The Bridesmaid's Hero: A Snowgum Creek Novella by Narelle Atkins

I loved this novella by Narelle Atkins. It comes right after Falling for the Farmer in the Snowgum Creek series, but can be read as a standalone. A sigh-worthy hero sweet romance for an afternoon read.

Serena Blaxland is a bridesmaid in her sister's wedding. From the bride's friend causing problems to Serena suffering a wardrobe malfunction, her hero comes to the rescue. But she's just met him. Can he be the man she's been searching for and not knowing it even though they just met?

Harry Westmore has several odd jobs, one of which is to drive the bridesmaids to the wedding. He and Serena hit it off after just meeting. But he's only interested in a holiday romance, isn't he? He thinks because of their financial gap, he isn't good enough for her.

He's from the country, loves horses. She lives in the city in an apartment. His dad ran off and left him and his mom struggling. He can't be in a relationship and not be able to provide for his wife.Can she look past his income and see the person he is? Will she see him as a potential husband even though she makes more money than he does and he wants to finish school to get his dream job? If he takes his dream job, can they maintain a long distance relationship? Can he overcome his misgivings and welcome love into his life? Check out this great book to see!

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

http://www.amazon.com/Bridesmaids-Hero-Snowgum-Creek-Novella-ebook/dp/B01ANVIPFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453856739&sr=8-1&keywords=the+bridesmaid%27s+hero#customerReviews

Devotional: Joseph and His Dreams

Genesis 37:18-33

19 They said to each other, “Look, here comes that master dreamer! 20 Let’s kill him, throw him into one of the cisterns, and say that a wild animal has eaten him. Then we’ll see what happens to his dreams.”

Joseph had dreams that showed others bowing down to him, which made his brothers jealous. They didn’t like the fact that the dreams showed Joseph greater than they were. Aren’t we the same way? We don’t want to feel someone is above us. But isn’t that what submission is all about? The brothers didn’t want to be in submission to Joseph. They were older, wiser, knew more.
Joseph’s brothers are tending sheep away from home. His father sends Joseph to check on his brothers. His brothers see him coming, so they plot among themselves to kill him. His brother, Rueben, doesn’t want to go along with them. He plans to rescue Joseph without his brothers knowing. Unknown to him, the other brothers sell Joseph into slavery before he can rescue him. Joseph is gone.
The brothers dipped Joseph’s robe in animal blood to fool their father into thinking Joseph was dead. Have you ever tried to cover up something you did that was wrong? How did that work out? Here, not so well.

A few years go by and Egypt is in a drought. There is no food, but because of Joseph’s dreams, he convinced Pharaoh to store food and prepare. Joseph is in bondage, but God is still near. He still has dreams. Isn’t it good to know when things aren’t going as we think they should, that God is still near? We can still call on Him and He will answer.

Joseph recognized his brothers when they came to Egypt for food. Joseph gave orders to bring his youngest brother to Egypt. Instead of telling them right off who he was, he sets them up, demands they bring his youngest brother. He has the Pharaoh’s ear at this time. He could have retaliated against them for what they had done to him. But he didn’t.

They enjoyed a feast together where Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. But you know what his brothers didn’t realize? God used them to make Joseph’s dreams come true. If he hadn’t had the dreams that made them jealous to begin with, if they hadn’t seen him coming, if they hadn’t plotted to kill him, if they hadn’t sold him into slavery, Egypt wouldn’t have been prepared for the famine, and Joseph wouldn’t have had the position he held. Isn’t it great the way God works?

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his plan.

Even when it seems everything is against you, God is still on your side. He uses situations and circumstances for your good. Even when others do things against you, talk about you, they can’t stop the good God has planned for your life. Just like Joseph.

Salsa and Speed Bumps by Susan Baganz

Great story by Susan Baganz! This is the second book in the series, but you do not need to read them in order, other than to get to know the characters. Stephanie Simson works at DeLucia’s. She’s pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s child even though she said no. Can she ever trust a guy again? She feels so alone.

Roberto Rodriquez has Christian parents who adopted him and he wants to help others b/c of the gift he was given by his birth mother. He is an attorney and is asked to join Every Child a Home organization.

Roberto lets God lead his every move. Can Stephanie have a relationship like that with God? She’s not who she used to be since accepting Jesus as her Savior, but she still has to deal with the consequences of what happened before. God doesn’t make that go away, but He helps you through your choices as you trust in Him. Some sin you can see, some you can’t, but all suffer the consequences. Can Stephanie trust Roberto or will he be like her ex-boyfriend and force himself on her? Why is God bringing a new man into her life now? How can she know God is talking to her?

Robbie wants someone who shares his faith. Is that person Stephanie? Will she accept him for the person he is today, or will she hold his past against him? Will Every Child a Home believe him when he’s accused of immoral behavior? In the midst of trials and temptations, Robbie and Stephanie must stand firm in their faith.

From date rape to drug addiction to stalking to ties with the mafia and sex trafficking, this book has it all. This resonated with me while reading this book: Everything I need to fulfill my life is right here in God. We find it hard to forgive ourselves. Can Stephanie forgive her past to have a future with Robbie? Pick up this great book to see!

Rocky Mountain Reunion by Tina Radcliffe

This is another great book by Tina Radcliffe!

Anne Matson is a nurse who left her past in the past. Her aunt dictated her steps and Anne followed along. Her husband from 10 years ago comes to town and everything is off balance. What will she do now that her past is back and he has a daughter with him? Will her aunt stand in the way again?

Matthew Clark married Anne 10 years ago. Her aunt stepped in and had it annulled. When his development company wins a bid in Anne's hometown, and his daughter needs care Anne can provide, can he stand up to the aunt who ended his future before it even began? Can he convince Anne to give it another try?

This verse in the book, "Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart all ye that hope in the Lord.", really spoke to me. No matter what's going on, no matter what you're going through, if your hope is in the Lord, everything will work out. Just put your faith and hope in God. Will Anne and Matthew depend on God to help them work through their fears and doubts? What happens when Anne finds out why Matt is in town? This book has it all, love, romance, inspiration, and courage to let go of the past to have a future designed by God. You won't be able to put this book down.

http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Mountain-Reunion-Love-Inspired-ebook/dp/B011I9G8Z2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453069215&sr=8-1&keywords=rocky+mountain+reunion+tina+radcliffe

Duty with Honor Book One Leap of Faith by Jordan Bollinger

Leap of Faith is book one in the Duty with Honor series by Jordan Bollinger. I have read the entire series and once you start book one, you'll want to read each book and savor each story.

Beth Bennett has been traumatized, suffered through the break up with her husband, and cared for her dying sister-in-law. She is not looking for love, more like running away from it. She is determined to be in control, until her brother sets her up on a date.

Andrew Oliver has had his eye on Beth for a long time. Now's his chance to meet her. Will she

Beth's father was with MI6 for years. Her whole family has ties to fighting for their country and keeping her people safe. Will she follow in their footsteps? Or run from it and Andrew?

Are you looking for an entertaining read, great characters, a little espionage, romance, and lots of suspense? Pick up this great book today and start this great series. You won't be sorry! Each book just gets better and better!


http://www.amazon.com/Leap-Faith-Duty-Honor-Book-ebook/dp/B008DBVOWQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1452969808&sr=8-1

The Growing Season Fight, Flee, or be Funny by Jiffy Day

The Growing Season is a story set in the '60s and '70s in Southwest Virginia. Interested in a time gone by? You'll love this book! Jiffy Day takes you back to the drugs, drama, and first love in a season of growing and changing. Zach, a white boy, has fallen in love with Piper, a black girl in a time and place before this was accepted. Their love story intertwines throughout this story of the growing season: growing love, growing marijuana, and growing relationships.

Zach invites Tim, his Vietnam buddy, to spend the summer with him and Zach introduces him to his life in Southwest Virginia. If you lived here during this time, you'll recognize places where events took place. If you haven't seen the area, you'll wish to come visit. From the mountains to the fishing holes to the sights and sounds of Zach's hometown, you'll feel a part of the story and won't be able to put the book down.

This book will pull you from one page to the next. From Zach and Tim's time in Vietnam to Tim spending the summer with Zach to their antics hiding marijuana from the police, Jiffy weaves real places in beautiful Southwest Virginia, the people who lived during this turbulent time in history, and events that may or may not have happened, making it hard to put this book down until you finish. Will Zach and Piper get together? Will Bobby find his way down the path his grandmother has pointed out toward Christianity? You'll have to pick up this book to find out.

This book is different from most of the books I read and review. There is adult content, language, and a sweet romance. Bobby's path to Christianity, Zach and Piper's romance, and Tim's time learning about Zach's way of life will have you turning the pages until late at night to see what will happen next. I cannot wait to read more by this author. Look for his next book to continue this great story.

http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Season-Jiffy-Day/dp/0692543465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453065832&sr=8-1&keywords=jiffy+day+the+growing+season

After 2 by Joy Ohagwu

Another great inspirational book by Joy! Blossom struggles with leaving everything in God's hands. But what happens when everything is out of her control and she has to trust God?

Circumstances put Josh in the right place at the right time to save Blossom's life. Both move out of their comfort zones to accomplish what God has set for them. This story is full of trust, hope, love, and showing God your gratitude, especially during the rough times. Then, God will show you His faithfulness to perform His promises. Check out this great book!

This book is second in the series. Reading the first one will be helpful, but is not required to enjoy this one.

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