Face to Face by Misty Wallace & Keith Blackburn with Kirk Blackard

A powerful story of redemption and forgiveness. This is the true account of Misty Wallace and the night Keith Blackburn shot her and left her for dead. Misty and Keith take turns giving their accounts of the events leading up to that night and what happened after, and how they were affected by the chain of circumstances. Their story will make you pause, laugh, cry, and wonder about the power of forgiveness and how it changes lives.

Can a victim of violence and the perpetrator find forgiveness? Face to Face examines Misty's experiences as the victim of a violent attack and what the perpetrator goes through, from being arrested, to spending time in jail, to getting released, and learning how to live again, to sharing their stories for others to see how forgiveness doesn't just affect the one forgiving, but also the one who has been forgiven.

This quote from the book captures the tone of the book: "I tried to put the bullet back in the gun. When Misty forgave me I realized I couldn't fix the past. I had to work toward changing the future. When we change our minds and thinking, we change our future." Face to Face-what happens when Misty and Keith come face to face with the night that changed their lives.

I received a free book in exchange for an honest review.

http://www.amazon.com/Face-Story-Crime-Repentance-Forgiveness/dp/1523608617/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1462235728&sr=8-5&keywords=face+to+face

Love's Gift by Christy Lawri

I loved this story by Christy Lawri. Love's Gift is a contemporary Christian romance set in Love's Corner, Nebraska. Laney St. James finds out on her adoptive mother's deathbed that her birth mother is still alive. Her adoptive mother had told her she had died, so not only does she have to deal with her adoptive mother's death, she also has to come to terms that her real mother is still alive. Laney finds a box of letters and pictures from her real mother, realizing she had continued trying to get in touch with her through the years. Can she forgive her adoptive mother for concealing the truth from her?

Jonas Wyatt is the minister in Love's Corner, where Laney's real mother lives with her husband and family. His wife had died, leaving behind a little girl. Jonas is having a hard time understanding why people have to deal with pain and death. Can Jonas get past his hurts and feelings of betrayal from God?

Laney makes prayer shawls for people having surgery or going through things and need prayer. She has the pastor bless them and she hands them out. When she contacts her birth mother, she finds out her grandfather is in the hospital. She takes her prayer shawls with her when she goes to see them. Will they be happy to see her? Can Laney forgive them for giving her up?

Laney and Jonas feel something when they meet. Can they accept the gift of love they've been given or are there too many things keeping them apart? I was pulled into the story from the beginning and found myself cheering for Laney, hoping she could embrace her new family. Jonas and his daughter were realistic characters finding their way after a death in their family. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sequins and Spurs by Cheryl St John

I loved this book by Cheryl St John. Ruby Deering left home at a young age to pursue her dream. She becomes a singer in Western towns traveling by train from town to town. Nash Sommerton married Ruby's sister to pursue his dream of owning a ranch. Will Nash and Ruby find forgiveness with each other?

Ruby comes back home to ask her mother and sister to forgive her for leaving them. She finds out that while she was gone, her mom and sister have died, her brother-in-law is living in her house, and she has a niece and nephew. Can Ruby and Nash forge their differences, let go of past mistakes, and make a life together?

Nash wants to own a ranch. He decides to marry Ruby's sister to help her and her mother out. When they die, his parents help out while he makes a go of the ranch. Once Ruby comes back home, he's afraid she'll take the place back. Can they come to an agreement? Can Ruby forgive herself for leaving her family in a bind even though she was a child when she left?

This is a wonderful story of forgiveness, letting go of the past, but realizing the past shapes who you are and makes you the person you are now. Have no regrets for your past, but move forward becoming the person you were meant to be. The descriptions in this historical novel took me back in time. The characters became friends I didn't want to leave at the end of their story. I admired the qualities of Ruby and Nash that made them who they are. Whether Ruby was standing up for herself, an orphan girl, or an abused horse, she followed through what she started and stood up for what she believed in.

Seaside Proposal by Narelle Atkins

I loved this book by Narelle Atkins. Themes of forgiveness and hope are interwoven throughout her characters' struggles pulling me into the story.

Billie Ratcliffe has found her birth father. Fear of rejection and betrayal keep her doubting whether to approach him or not. Her birth mother died before she had a chance to meet her. but since Billie avoids church, how can she get to know her real father before telling him the truth? Her experiences in the past with church people have driven her away from the church. Will her birth father be like them and reject her?

Zach Montford is a merchant banker/youth leader. He is deciding to go into full time ministry and leave his steady job with great pay behind. Can he find a future with Billie who avoids church and doesn't seem to have much faith?

Church people are imperfect. Is Billie's father like her experience in the past or is he like the people Zach describes, kind and forgiving? Will he accept her as his daughter or want to hide her away so others won't judge him? What happens when Zach finds out she is hiding this secret from him?

Pick up this great book today! I loved the characters in this one and the story line. The setting is in beautiful Australia.

This story drew me closer to God as I read it. What I kept thinking about after I'd read it was: Don't do something because it is expected of you; do it because it's what you want to do. Like going to church.

Forgiveness By: Matthew West

Do you need to forgive someone or need to ask for forgiveness? Being angry at someone fills you with bitterness; it can also cause side effects. The Bible even warns us of what those could be: disorder, more unforgiveness, lies, and blindness. You can’t just feel forgiveness. You have to speak it. Do you know who the hardest person is to forgive? Yourself. That person that looks at you every morning in the mirror. But God says, “’There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus’ (Romans 8:1 NIV). No matter how unlovable you feel, you are loved.” Once you realize this, you can reach all the others in the world who think they are unlovable too. You can’t earn forgiveness. All you have to do is accept that Jesus’ death on the cross covered all your sins. No sin is too big or too small. Jesus died for all. Forgiveness fills your life, your heart, your soul with peace. This book is based off of Matthew West’s song Forgiveness. The meaning is epitomized in, “The prisoner that you really free is you.” You may not realize it, but withholding forgiveness keeps you from fully realizing God’s love, joy, peace, and grace. This book is filled with stories from people who needed to give forgiveness or ask for forgiveness from others. Read their stories, see their burdens of guilt and anger released, and realize you can be free from feelings of resentment and self-righteousness. I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for a review.

Fired Up By Mary Connealy

I thoroughly loved this book by Mary Connealy! Fired Up is the second in the series. You do not need to read the books in order, but it helps to know what has happened to the characters in the previous story to understand why they act like they do in this one. The characters are believable, lovable, fallible, and engaging. I’m hoping there is another one to follow up with Vince. How far does someone have to go to be unforgivable? Glynna’s two previous husbands would be two prime candidates; but can God’s love help Glynna, and especially her son Paul, forgive the people in their past so they can enjoy the future God has for them? Fired Up is Glynna and Dare’s story. But it also encompasses Paul’s story. He is Glynna’s son and he has had a rough time with the men Glynna has picked as husbands up to this point. He is having a hard time reconciling his past to accommodate his mother’s future. According to him, his mother doesn’t need a man in her life; she has him. That’s all she needs. Can Dare convince Paul that he isn’t like the men that he’s known in the past and that he can trust him to take care of them and not hurt his mother? Will Dare be around long enough to convince Paul to trust him and Glynna to marry him? Someone is trying to kill him, but who is it? Is Paul out to kill him so he can’t marry his mother? Fired Up is a great western romantic suspense read that will keep you turning the pages and thinking about the characters long after your done. Forgiveness is more than letting the person who did you wrong get off scot-free. “The forgiveness is more for you. It does a lot of damage to carry hate around inside.” You will love this powerful story of forgiveness and love!

Be Still My Soul By: Joanne Bischof

Be Still My Soul is Joanne Bischof’s debut novel. You’d never know it by reading this story! From page one, I was hooked and couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. Lonnie Sawyer and Gideon O’Riley are forced to marry. This is 19th century Appalachia and Gideon did steal a kiss. Even though they don’t love each other and Gideon doesn’t want to be married, Lonnie must learn to trust Gideon and Gideon must learn to love Lonnie. But, can Lonnie’s faith help Gideon come to terms with his new life and added responsibility? Not if Gideon’s old life keeps coming back to haunt him! Just when Lonnie thinks she can trust Gideon, something happens to push Gideon right back where he was. Read this truly amazing tale of two very different people and how they learn to trust in each other, God, and along the way, fall in love. Lonnie must have peace in her soul while Gideon fights his demons; however, Gideon needs peace to realize what he has before he loses it all. But, will it be a happily ever after or a never after? Be Still My Soul continues on in the second book of the series, Though My Heart Is Torn. If you love a great romantic tale of a hastily arranged marriage by the bride’s father that follows all the ups and downs of making that marriage work, you will love this story. You will be captured on page one and not turned lose till you finish. All the surprise twists will have you turning the pages, crying and laughing at the antics of these two characters. This is the love story to equal Scarlett and Rhett in Gone With the Wind. You won’t be disappointed! I cannot wait to read more by this debut author.

My Son John By Kathi Macias

How well do you really know someone? Even your own family? My Son John is a haunting tale of a mother’s worst nightmare. Liz Peterson receives word that her mother has died. But there’s more. She finds out that she was murdered. After the police question her and her family, Liz finds out that her son John has been arrested for the crime. Life as she has known it ceases to exist. Where is God when tragedy strikes and everyone has deserted you and you feel so alone and incapable? How can Liz go on living life knowing her son has killed her mother? Can Liz continue to love her son in spite of his murderous act? Mercy, grace, love, and hope resonant throughout this unforgettable story of forgiveness. My Son John should come with a warning. I cried, laughed, felt the mother’s pain, and absorbed the feeling of grace and forgiveness that just lifted off each page. Love no matter what, no matter how they turn out, no matter what they do, just keep on loving. What wonderful inspiration, and for it to come from Liz’s father who is in a nursing home and doesn't remember anyone was definitely word from God in Liz’s time of need. Isn’t this how God loves us? Unconditionally, no matter what. The whole time I was reading this book, the song Forgiveness by Matthew West played in my mind. I cannot wait to read more books by Kathi Macias. She does a superb job of intertwining Liz, her husband Charles, and their daughter Sarah’s reactions and journey from learning John has committed murder to acceptance and forgiveness. You must have faith—trust in God no matter what.

Home for Good Jessica Keller

What an amazing book! I laughed, cried, hoped, and cheered with the wonderful characters in this debut novel by Jessica Keller. Home for Good is about Jericho Freed who left his home, his wife, and an unborn child because he was a drunk. Eight years later he approaches Ali Silver, his wife, and she takes off running, literally. Is it too late for Jericho to ask for forgiveness? Forgiveness means you grant pardon for what happened. Can Ali forgive Jericho and let him be a father to Chance and a husband to her? She’s afraid she will get hurt again if he leaves a second time, and she has Chance to think about. How will it affect him if his daddy takes off again? Ali must learn to forgive and to trust. You experience freedom in forgiveness. You’re not bitter, resentful, or angry anymore. Can Ali let all that go to have the life God wants for her? Do you need a fresh start like Ali does? You’re identity is not the makeup of past mistakes. You now have a clean slate to change your world and start over. Ali is having issues of her own out of her nonprofit business Big Sky Dreams for handicapped children. Money is missing, things are tampered with, cattle are set free and lost or killed, tires are slashed, and horses are turned loose. Who is responsible for these events? Who can Ali trust? This all started happening when Jericho came back to town. Are the events related, or is someone else behind the mayhem? Can Ali put her trust back in God, even though she feels He left her? Will she realize God has always been there, it was she who walked away from God? He’s always been right there waiting for her to turn back to Him. You will not believe the twists and turns in this story, and the perfect ending. When you let God have control, anything can happen! Come join Ali and Jericho and the other wonderful characters in this sweet, engaging story by Jessica Keller. I look forward to reading more by this author. If you love Christian Romance that portrays a deeper understanding of love, forgiveness, trust, and hope, this book is for you!

Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman

Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman is a wonderful story! I started it and couldn't put it down. The day Mariah Malone met Slade, he was there to tell her the ranch her father bought was bought with stolen money and didn't belong to her, but to him, since his father was dead. He died because her father had shot him. Mariah's father is also dead, so how can she get to the bottom and find the truth? This story is filled with acts of forgiveness and exercising faith. Can Mariah and Slade put aside their differences and find the love waiting for them? Mariah agrees to leave because she says as much as leaving hurt, confessing her father's sins hurt more. Her grandmother tells her that we've got to do right in God's sight, and the rest will fall into place. Mariah's grandmother is full of humor and wisdom. Mariah's friend Sally is the preacher's wife and a wonderful character. Once you pick up this book, you will have found friends you won't want to leave when the book ends. If you love western romances with God-experiencing lessons, you will love this book. Sometimes we have to learn to forgive ourselves and have faith in what God wants for us. Enjoy this lovely story of Slade and Mariah! I can't wait to read more by this author!

The Twelfth Juror By: Alexandra and Joyce Swann

This is a great book by Alexandra and Joyce Swann! Megan Cleary has everything going for her—she is a partner in a law firm, has the perfect boyfriend, and is enjoying life to the fullest. Or, so she thought. When she decides to work late one night, she is beaten and raped. Her world is turned upside down. Her way of thinking changes, her lifestyle changes, her financial situation changes, and even who her friends are changes. Who can you turn to when everything around you is crumbling down? God is still in control. That’s the lesson Megan has to learn. Megan buys a gun to protect herself after the shooting, and when she is attacked again by the same man, she shoots and kills him, and then runs. See how she copes with the tragedy that has befallen her and how she deals with the punishment she has bestowed upon her attacker. Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. If you love mystery, suspense, and legal thrillers you will love this book. Learning to let go of fear and guilt play a big part in this story; learning to let God be in control of your life is sometimes the hardest thing to do—read to see how Megan turns loose and lets God have control of her life so she can live again. This book is a definite must read and I can’t wait to read other books by Alexandra and Joyce Swann. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something unexpected happens and keeps you turning the pages to the end!

Wildflower Bride in Dry Creek By Janet Tronstad

This is the latest book by Janet Tronstad in the Dry Creek Series. I really enjoyed this one! It was great going back to Dry Creek and seeing some of the other characters again and catching up with what they were doing. Ever wondered what people would say about you when you were dead, or ever been estranged from home and have a chance to go back? Both of these things happen to Tyler Stone. His family thinks he was killed and are planning a memorial service the night he comes back into town. Tyler never felt like he belonged so he struck out on his own. He goes to work for Brighton Security, and then joins the military. Mr. Brighton hires him for one more job—bringing his daughter, Angelina, back home. Angelina and Tyler have a history from before. Tyler was hired once before to protect Angelina when her father received a kidnapping threat. She can’t believe he has come back and on the night of his memorial service. Both Angelina and Tyler learn what home means, how to trust in God, and that you can pray even when you don’t know the words. This story really spoke to my heart. Tyler could not understand how anyone could love him, even God, and especially Angelina. He felt like odd man out while growing up; his father loved his brothers more and he could never do anything to earn his respect. Follow Tyler as he learns about God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy and how he learns to accept himself and allow Angelina into his heart. His brothers’ and mother’s transformations as they allow God to change them, works and changes Tyler. Wildflower Bride in Dry Creek is a book to keep on the shelf to read over and over. Once you start this one you will get caught up and will keep it to read over and over!

A Baby for Dry Creek By Janet Tronstad

I loved this book by Janet Tronstad! A Baby for Dry Creek is about kindness, forgiveness, and trusting another person to love you for who you are. Chrissy Hamilton has a son out of wedlock. Since she grew up with a single parent, she knows the way people will act toward her and her son. The few times she had been to church, she heard how the people whispered about her and her mother. Reno Redfern had met Chrissy in the previous book, A Hero for Dry Creek. She ended up returning to Las Vegas and Reno figured that’s where she belonged. Like his mother, she wouldn’t be happy living in a small town without the big city lights. However, when Chrissy gets into trouble, who is her rescuer? Reno Redfern decides maybe he can show her the finer points of living in a small town. He goes to get her and bring her back to Dry Creek. Chrissy is afraid she will get the cold shoulder from everyone once they find out she has a child. Can Reno prove to her he can love her for who she is? Will Chrissy accept the kindness from the community members of Dry Creek, or is she like Reno fears, more attuned to life in the big city? Before Chrissy can decide, she needs to learn how to trust again and to accept help from others. Sometimes we can’t do it all on our own and need help from friends, family, and especially God. It doesn’t make us weak; it makes us stronger. Make sure you pick up this great book by Janet Tronstad and check out her other books in this series!

The Bride Wore Blue by Mona Hodgson

The Bride Wore Blue By Mona Hodgson I will keep this book to read over and over! The Bride Wore Blue is a book about guilt, forgiveness, and trust. This is book 3 in the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series. You do not need to read the first 2 books to read this one, but once you finish this book, you’ll want to go back and read the others to read about the other sisters. In this book, the other sisters have returned to Cripple Creek and are married. Now the baby of the family has come home. Vivian Sinclair has a past she is hiding from. She doesn’t want anyone to know what she has endured. No one can possibly love her for the things she has done. One lie leads to another and pretty soon, no one knows the real Vivian. Carter Alwyn is the sheriff’s deputy of Cripple Creek. Can he convince Vivian to trust him with her secrets? Will Vivian’s past release its hold on her so she can have a future basking in God’s love and Carter’s arms? Can Vivian learn to forgive herself? This book is for anyone who enjoys a great Christian western with romance, humor, and characters who learn from their mistakes and embrace God’s grace and mercy in their lives. The sisters and the inhabitants of the town become people you care about. Once you read this book, you will want to read others by Mona Hodgson!

A Hero for Dry Creek By Janet Tronstad I loved this story by Janet Tronstad. Ever wonder if a fairy tale could come true? Just ask Nicki Redfern! She wakes up one morning and thinks she sees Prince Charming outside her window. Prince Charming, aka Garrett Hamilton, is acting as a chauffeur for someone close to Nicki. This person will bring back hurtful memories for Nicki. Can she come to peace with her past and give up her independence? Can Garrett give up Big Blue and his “on the road” lifestyle? Read this story and see how God can use a fairy tale, a truck driver, and the past to forge a loving, happy-ever-after, God-led future when you trust God. Nicki’s mother left when she was young. She never knew why. Now is her chance to find out what happened since her mother has come back. Can she understand why her mother did what she did? Can she find forgiveness in her heart? Will she find true love with Garrett? Everyone will enjoy reading this book. A touch of western, inspirational, lots of humor and romance, you won’t want to put this book down once you start it!

A Rich Man for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

A Rich Man for Dry Creek By Janet Tronstad Another great book by Janet Tronstad! Robert Buckwalter III is a wealthy playboy carrying out a rich man’s lifestyle. Jenny Black is a working girl employed by Robert’s mother. She is in Dry Creek as a personal chef for the youths staying at Garth’s ranch. Can Robert convince her he is really interested in her and it doesn’t matter that she’s part of the working class? Can she overlook his money and fall in love with him for who he is? Or, is he only interested in her because her sister works for the editors who compile the bachelor list? Janet Tronstad uses humor, suspense, and God’s love to weave her tales. You are drawn in from page one and won’t be able to stop reading until the last page. “He (Robert) had met the woman the Bob inside him wanted to marry and she was looking at him this very minute like he was some hair ball a very unwelcome stray cat had coughed up.” Humor is used all through the book. You will laugh and cry with the inhabitants of Dry Creek. They become your neighbors and your friends. Each book features different community members and continues their stories. You can read the books out of order and not get lost figuring out who is who. I enjoy reading them in order and following their stories.

Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

Attracted to Fire By DiAnn Mills I received this e-book free from NetGalley in exchange for a book review. Attracted to Fire is a great book! Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. If you are looking for a very suspenseful page-turner, this is it! Somebody is responsible for all the trouble and nobody can trust anybody. Bob Lawson and Meghan Connors are assigned to protect Vice-President Hall’s daughter, Lindsay. VP Hall becomes President when the President’s cancer spreads. Lindsay is a drug addict and alcoholic. Ash Zinders is the agent in charge and he doesn’t like female agents. Sparks fly when Meghan and Ash get together at the Dancin’ Dust Ranch where Lindsay is taken for rehab and to be watched. While they are there, an agent is killed, a scorpion ends up in Meghan’s bed, a ranch hand and the cook are killed. Does Lindsay hold the key to what is happening? Lindsay doesn’t know who to trust or who to tell her secrets to. When she starts talking, you won’t believe what happens. You will not be able to put this book down. David Sanchez is the psychologist the Vice-President calls in to help Lindsay. He uses supplements, vitamins and diet to combat her addictions. Does it work or is she living a nightmare? Does she really know what is going on or just imagining things? Suspense starts from page one and does not stop until you read the last page. Lindsay realizes her choices had destroyed any dreams of having the life she longed to live. She learns she has to face her demon and find out what he wants so she can stop him. She can’t trust anybody and feels she has to do it on her own. This book is about trust and forgiveness. You can’t do things on your own. You need God on your side and you need your friends so you don’t feel alone. Read Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills. You will be glad you did. Even after reading the book, you will be thinking about the characters and what you learned about God and trust and forgiveness. This is a definite must read! I look forward to reading other books by DiAnn Mills.