Once a Marine (Those Marshall Boys) by Loree Lough

Once I started this book, I did not want to put it down. How do you overcome fear, doubt, and a violent attack? Different people react differently. Zach, a former Marine, is tormented by what happens when he can't control what's going on, like his sister's attack and men he lost in the war. But instead of hiding from his fear, he reaches out to help others.

Summer Lane has lived through her worst nightmare, a violent, near-death attack. She is a prisoner in her own home. Her neighbor's son, Alex Peterson, runs her errands for her so she doesn't have to go out. He tells her about Zach and his self-defense classes. Can she summon the courage to go out? Can she trust Zach enough to come out of her home?

Zach Marshall is a former Marine and teaches self-defense classes. Is he really interested in Summer, or does her situation make him want to protect her because of what she's been through? She can't be the woman for him since he wants a strong woman in his life to fulfill his dreams. But, once he meets Summer, is he falling for her, or just helping her to cope?


It was a joy to read this story and see how the main characters, Zach and Summer, change and grow. Fear, doubt, and lack of trust engulf Summer as she starts living her life again. Zach has a past too, from serving as a Marine. Can he let go and be the man Summer needs in her life? Can she become the woman Zach needs? Can they trust each other? Once a Marine is a sweet romance dealing with real life issues. He won't let Summer hide and Summer won't let him be her knight in shining armor. I can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this series!

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

Found in the Woods By: LoRee Peery

I just came across LoRee Peery’s books the other day. After reading Found in the Woods, I am now a fan for life! LoRee Peery does an awesome job of weaving a story of faith, trust, love, and overcoming fear into characters that you care about in a book that you will not be able to put down. I tuned everything out while reading this book, realizing that time had passed as I was lost in the pages. Beth Phillips is running from an abusive ex-husband, a past that she can’t change, and an unknowable future. She runs to a secluded cabin to hide and draw closer to God. Aiden Holt is following rumors of a wolf; as he tries to capture the wolf, he realizes he has lost his heart to Beth; however, he has a past and secrets of his own. Can they get past their fears and their past that has shaped them, to trust God fully and overcome their fear? All through this book, LoRee Peery gives us wisdom to use in our everyday struggle to live for God. “Knowing the Lord doesn’t promise a storm-free life. But it is the sweetest guarantee that I don’t have to face life alone. His grace carries me through anything I face. That’s in Isaiah forty-three.” She even gives you scriptures to back up what she is saying to help you in your walk. “Jesus is everything I need at any given moment. Strength, courage, shelter, inspiration.” No matter what you are going through, Jesus is all you need. People can make choices that mess up somebody else’s plans and their actions impact our lives, but whatever happens, God is bigger than anything we’ll face. There is nothing you can do about your past; trust God with your future. Having a personal relationship with Him is knowing that He is guiding your steps. Why is “Do not be afraid” the most repeated command in the Bible? Fear is paralyzing; it takes faith, trust, and love to overcome fear. The twists and turns in this story will take you on a journey of overcoming paralyzing fear by faith, trust, and love. This book is for anyone who has experienced fear and anyone who loves a great Christian romance. I cannot wait to read more by this author!