DARK DECEPTION by NANCY MEHL

Each one of the authors books get more intriguing and has more high octane action then the previous book.  I loved this one because the characters were very strong and kept me so involved in the story that I couldn't put it down. Kate has had a very hard road after her twin sister is murdered. To keep Kate safe she must go into witness protection. Can you imagine walking away from everything including family, friends and work ? How do you start over and not keep looking over your shoulder?

I liked the chemistry between Kate and Tony, the U. S. Marshall. Kate has some major trust issues which I completely understand. After all her world has been turned upside down. What is great about Tony is his faith. I loved how his faith kept him strong. The story centers around Kate having to come out of hiding to testify against the killer of her sister. The sheer terror of seeing this person would be enough for me to run as fast as possible. Kate shows great control knowing she has a chance to put this killer away. Oh my the chills ran up and down my arms the further I got into the book. The author is a master at telling a story with great detail and twists that leave shivers down your spine. Will Kate stay save until the trial? Can Tony get Kate to trust him? I am very happy to recommend this book because the author delivers a story that is of the caliber of a well written thrill ride and action packed  story that doesn't stop till the heart pounding ending.

I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion.

GLADDEN THE HEART by OLIVIA NEWPORT

After reading the book I decided that I wanted to truly understand what "Gladden the Heart " meant . So I grabbed a dictionary online and found it to mean "make the heart happy". I know it was pretty simple for most of you to figure out, but I wanted to check a resource for myself. The story is complicated in the sense that The Amish beliefs and The Methodist beliefs are quite different . The story is set in the 1800s where The Amish did not want their people exposed to the preachings of other demoninations. . I loved the history that the author provided in the two different beliefs in the story. It was fascinating to read how some if the characters loved The Methodist preaching which made their hear gladden.

I was a bit surprised at Noah who would go into trances and start preaching. It was intriguing to read the sermons he gave and how drawn Amish people were to him. Maybe it was curiosity or maybe it was hunger for more of God's word. The bishop was not happy at all and felt he needed to step in and stop whatever Noah was doing. Was he under a spell? Did God fill him with the Holy Spirit and give him the words to preach?

I did like Susanna and Adam's developing relationship but didn't feel like Adam was supporting Susanna with her Uncle Noah at times. It's funny how some people thought Noah was ill and needed prayer. It made me realize how we are like that today. What ever beliefs we have, we sometimes judge others beliefs. The story is very emotional at times but well written with scriptures that were very powerful.

I kept thinking of the story in the Bible about how Jesus would go out and preach and people would  mock him, laugh at him or throw stones at him. Noah must have felt the ones who doubted him and found their harsh words pierce his heart with rejection at times. I encourage readers to give this book a try with an open heart. I've seen some of the reviews and I know that not everyone liked the book. Is it perhaps  because  they judge a book because it doesn't line up to their beliefs? I applaud the author for writing a book that makes us think about what  people go through while spreading the Word.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing blogging program. The review is my own opinion.

THE HIDEAWAY by LAUREN K. DENTON

I'm not sure where to begin with this review. Well I think I must first say I'm still in awe of the authors beautiful writing. The story took me back to a time in my childhood when I was happy. I would visit my granddad on his farm every summer. He built the two story house himself and had the most gorgeous wrap around front porch. As I began to read this book I felt like "The Hideaway " was just like my granddad's house. The memories made there were priceless.

I loved reading about Mags and her spirit that was full of life. To read her story was like walking back in time with my grandmother. The house was always full of wonderful people who became family. Mags had a love for her home and when people came to stay they never wanted to leave. Oh my how the story flowed so smoothly from Mags to Sara.

Sara is shocked to find out that her grandmother has left her  home to her. I know it was hard for Sara to go back there but what she discovers there is more than just a house. As Sara decides to renovate the place she uncovers a secret about her grandmother that will change her life. There are wonderful characters that make the story emotional and heartwarming at the same time.

Will Sara be able to renovate the house and fulfill her grandmother's wish? What will Sara decide about her shop back at home? I loved how Sara was able to know her grandmother better as the story unfolded. The author has included discussion questions at the end which will make a great compliment to a book club. I highly recommend this book and encourage book clubs to put this on their list. If you aren't in a BookClub then grab the book , get comfy and allow the author to sweep you away to meet Mags at "The Hideaway."

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion