Blurb: Pansy and Misty matched a lot of couples in Orchard Hill but not everyone needs their help.

Cal Wensloff has moved back home to Orchard Hill and Susan Schmidt discovers that the crush she had on him in high school is alive and well. The amazing part is that Cal seems to be interested in her, too. But when her father forbids her to see him, and a rival sets her sights on Cal, Susan has to make some hard choices. The 4th of July is coming up and she's agreed to play Snow White in the annual parade. Will Cal be her Prince Charming, or will Susan end up alone again?

One way or the other, there'll be fireworks in Orchard Hill this 4th of July.

Review: While I really liked the premise for this story, I have to say that for me it just didn't come together. Susan at times comes across as petty and a bit mean. Her character felt very juvinille and I just couldn't relate.

HOWEVER...the authors ability to paint a vivid, tactile image was wonderful. I could see, smell and hear every detail in this story. and did you check out that cover? WOW!!! Very nice :)

Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson

Story: 10

Presentation: 10

Total: 20

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Contemporary Inspirational

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Blurb: A Former Rodeo Queen

Josie Turner spends her days at the local dog grooming shop pampering the pooches of Angel Springs, Texas. When rodeo season rolls around again, the townfolk are excited about who their new Rodeo Queen might be. Josie, on the other hand, finds herself reminded all too often about a night she’d just as soon forget.

A Former Rodeo Cowboy

Luke Anderson lived for three things – riding, roping and rodeos. Until the day he met Josie Turner, the girl who gave his life meaning, and whose heart he was destined to break. Now, ten years later, he returns to Angel Springs to find the town hasn’t changed much, but the girl he left behind has become a stranger he hardly recognizes. What, he wonders, will she think of him, and the man he’s become?

A Rodeo Weekend

Determined to break through the wall Josie has erected around her heart, Luke must face his demons while at the same time helping Josie overcome hers. With the whole town cheering them on, can Luke mend Josie’s heart and can one rodeo weekend help them both find redemption?

Review: Have you looked at the SR scoring page? If you haven't then now is a good time.
 
TOTAL PERFECTION!!!!!  I don't hide the fact that I am a huge Teri Wilson fan. I have read EVERYTHING she has written. Loved everything she has written. Have print copies on my bookshelf :) BUT Rodeo Redemption ROCKED!!!
 
Perhaps it was the fact that this award winning author brought together cowboys, rodeo, God, love and animals and wrapped them into a fantastic story. Or maybe it was the fact that she wrote it so well that I was unable to stop reading once I opened the PDF. It could have been that she pens such real-to-life characters that I immediately felt like I knew them. Who cares. All that matters is that Ms Wilson has done it yet again :)
 
It is no wonder this author made it on the Seriously Unforgettable list or that her fans adore her. She is unforgettable and pens stories that are warm, emotional, witty works of art :) Not only for the eyes but also for the heart and soul.
 
**SNAPS** Ms Wilson. I can't wait to get my hands on your next work :)

Faith by Merry Stahel

Story: 9.5

Presentation: 9.5

Total: 19

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Inspirational Romance

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Blurb: Afraid of losing the only person left who loves her, Faith follows her widowed mother-in-law to a new home. But God has plans for Faith...plans that include a new love, hope, and a future. Can Faith open her bruised and hurting heart to allow a loving God and a loving man back in?

Review: Every so often I get the pleasure of reviewing a story that is so powerful, so well written and so wonderful that I am in awe when it is over. This is one of those.

With emotion so powerful and raw that it left me gasping. I was able to connect, to feel, to experience this passionate tale of love, moving on and taking another chance on happiness and love. Ahhh. Yes Ms Stahel has done a wonderful job and I have full intents on see her name on may more stories on my computer screen for a long time to come.

Snow Angels by Wendy Davy

Story: 8

Presentation: 9

Total: 17

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Sweet Inspirational

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Blurb: A blizzard brings them together…
A twist of fate threatens to tear them apart.

Seeking her father’s approval, ski patrol candidate, Isabelle Rollins, will stop at nothing to secure her place among the highly respected patrollers at Snowcap Resort, even if it means risking her life. When she becomes lost in a blizzard, she fights her way to the doorstep of a handsome stranger, only to discover he is the one man who can stand in the way of her dream.

Seeking refuge from his tragic past, Ski Patrol Director, Mitchell Donovan, prays his new environment will help his daughter heal and overcome her persistent nightmares. When a stranded woman shows up on his doorstep desperate to survive a raging blizzard, he brings her in from the cold and into his life, only to discover she's the one woman he has no business falling for.

Review: Be warned, this one will pull at your heart strings :)

OY! What a great story!!! I couldn't get enough of the characters, the plot, the...well, everything! Ms Davy has done a fab job of pulling me in and keeping me hooked with a tale of a woman who is desperate for her fathers approval and a mans journey to start a new life for himself and his little girl.

Set in a quaint ski town, these three are thrown together and discover that sometimes the path to healing isn't what you expected :) It's better.

Hearts Crossing by Marianne Evans

Story: 7.5

Presentation: 9

Total: 16.5

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Christian Romance

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Blurb: Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church of Christ, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss.

Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God and the community of Woodland. But lately she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm.

A beautification project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists—but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better.

Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger.

Can Daveny trust in Collin’s fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?

Review: Touching. That is one word that can describe this story and just about sum it up.

I love an Inspy or Christian romance that has a good story, wonderful characters and at the end can make you smile because of all the warm fuzzies swimming around in your tummy. What better way to spend some time than letting yourself be swept away in the romance and with a healthy dose of faith this one covers all aspects.

Good job :) I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future.

Southern Comfort by Theresa Lynn Hall

Story: 8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Christian Inspirational
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Blurb: Beth McDonald has a secret—a secret that is costing a lot of people their lives. With no where to turn, she leaves her dream job in the city and heads for a small town in Texas to a place where no one will find her. Tired of running, she turns to the sheriff for help and soon finds herself fighting for more than just her life. Sheriff Clint Fisher has his life just where he wants it—peaceful and happy. But when the beautiful D.A. walks into his office, his world is turned upside down. The confident sheriff is pretty sure he can keep her alive…but can he keep her forever?

Review: Faith filled, fast paced with a bit of suspense :)

Ms Hall has penned an interesting story that hits the heart of renewing faith when things get down. Complications throw these two together and sparks fly. The faith filled sheriff renews Beth's belief in Him and what the power of worship can do for a person.

I can't wait to see what this author has coming next :)

Prodigal by Robin Bayne

Story: 7.5

Presentation: 9

Total: 16.5

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Christian Inspirational

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Blurb: Daniel Gardner is making a grand entrance at his brother’s wedding. The problem is, no one has seen him in years. Unsure of his welcome, this prodigal son needs the years and the hearts of his family to miraculously melt…but he may not be the only one needing to make amends. Lane Taylor doesn’t realize how much she still loves Daniel until she’s standing face-to-face with him after so many years apart. Once upon a time, they’d dreamed of a life together. Now, when it seems they might get a second chance, she has to decide whether to divulge the secret she’s sure will shatter their happily-ever-after.

Review: I have to say that this one really made me stop and think. When Lane tells her secret, Daniel's reaction at first really isn't what any woman wants to hear. HOWEVER... everything works itself out for a good ending.

With good characters and solid story, this one is one that delivers a message about discovering what you really want in life and taking stock of what you have. What is important to you and your future and what are you willing to do to get it?

Ms Bayne has done a good job of delivering a faith filled love story that will make you think. Good Job!

Johnny B. Goode for Christmas by Kimberlee R. Mendoza

Story: 9.5

Presentation: 9

Total: 18.5

Publisher: White Rose Press

Sweet Holiday

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Blurb: Emma has returned to her high school to teach art and literature. Despite painful memories close to a "Carrie" experience, she agrees to chaperone the school Christmas dance.
She is barely holding it together, and then it gets worse. Johnny B. Goode, the jerk from high school who caused her so much pain, has just been hired as the new P.E. coach. It is hard enough to return to the scene of the crime, but to have to look at the cause of all her adolescence angst is too much. Though Emma makes sure Johnny knows she wants nothing to do with him, he isn't easily deterred.
Can Johnny be good this Christmas, or will Emma experience the same heartache again?

Review: Have you ever read a book that just tugs at every emotion you have and then some? Let me just say that this was one that twisted me up and spit me out.....in a good way!

I LOVED every thing about this story! Not one thing wrong with it other than it ended!!!! I didn't want it to. I wanted to keep reading but alas, I realize the story had to end sometime, I am just thrilled that Ms Mendoza allowed me to come along on the journey :)

*SNAPS* on a job superbly done!!!!

I just can't say enough good stuff but I know if I don't stop this review right now I will talk myself into re-reading it.....for the third time :)

Cup of Joe by Teri Wilson

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Contemporary Inspirational
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Blurb: Goldie thinks she's prepared for the death of her doting Grandpa who's raised her since childhood. But after his passing, she finds herself curled up on the sofa watching television, feet clad in fuzzy slippers. She knows God has a new plan for her life, but she's simply too tired to figure out what it is. To make matters worse, sweet, shy coffee shop owner, Joe Montgomery, keeps showing up on her doorstep with morning coffee. When she tells him emphatically that she doesn't like coffee—never has and never will—he shows up with a dog instead! As she takes steps to start a new life, with her new puppy scampering playfully at her side, Goldie begins to realize a cup of Joe just might be what she's needed all along.

Review: What a great feel good love story! Ms Wilson does such a great job creating her stories, her characters always have wonderful depth, the animals are super nifty and the Lord is always there :) lending a helping hand, guiding those who seek him and showing those who ask the wonder of His way.

This heartwarming inspirational is filled with laughs, love and friendships that really open your eyes and take you to new heights. The death of a loved one is a challenge and can be devastating, this tender tale takes us for a ride along one couples discovery that sometimes death opens more doors than it closes.

It is easy to see why this story won a prize in the SARA Merritt contest this year! *SNAPS* Ms Wilson on such an endearing, truly inspiring love story :)

Snow Kissed by Cindy K Green

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Contemporary Inspirational
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Blurb: Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he'd stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, is leaving town forever. The question is, why didn't she tell him and why today, of all days, does he realize she might be more than a friend?Holly can no longer stay in town knowing the man she loves only sees her as a friend. It's time to move on. Besides, she has other career prospects.As the carnival unfolds, watch God work in amazing ways. Can He change Holly's mind and make her stay? Can He help Logan see beyond the friendship?Only time can tell.

Review: This is the operfect example of a story that is better the second time around. If you are a follower of my reviews, you know what a sucker I am for a "friends to lovers" story and this one is a great one :)

A super sweet tale of a gruff mechanic and the woman he doesn't want to live without.An emotion pulling tale that gives a feel good sensation that will be renewed everytime you think about the story after you are done with it.

*SNAPS* Ms Green on a tale that just keeps me coming back again and again and again :)

Keeper of My Heart by Therese M. Travis

Story: 8

Presentation: 9

Total: 17

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Vintage Historical Inspirational

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Blurb: A bitter heiress refuses to trust man or God...until a faithful veterinarian challenges her beliefs. Determined to keep her heart safe from betrayal, Rebecca denies both God and the man who calls to her, certain his love can never be true enough to bring her back to her faith and a future with him. Adam is equally entranced, but Rebecca's denial of faith proves a deterrent to pursuing a relationship with her. But now that Rebecca has taken a job in Adam's animal clinic, an attraction that neither one believes can work begins to grow.

Review: A captivating read with characters that really come to life. A time or two I wanted to reach into the book and shake Rebecca for her lack of faith and her blame towards God for the man who broke her heart. I wanted to sit her down and tell her It's not His fault that guy was a jerk! But I also realize there are times when people blame the Lord for things they shouldn't.

Enter Adam. a sweet interesting vet who is trying to find a place to call home and start a new practice. He was such a sweety that I had tears in my eyes more than once.

A well writen story that deserves *SNAPS* Here's to Ms Travis on a job well done :)

Child of My Heart by Merry Stahel

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Contemporary Inspirational
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Blurb: Hannah didn’t expect to be raising her mother’s surrogate child. But Baby Seth’s parents also died, and he has no one else...Until Uncle Aaron shows up, demanding that Hannah give up her half-brother to his family, since genetically, Seth is their son.Can the love of one tiny baby unite two families?

Review: LOVED IT!!! This is one of those little numbers that you read and when you get to the end you just want to start all over again. Without a doubt this is one of the best books I have read in awhile.

Though I felt I was reading a Sweet contemporary and not really an inspirational, I fell in love with the characters, the plot, the smart quirky way Hannah puts Aaron in his place when he comes to talk about baby Seth, and the resolution left me feeling good all over. A total winner ;)

Love's Sweet Attack by Loree Lough

Story: 6
Presentation: 7
Total: 13
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Inspirational Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: When karate expert, Paige Anderson, meets ex-football star, Dean Porter, people fall head over heels--literally!
Despite very different backgrounds, it's quickly obvious they have much in common. But will the dark secret that caused her to turn from God also keep her from Dean? Or will he help her accept that the Almighty loves her as much as he does--all in time for both of them to score the goal of a lifetime?

Review: Eh.....I really liked the premise of the story, but I had some issues with it. There were some editing issues that I think should have been caught. The fist time he comes over for dinner before he gets there she changes clothes and puts on shoes. Then after he gets there she closes the fridge with her mysteriously bare foot......THE MYSTERY OF THE DISAPPEARING SHOE!

All in all I liked both of the main characters but I felt the story was weighed down with some scenes that I felt had no major part in the story and the book would have been fine without them. I had a bit of a hard time believing that the heroine would have gotten so bent out of shape during the black moment. But that's just me.

I felt that God came a little late into the story as His first mention wasn't until page 22 then not again until page 51 and then has 13 appearances. I just felt for an Inspy there could have been more about the Lord and his part in the relationship and the lives of the characters before the last 25 pages.

I certainly plan to read more by this author as I feel she has great promise.

Smuggler of the Heart by JoAnn Carter

Story: 8

Presentation: 9

Total: 17

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Inspirational Romance

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Blurb: Disheartened and tired, Samantha Warren returns to Vermont during the winter break. Her passion for history rekindles after finding an old smuggler’s chest hidden in her grandparents' attic. Will she be able to return to New Jersey without her heart being smuggled like the chest once was? Or is it already too late?



Review: Have you ever read an Inspy that touched you so, that it left goose bumps and a warm soft feeling in your chest? This is one of the few that made me feel that way. The way the author expressed the heroines feeling's in her prayers to God left me with a wonderful ache.

This short story is just enough, at 37 pages, to whet your appetite and give you warm fuzzies about the relationship with the Lord and His place in your life and heart.

For me the romance, while there, took second place to Sam's search for a renewed faith. Not a Happily Ever After, but a Happy with the Promise for the Future, it was enough and I still felt the story itself was a worthwhile read. Thank you to Ms Carter, a good Inspy is hard to find sometimes and yours qualifies :)