A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2016
Genre: historical romance


My Review
Lydia King considered herself a good Christian, taking care of her dying mother, attending church faithfully, tithing, and volunteering through her local Moral Society. Until she meets the reclusive, handsome, and wealthy Nicholas Lowe. To prove to her future mother-in-law she's an asset to her intended's political career, Lydia takes on the task of begging money from the tight-fisted miser to aid the Moral Society's latest project. Lydia fails. No matter how many times she asks or which tactic she uses, Nicholas always answers no. 

Intrigued by her stubbornness and spunk, Nicholas decides to let Lydia dictate other ways he should help the less fortunate without granting her original request. Only there's a twist. Through disguises, late night meetings, and help from the wrong side of the tracks, Lydia discovers what serving God truly means. 

With unexpected twists, lovable characters, and a great faith message, I gave this book 4.5 stars!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

I Wish He Had Come With Instructions: The Woman's Guide To A Man's Brain by Mike Bechtle

WHAT IS HE REALLY THINKING?

When a woman begins a relationship with a man, she may think she's found her knight in shining armor. As the relationship continues, that armor can begin to feel like a barricade she just can't get past it. What's he hiding in there, anyway? 

Relationship and communication expert Mike Bechtle offers women an insider's guide to the puzzling male brain. Simple and practical, this book provides women with a roadmap for better conversations and improved relationships. Bechtle reminds readers that men and women share many similarities, and by embracing those similarities they can better deal with differences. He explains how men think, act, communicate, and grow in relationships, and even offers tips for communicating in a toxic relationship. 

Wives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters, friends, and coworkers will find real help within these pages.


Publisher: Revell, 2016
Genre: non-fiction, CLWI   Marriage   



My Review
This book piqued my interest for a few different reasons:

1. I've been married for fifteen years and I feel I'm no closer to understanding my husband's mind. We've learned to cope with each other's quirks and differences, but many times we still fail to understand the gap between Mars and Venus. :)

2. I write romance novels from both the hero and heroine's point of view, so the more I understand men the better my heroes will be.

3. I have three sons, two of which are teenagers. On a daily basis, I get frustrated with a lack of communication and all the testosterone (a.k.a. anger and competition) flying around the house. Needless to say, being the only woman around, I need help. :)

First of all, please know my reading material of choice is fiction, so non-fiction writing really has to capture my attention to keep me interested. Mike Bechtle succeeded. His style and tone was informative yet humorous, honest without apology, and very helpful. This book is NOT a set of instructions on how to change a man or how to fix a broken relationship. This book explains the male brain chemical makeup, how men perceive certain things, and how/why they react to various life scenarios.

I found this book helpful in my desire to better understand my husband, thus becoming a better wife. We've been married long enough now we've ceased bickering over certain things and have chalked it up to "things we'll never understand." While reading this book, I came across several things we used to argue over, and I'd wished I'd understood my husband's point of view back then. I wish this book would've been available years ago. :)

I recommend this book to newlyweds and anyone who desires to have a better relationship with their spouse and mothers of boys. I gave this book 5 stars!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Bees

I'm looking for influencers for my upcoming release How To Charm A Beekeeper's Heart, a contemporary romance from Pelican Book Group. If you're interested in a FREE digital copy of the novel, apply here. Details are in the application form. Space is limited.
https://goo.gl/forms/LKitarUuY4QrVZqU2


*Must apply by September 1, 2016

What Matters Most by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Just when she can't take it anymore, Leta finally catches a break.

But when things seem too good to be true, they often are.

Leta Breckenridge is forced to drop out of college to care for her dementia-ridden mother. After learning a severely delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta steps out of her comfort zone and lands a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her dream job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition machine--and that the research she's been collecting will be used against her new love interest, Nathan Emerson. 

Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He's already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician's wife, but he's never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty, challenging woman hold the key to his heart?

Publisher: Revell, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review

Leta Breckenridge is struggling to make ends meet between an underpaying job and delinquent payments to the facility that cares for her dementia-ridden mother. Then grace finds her in the most unexpected place in the form of a caring--and handsome--senator. When she receives an opportunity at her dream job, the wages and perks are her answer to prayer. But when her path continues to cross with the senator's, her attraction to him is tested, as well as her integrity. Leta must make a choice between the easy road to success and God's will. 

I gave this book 4 stars!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.