Trying To Outrun The Love Of God By: Karen Adams

Title:  Trying To Outrun The Love of God
Author:  Karen Adams
Publisher: Christian Services Network/CSN Books
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Trying To Outrun The Love Of God" by Karen Adams...

About The Book .....

"How can God reach someone who appears unreachable? Will the love of God be enough to break every chain and loose the trap of the enemy? In her debut book, Author Karen Adams struggles to understand how a loving God would allow life to be so unbearable. Facing childhood molestation, years of crack addiction, nervous breakdowns, and admissions to mental wards, she learned that no matter how difficult life was, God continued to extend His love. Trying to Outrun the Love of God, is a deeply moving story of one woman’s journey filled with suffering and pain, but one that ultimately finds wholeness and deliverance in the arms of a loving Savior."

What I liked about the novel....

"Trying To Outrun The Love of God" was truly a inspirational read that once I started reading this well written book I wasn't able to put it down until the very end.  For Karen this was a real journey that did lead her through 'pain, struggles, and failures' but in the end she realized that she had Gods love all the time and that was all she needed.  Follow Karen's as she tell the reader about her life as she carries the reader through the description of her memories as she seeks for the love she deeply wanted  all of  her life.  It was beautiful thing as she learns that God has carried her in His arms of love...even giving her Angels to sing to her.

 I loved this quote ....from Karen

"I am a living witness that no matter what has happened and whether you caused it or not, God id wanting and waiting for a chance to make something beautiful out of your life." 

I really enjoyed reading how Karen brought out forgiveness...learning that to get her life together she had to ask forgiveness of her five children, her Mom and even her ex husband...if it's not your time...but when the Holy Spirit give you the unction to forgive...it will be time. I loved that.  That really hit home  to me.  I love seeing the transformation that you could see taking place in Karen's life as you read through the novel....you will read about .....Karen's  sexual abuse, church folk abuse, breakdowns, post partum, depression, hospital stays,  hurt from church members, drugs,  rejection from her father, unresolved childhood issues...all of this God was right there with her all the time. Will Karen make it out of all of this?    Now, I will stop here and say to get it all you must pick up this author's book..."Trying To Outrun The Love Of God" to see how it will all turn out in the end for Karen. 

"Trying To Outrun The Love Of God"  is a good one for all to read.   Seeing Karen discover her 'self worth' was  truly a beautiful thing.  To find out so much more as Karen takes you 'through he pain, experience and devastation' she discovers that she is truly loved by God.   That was a beautiful thing for Karen discovering God's love for her (I loved Chapter Twelve)...."He Loved Me No Matter How Much I Failed Him."

What I especially liked about this novel....

I do believe that Author Karen Adams did a wonderful job in "explaining how available and powerful God's love is in the midst of whatever you may encounter in your life."  Would I recommend? YES this was a wonderful told Non Fiction Christian read.

A Cowboy's Christmas Promise By: Maggie McGinnis

Title:  A Cowboy's Christmas Promise
Author:  Maggie McGinnis
Publisher:  Loveswept
Series: Whisper Creek # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"A Cowboy's Christmas Promise" by Maggie McGinnis....

Book Description....

"In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.
 
Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in."

What I liked about the novel...

I really enjoyed this romantic novel.  Who would have thought when Hayley takes a two week vacation to attend her best friends wedding she would meet Daniel.  There would be an immediate attraction between the two and ...well I will stop here and let you read "A Cowboy's Christmas Promise" and see for yourself how well this author presents this well written story it to her readers. 

What I especially enjoyed about the read

The author was able to give the readers such a beautiful storyline of  Hayley was a vet but had a job that wasn't all that interesting to her and then meeting  Daniel who was also a vet, had loss his wife  and had twin daughters...and then this story takes off from there.   It was definitely a story that one could only wish to find and for Hayley and Daniel...they really had something sweet and real. 

If you are looking for a sweet romance "A Cowboy's Christmas Promise" would be a good recommendation for a holiday read. 

Once Upon A Christmas Kiss By: Manda Collins

Title:  Once Upon A Christmas Kiss
Author:  Manda Collins
Publisher:  St Martin's Press
Series:  Wicked Widows # 3.5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"Once Upon A Christmas Kiss" by Manda Collins

Book Description....

"When Sir Lucien Blakemore arrives at his cousin’s estate for a week long Christmas party, he’s shocked to see Miss Winifred Nightingale among the other guests. Employed by his neighbor back in Yorkshire, the governess with the lovely eyes has always seemed off limits, but she’s visiting here as a guest—and there’s nothing like a little mistletoe to make the spirits bright…

Miss Winifred Nightingale never dreamed a holiday visit with her sister would lead to both ladies spending Christmas as the local lord’s guests. But the big surprise is when she finds the handsome Sir Lucien Blakemore staying there too. Their attraction between is undeniable, but will an old nemesis and a party guest bent on mischief make their first kiss under the mistletoe their last?"

What I liked about the novel...

I found this read a  quick sweet historical  romance novel with a good storyline  that was able to keep my attention not wanting to put down until the end.  I enjoyed how this author was able to keep it a mystery of who was bothering the heroine.  I was  definitely  a surprise who it turned out to be. 
The two main characters were very likable .... Lucien(he was quite a catch) and Winifred  had the romantic  chemistry between them.  However, would he be able to convince her to marry him and even help her with whoever it was that was messing with her?  Why was Winifred so reluctance to Lucien?  Well, to get this and more you will have to pick up this  good read "Once Upon A Christmas Kiss" and find out what all the mystery is all about. 

"Once Upon A Christmas Kiss" was a good quick romantic read that I would recommend to you as a good holiday read. 

Maybe This Christmas By: Sarah Morgan

Title:  Maybe This Christmas
Author: Sarah Morgan
Publisher:  Harlequin HQN
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Series:  O'Neil Brothers # 3
Rating: 4
Review:

"Maybe This Christmas" by Sarah Morgan

Book Description....

"Uplifting, sexy and warm, Sarah Morgan's O'Neil Brothers series is perfection."—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

This winter, ex-skiing champion, reformed heartbreaker and single dad Tyler O'Neil has only one mission—making sure his daughter, Jess, has the best Christmas ever. The fact that his best friend, Brenna, is also temporarily moving into his chalet at the overbooked Snow Crystal resort is a delicious distraction he's simply going to have to ignore. Theirs is the one relationship he's never ruined, and he's not about to start now.

Ski pro Brenna Daniels knows all about the perils of unrequited love—she's been in love with Tyler for years. But living with him is absolute torture…how can she concentrate on being his friend when he's sleeping in the room next door? Then when Tyler kisses Brenna, suddenly the relationship she's always dreamed of feels so close she could almost touch it. Could this be the Christmas her dreams of a happy-ever-after finally come true?"

What I liked about the novel.....

I enjoy this read.  I found for the most part it was a good romantic read and once you start reading you will find it hard to put down.  I liked how this author developed this storyline about Tyler and Brenna where  you will find from the read that both of these people had some personal problems that needed solving.  Tyler was a ex ski champion due to an injury,  with his ex and daughter.  Then there was Brenna who had a troubled childhood of feeling unloved by her mother and how much did this play into her adulthood?   Since Tyler and Brenna had been childhood friends would there be any thing between these two? Brenna had always loved Tyler but he really didn't reciprocate at first but  later it seemed like when one was interested we find he was afraid to commit and then on the other side would she be willing to settle for part of a relationship. As you read you will see a relationship growing out of a strong friendship they had developed.   I will say I did like  the relationship between Tyler and his  daughter Jess who seemed to brought a lot to the story. I did find this a little puzzling to me. Why was that?  This is where I say you will have to pick up "Maybe This Christmas" to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  I will say that these two coming together was a long process, however  after being pushed together....well,  I will stop here and say get the novel.

I found "Maybe This Christmas" setting in Vermont was the third O'Neil Brothers series that was a  good heart warming story that goes very well with the holiday reads.  Would I recommend?  YES!

The Christmas Bouquet By: Sherryl Woods

Title:  The Christmas Bouquet
Author:  Sherryl Woods
Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Series:  Chesapeake Shores # 11
Rating: 4
Review:

"The Christmas Bouquet" by Sherryl Woods...

Book Description.....

"When it comes to family and Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods always looks to the O'Brien's for a little holiday magic...

For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from her O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after.

It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all of her dreams."

What I liked about this novel....


I thought this Chesapeake Shares #11 series "The Christmas Bouquet" was a sweet  holiday novel that featured Caitlyn and Noah in this contemporary romance was a sweet read.  However, before it could be that way these two people went to a lot.  It starts with Caitlyn catching a bouquet instead of her twin sister(Carrie)  at a Christmas wedding.  Then this story takes off with Caitlyn meeting Noah who was a family medicine resident and a relationship with start...then a unexpected pregnancy.  I will say that this was some read of... will Caitlyn want marriage or will she want her life time goal...dream?  One thing for sure her Irish O'Brien's family  will do about any thing to have that wedding.  So, what's a little playing match maker and sticking their nose into everyone's business if they can get the results they want.  However,  with Caitlyn being so stubborn will they be able to change her mind? Up until this time Caitlyn had always been very focus on her career until Noah came into her life. 

 Wow!  Now, one thing is for sure...Noah wants to get marriage.  As the year gets closer  to Christmas what will the outcome be for Caitlyn and Noah  beside a baby coming?  Will there be a Christmas Wedding?   This is where I will stop here  and say you must pick up this good holiday read to see how this author will  bring it all come out. 


What I didn't like about this novel...

The character Caitlyn was really something in that with all that was going on in her life from ... 'college, medical school, internship and residency'  now pregnant and not married... she wasn't able for some time( which I thought this story dragged a little) ...to see that her dream wasn't gone just put off a bit. However, in the end... you will just have to pick up the read to find out  the end. 

Overall impression...

I felt "The Christmas Bouquet"  was a  holiday Christmas read that I would recommend.   

The Heart of Christmas By: Brenda Novak

Title:  The Heart of Christmas
Author:  Brenda Novak
Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Series:  (Whiskey Creek #7)
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Heart of Christmas" by Brenda Novak

Book Description:

"Just call her Christmas Eve… 
Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn't have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that's what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B and B she manages, and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem…confining.
Eve's worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. There's no one in the area she could even imagine as a husband until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve's definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve's happily ever after just when it finally seems within reach. And just when she's counting on the best Christmas of her life!"

What I liked about the novel.....



This was the seventh book of Whiskey Creek series by this author and it was a wonderful love story about Eve Harmon.  It was definitely one of those read that you will find hard to put down until the end.  I loved how this author kept the reader guessing and what a interesting ending.  After being dumped   now 35, not married with no children, feeling left out and  leaves Eve feeling down then she meets a  guy while celebrating her birthday. This story will take off after Eve ends up  going to Sexy Sadie's  getting drunk spending a night with the handsome guy she wasn't really sure who he was.  However, what a birthday this was for Eve  but just who was he?   Now that turned out to be  a little funny situation and I did laugh out loud!  What will come of this after she finds out his real name and learning of his past. I love Eve's friends who rallied  around her when it was needed. Will Eve be able to help him? This is where I say you will have to pick up "The Heart of Christmas" to see how this author will present  this read with a little mystery, suspense and what was up with ghost Little Mary?  Be ready for some drama with lots of emotions showed in this well written novel. 


What I especially liked about the novel...

I love the character of Eve who was a very giving person  along with some amazing supporting characters with strong and interesting friendships in this wonderful town of Whiskey Creek....many who were also in the  other  series.  In the end I liked how this author was able to bring out  the celebration through love, joy and laughter  of the true meaning of "The Heart of  Christmas" to its readers.   If you are looking for a holiday read this festive  Christmas setting would be the read for you that I would recommend.

Hot Christmas Nights: Tuscan Nights\Christmas Tango\Tied Up in Tinsel By: Farrah Rochon

Title:  Hot Christmas: Tuscan Nights\ Christmas Tango \Tied Up in Tinsel
Authors:  Farrah Rochon, Terra Little & Velvet Carter
Publisher:  Harlequin Kimani
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  4.5
Review:

"Hot Christmas Nights" by Farrah Rochon, Terra Little and Velvet Carter

Book Description....Three novellas...

"Baby it's cold outside, so stay warm with three sexy and sizzling-hot holiday stories.

TUSCAN NIGHTS by FARRAH ROCHON

It's not the breathtaking scenery that brings Aiden Williams to Italy for Christmas; it's gorgeous pastry chef Nyla Thompson. Five years ago Aiden's older brother was fool enough to let Nyla go. Now a mature and sexy Aiden is determined to turn their Italian fling into everlasting amore.

CHRISTMAS TANGO by TERRA LITTLEProfessional dancer Wendy Kincaid thinks she knows her best friend, Frazier Abernathy, inside out. But he's got a season of surprises in store for the woman he's always desired, leading to a sensual rendezvous where he'll raise the stakes in an all-out merry seduction…


TIED UP IN TINSEL by VELVET CARTER

Entertainment agent Landis Keates is stunned to learn that his old college classmate is now an international singing sensation! Back then, he was too clueless to notice Brooke Lynn Samuels. Now a friend's winter wedding in picturesque Bridgehampton is the perfect backdrop to a very intimate Yuletide reunion."


What I liked about the novel that contained all three novellas.....

These were some very interesting holiday anthologies.  After reading them all... I did liked  all of them. I enjoyed how each other was able to share a romantic story all during the holiday season. 

The first novella by author Farrah Rochon's Tuscan Nights ...was a nice story of  a love that had been there for Aiden and Nyla but would she be able to leave the past behind and start anew "Whether it's  in Atlanta, or Tuscany, or on the moon." All Aiden wanted for Nyla was for her  to be 'Happy.'  To find out  what all of that storyline is about you will have to pick up the sweet romantic holiday  read.

Next...

We  have Christmas Tango by Terra Little.. with her heroine being a dancer.   Wendy Elizabeth  Kincaid was owner of the Wendy Kincaid Dance Studio...but didn't  Wendy want to have a professional choreography career with a world renowned dance company with The Greeley Dance Company?  However,  wasn't Wendy truly happy at running her own little dance studio and being her own boss?  What happens when Wendy starts to receive several delivers to the studio(from a secret admirer)...and then one by a special messenger inviting her to dinner?  Would she be able to tell her best friend Frazier about all of this?  No...he would think she was crazy wanting to meet this person!  Who was this secret admirer?  Now, who do you think showed up to the dinner?  As the story will go  on we find Wendy will have to make some very important decisions in her life. Will Wendy get the Christmas Tango she wants...dancing and ... ?   This is where I say you must pick up the sweet romance  to see how this author will bring it out to the reader.  I did like the ending.    It was a good holiday read that I would recommend.

and last we have...

We have 'Tied Up in Tinsel by Velvet Carter... What will happen when Brooklyn is discovered by Landis?  Back in college she was just 'Brooke Lynn Samuels but now Wow  is how Landis feels after meeting her at their best friends wedding.  Will something come of this? Will there be a problem that will enter into the picture?  YES!   I found this interesting but somewhat predictable but still a good sweet holiday read that I would still recommend.