Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

IF GINNY REED IS STILL ALIVE--

WHO IS THE WOMAN BURIED IN HER GRAVE?

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.


Publisher: Revell, 2016
Cover Design: Kirk DouPonce, DogEaredDesign.com


My Review
Former pro-ice skater Christy Reed has finally started moving forward with her life again after losing her sister in a house fire and her parents in a car accident--all within a six month span. Then she receives an anonymous letter stating her sister is still alive. Christy contacts the FBI where Special Agent Lance McGregor is assigned to the case.

Lance's immediate attraction to Christy makes this case personal from the get-go. As they come to know each other, the unresolved issues in Lance's past begin to haunt him. If he can solve the case and keep Christy safe, perhaps their relationship can become more.

This plot is full of surprising twists and turns. I loved the instant sparks between Lance and Christy and the integrity of both characters. I recommend this book to romantic suspense fans and anyone who loves a good mystery. I give this book 5 stars!

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Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels. For more on Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

Can Love Redeem

A Broken Past?

Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family's ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she'll have her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He's glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn't possible when he can't get the young widow Shelby off his mind.

Welcome to Misty Willow, a place that will have as great a hold over the reader as it does over its inhabitants. With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and personal history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home--and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.

Publisher: Revell, 2016

Cover Design: Studio Gearbox

Cover Collage: Shutterstock

Author Photo: Jodie Westfall Photography

My Review

A beautiful novel that explores the meaning of home and the people we share it with.

Widow Shelby Kincaid returns to the family farm established by her ancestors to raise her two daughters in a place that holds so many wonderful memories for her. Upon her arrival, she meets AJ Sullivan, the man who inherited Misty Willow, who has finally agreed to a rent-to-own contract. Their families have been rivals for years, and Shelby can't wait to have the farm back in her family's possession. But as time passes, Shelby realizes AJ isn't like the rest of the Sullivan's and despite her attempts to shut him out, he slowly works his way into her heart. 

Full of twists, emotion, and lovable characters, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance, family sagas, and those who believe in the meaning of home. I give this book 4 stars!

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Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee. Learn more at www.johnnie-alexander.com.

With this Ring? Historical Romance Collection

Sometimes Love Is Found in

the Most Unexpected Places!

Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives.

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2016
Authors: Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears

Cover Design: Koechel Peterson & Associates, Inc./Gregory Rohm

My Review
I loved this historical romance collection of proposals gone awry. Four of my favorite Christian authors teamed up to provide four entertaining and realistic novellas that prove happily-ever-afters don't always play out the way we want them to. Full of conflict, unique set-ups, and the humor these authors are known for, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun, feel good romance with strong characters. I give this book 5 stars!

7-Layer Dip

Here's a simple and delicious go-to recipe, great for get-togethers and watching winter sports.

7-Layer Dip
Candice Sue Patterson

Ingredients
1 cup Mexican-style cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1- 16oz can of refried beans
2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and mashed
lime juice
Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 large onion, diced
6 tomatoes, diced
Salt


Make the pico de gallo by mixing tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze approximately 2 tbsp of lime juice over the mixture. Sprinkle with salt. Stir it all together and set aside.

Add the mashed avocado to a separate bowl.

In another bowl, mix the taco seasoning with the refried beans. Spread the bean mixture in a flat layer on a platter or deep dish. Spread on a layer of guacamole (mashed avocados), then a layer of sour cream. Sprinkle on the cheese. Spoon on the pico de gallo. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.

Feel free to play around with this recipe by adding more ingredients you love, like corn or black olives.

My Year in Review

2015 brought unexpected events. Some good, some bad. 

The farm aspect of our "hobby farm" went from growing to non-existent. Spring brought a tough trial, which prevented us from having the time to plant our yearly vegetable garden. Our chicken flock became dinner for hungry foxes. Our peach trees weren't as productive as usual, and our plan of getting sheep didn't pan out. 

But the year also brought wonderful blessings. So as I set new goals for 2016 and plan events, I've decided to share the highlights of the past year. 

My debut novel was contracted by Pelican Book Group for release in late 2016!

We had milestone birthdays!
5, 11, and 13

We went to Disney World!

We got to take part in director Scott Paul's documentary on "The Home."

The kids had a successful year in 4-H!

Hubby and I toured Louisville, Kentucky in a bi-plane.

I participated in some wonderful and uplifting writer's meetings. 

We carried on our family traditions.

Our family is growing! The head above mine is to be my new sister-in-law!

I signed a contract for a new contemporary romance titled Preserving Liberty, 

for release in 2017!

I can't wait to see what this year brings!

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

 

A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.
Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Jennifer Parker
Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC

Opening Verse: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."--Matthew 5:8


My Review
I'm fascinated by the unique story lines Camden brings to her books. Using her vast knowledge of history, this author takes true events from our past and weaves them with lovable characters, an interesting setting, and a beautiful romance. I can't get enough of her books. 

Melancholy Quentin Vandermark arrives at his family's estate with one intention--to demolish it. He's also determined to prove to his grandfather that the Vandermark curse doesn't exist and the tragic events throughout their family history have a scientific explanation. When he discovers that Sophie van Riijin is trespassing on his property to attend to the weather station she set on the roof without permission, he sends her away. Only there's something about Sophie that tugs at him, and he's unable to keep her away for long. 

Full of intrigue, faith, and rich history, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys historicals, romance, and strong characters who keep the pages turning. I give this book 5 stars! 

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Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com. 

Proverbs Prayers by John Mason

Experience the wisdom of God in your life.

The book of Proverbs is a wellspring of wisdom, offering practical guidance for life and the tools to make good choices, withstand pressure, prioritize relationships, and avoid unnecessary trouble. 

Now bestselling author John Mason helps you make that wisdom a part of your inner life. For thirty-one days, he takes you through each chapter of Proverbs, unpacking the wisdom within and providing a heartfelt prayer based on the insights from that chapter. As you read and pray, you’ll discover the principles found in this wisdom-packed book coming alive in your life in ways you may never have imagined.

Publisher: Revell, 2015

Author: John Mason

Cover Design: Paula Gibson

My Review

The book of Proverbs holds an astounding amount of wisdom for all areas of life. To couple that wisdom with the power of prayer is amazing. I highly enjoyed this book. I used it as an accompaniment to my King James Bible, reading the passage twice and then reciting the provided prayer. I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a deeper study of the book of Proverbs, is seriously seeking wisdom, and to those who enjoy daily devotionals. I give this book 5 stars!

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John Mason is a national best-selling author, noted speaker and executive author

coach. He is the founder and president of Insight International and Insight
Publishing Group.
He has authored fifteen books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An
Original-Don’t Die A Copy, and Know Your Limits—Then Ignore Them which have
sold over 1.5 million copies and are translated into thirty-five languages throughout
the world. These books are widely known as a source of sound wisdom, genuine
motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published in Reader’s
Digest along with numerous other national publications. And four of his books have
reached the #1 spot on Amazon best-seller lists.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts and insightful ideas, he is a popular
speaker across the U.S. and around the world.
John and his wife, Linda, have four children: Michelle, Greg, Michael and David.
They reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma