Dangerous Testimony | Dana Mentink

 

Today I am reviewing  Dangerous Testimony, the fourth book in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series by Dana Mentink.

Here is a brief synopsis:

LAST WITNESS STANDING

Four weeks before she’s set to testify at a gang murder trial, someone is determined to make sure that Candace Gallagher Andrews never takes the stand.

When nowhere is safe for the private investigator or her little girl, Candace turns to the only person she can trustlongtime friend and former navy SEAL Marco Quidel.

For Marco, protecting Candace is not just another duty. As the trial date nears and the killer stalks ever closer, Marco knows fear for the first timethe fear of losing Candace and her daughter.

But while Marco begins seeing Candace as more than just a friend, her late husband’s memory is never far from her mind.

So he must keep Candace alive—and not get emotionally involved—long enough to put away a killer.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Candace Gallagher Andrews is shocked when she witnesses a murder…

Whew… exciting stories!

In this fourth book of the series, tension mounts as Jay Rico convinces Candace that her entire family is in danger unless she does exactly as he says. . .  and she’s determined to protect her family. I’d love to say more, but I’m afraid if I do, I’ll give too much away! Get this book! Read it! Today!

Dana Mentink creates complex, interesting characters – and if you haven’t read the other stories in this series, let me encourage you to do so… you can read just one – or all four in sequence – but just do it!

Happy Reading!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

PS… Dana, I didn’t give away Marco’s nickname — but I love it!

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His Mistletoe Family | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing His Mistletoe Family, the 6th book in the Men of Allegany County series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

When two orphaned boys and their aunt arrive for Thanksgiving supper at church, retired army colonel Brett Stanton feels his heart tugged.

Despite having her hands full, young businesswoman Haley Jennings handles her nephews with a smile.

Still, Brett can’t get too close to the needy trio. He lost his son and brother to the uniform, and isn’t about to set himself up for loss again.

Soon sweet Haley and the boys remind him of old dreams—and teach him that new dreams provide the greatest hope for a perfect family Christmas.

 

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

My heart goes out to Haley and Brett . . .

Haley unexpectedly becomes a mom to two small boys — at the worst possible time.

She’s just beginning a new business and with the holidays, she has her hands full. But when her nephews are orphaned, she drops everything to bring them back to live with her.

Brett, a retired Army Colonel, has been struggling for a long while, yet he puts himself out there and jumps in to help Haley and the boys.

This is such a sweet, heart-warming story — I know you’ll love it as much as I do. And it’s the perfect choice for a Christmas read. Honestly, I wish I could take my family to upstate New York and visit the characters in this book — or maybe drop in on Ruthy and her family (just kidding, Ruthy…don’t bar the doors yet).

Merry Christmas!

Blessings!
Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Yuletide Hearts | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Yuletide Hearts, the 4th book in the Men of Allegany County series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

When Matt Cavanaugh returns to his Allegany County hometown, he’s not as rough around the edges as he used to be.

The former marine is a successful contractor, a man who now believes in the Lord and old-fashioned hard work.

But when he buys a bankrupt subdivision, he discovers he’s stepped on single mother Callie Burdick’s dreams for her family.

And when Matt learns about Callie’s troubled past, he’s determined to rebuild her trust — plus an entire community — in time for Christmas.

 

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow!

In the last story, we met Matt Cavanaugh, who had just invested in a bankrupt subdivision.

This story belongs to Matt, who finds himself in a mess! After Matt discovers he has no crew to help him, does he dare ask the Marek family to help out?

Callie and Matt draw sparks pretty much from the get-go . . . and if I say much more, I might give away too much. One thing I don’t want to do is spoil this book for you. So read it — matter of fact, if you’re looking for it, just pick up the whole series. It promises to be a real winner!

Ruth Logan Herne excels at creating realistic, albeit likeable characters, who grab hold of you — and don’t let go until the end. I’m thrilled to share her books with my readers.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Blessings!
Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Her Holiday Family | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Her Holiday Family, the 5th book in the Kirkwood Lake series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Home for the Holidays

When her café goes up in smoke, Tina Martinelli decides to make a big change.

She plans to leave Kirkwood Lake and start over — somewhere without the haunting memories of family and failure.

But just as she’s plotting her new life, her girlhood crush Max Campbell returns to town . . . and suddenly takes notice of Tina all grown up.

Having retired from his military career, Max’s ready to start over, too. He’s given his heart to her.

Now, if only Max can convince Tina to stick around this Christmas — and forever after.

 

Home for the Holidays . . . Don’t miss HER HOLIDAY FAMILY by RUTH LOGAN HERNE! – Tweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

This story is about Tina and Max…

Many of us identify with Tina. Everything seems to be working out in her life, then she loses her job and has to start over. After working hard to make her dreams come true, tragedy strikes again — and she back at square one — again.

I’ve been back to square one too many times in my life . . . some of the time it was my own fault, for making bad decisions. We’ve all been there, I suppose.

What else can we do but try again?

Ruth Logan Herne does an amazing job showing how things can go from good to bad. Then she shows how wonderful life can be — once we put our trust in GOD — and we begin to trust ourselves again.

DO NOT miss this story. It’s such an inspiring message . . . and one that we all need at times.

If you don’t have this series, be sure to put it on your Christmas list. Tell your family — and friends — which books you’d like for Christmas. Maybe — just maybe — the faith, love and hope in these books will lift you up, when you need it most.

Don’t miss this exciting series, found in the wonderful (fictional) place of Kirkwood Lake.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

The Lawman’s Holiday Wish | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing The Lawman’s Holiday Wish, the 3rd book in the Kirkwood Lake series by Ruth Logan Herne.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Second-Chance Christmas

No one in Kirkwood Lake seems willing to forget, or forgive, Rainey McKinney’s troubled past.

But Rainey can’t afford to let that bother her. Her top priority is rebuilding her life and being a good mom to her twin daughters.

Even handsome deputy sheriff Luke Campbell can’t distract her, tempting as he is.

She’s determined to keep her distance, but as his son and her girls form a special bond, Rainey and Luke can’t help but do the same.

Can Rainey put her past behind her once and for all and embrace a future full of hope—and love?

 

Second Chance Christmas . . . Don’t miss THE LAWMAN’S HOLIDAY WISH by RUTH LOGAN HERNE! – Tweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Rainy McKinney has had more than her share of trouble . . .

Even though she was exonerated of a crime — and her criminal record was expunged — certain people in the town refuse to forget her past . . . or let her forget it.

When Luke Campbell approaches Rainy with a request to join forces in dealing with problems concerning their children, she willingly complies. But Luke has problems of his own. Will he end up pushing her away because of his past?

I can’t recommend this story enough! It’s amazing!

If you enjoy reading books by Ruth Logan Herne, or if you’re reading the Kirkwood Lake series, be sure to get this one – it’s the best one so far (I think… I love them all, so it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite).

Don’t miss this exciting series, found in the wonderful (fictional) place of Kirkwood Lake.

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!
Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Longing For a Miracle | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing Longing For a Miracle by Ruth Logan Herne, one of the beautiful stories found in the Hope For the Holidays contemporary collection.

Here is the brief synopsis:

Six heart-warming romances from award-winning, best-selling and multi-published authors will make you smile your way through the holiday season… and beyond!

In today’s busy, commercial world these sweet stories remind us of the true spirit of Christmas: faith, hope and love… and the greatest of these is love! Merry Christmas!

“Hope for Christmas” by Mary Connealy

Kelsey is alone, lost, pregnant, stuck in a blizzard and surrounded by wolves.
And then things get worse. Tanner Harden finds her but with trouble coming and a baby at risk, can they stay alive long enough to fall in love?

“Her Christmas Cowboy” by Audra Harders

Can a single mother looking for forgiveness, and a reclusive cowboy convinced he’s beyond redemption, find hope and love in a simple Christmas pageant?

“Longing for a Miracle” by Ruth Logan Herne

Christmas dimmed when an automobile accident claimed Tasha Sorkos’s little girl… could saving Rafe Karralis’s sick daughter bring the light of faith, hope and love back into her eyes?

“A Heart Full of Hope” by Sandra Leesmith

Elena Delgado loves her father’s new business partner, Stephen Edwards. As they work together to find funding for the project that will bring jobs and hope to their small community in time for Christmas, will Stephen notice her? Or is he still in love with the fiancée who left him?

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” by Tina Radcliffe

Dr. Matthew Christopher doesn’t believe in happily ever after. Can wedding planner Patience McCord melt the heart of the last bachelor in time for Christmas?

“One Perfect Gift” by Missy Tippens

In this sweet Cinderella story with a country music twist, a homeless single mother with a secret may get more than she expected for Christmas, including hope, love and home, sweet home.

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

   Longing For a Miracle

This is just the sort of story that my daughter tries to avoid around Christmas time… if you’ve read the synopsis, you already know that Tasha lost her precious, little daughter. But don’t write this story off yet. The best part is coming – I promise.

When she runs into Rafe Karralis, whom she knew in high school, she discovers he has a daughter – one he could lose. If you read the story, you might just find the love, hope, and peace – that Christmas is all about. I could say more, but I’ve probably already said too much.

Read the story. You’ll be blessed by it.

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

A Town Called Christmas | Ruth Logan Herne

 

Today I am reviewing A Town Called Christmas by Ruth Logan Herne, one of the four stories found in the Hope For the Holidays historical collection.

Here is the brief synopsis:

Four award-winning and best-selling inspirational authors take you back to times gone by with this heart-warming collection of old-fashioned romance at its best!

From 20th century Boston to the forested hills of 19th century Idaho, these talented romance writers offer a taste of faith, hope and love in this delightful collection.

“Sophie’s Other Daughter” by Mary Connealy

Laura McClellen is just answering a call for her big sister, Doctor Beth, at the Reeve’s home. Ike Reeves shows up for a surprise Christmas visit, exhausted and filthy. Ike claims the right to escort Laura home and outlaws after Ike turn a simple ride into a fight for their lives.

“A Town Called Christmas” by Ruth Logan Herne

When gruff English pioneer Edward Stillwell offers a former prostitute a job, he gets more than he bargained for: a wagon train more! With winter rolling in, can Sylvie’s faith, hope and optimism be just what the guilt-laden Idaho rancher needs to love Christmas—and people– again?

“Designs on Love” by Myra Johnson.

Ranch foreman Jacob Collins has had designs on Vera Mae Beasley since their schooldays. When the pretty seamstress returns home to settle her late family’s affairs, Jacob hopes his Christmas surprise will win her heart and convince her to stay.

“A Whisper of Hope” by Julie Lessman

With a husband dead set against adoption, Charity O’Connor Dennehy has barely a whisper of hope for more children, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … will it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

   A Town Called Christmas

This was such a good story! It’s definitely one I’ll read again…

I applauded Edward, when he came to the defense of Sylvie Schuler, just recently a wife, mother – and widow.

Now, I could go on . . . and tell you what happens – and it’s really good. But that would ruin the story for you. You’ll just have to read it for yourself – and I heartily encourage you to do so.

Ruth Logan Herne writes such a moving, picturesque, story – that I could see the mountains and the wagons. Sylvia and Edward became real people to me. I expect they’ll do the same for you, when you read A Town Called Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Oh Little Town of Sugarcreek | Amy Lillard Marathon

Today I am reviewing Oh Little Town of Sugarcreek, a book in the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series by Amy Lillard.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Christmastime has come to Sugarcreek, but the sleepy Ohio town is anything but calm. Cheryl Cooper expected a quiet holiday season, filled with new friends and new traditions.

Instead, Lance Martin, her ex-fiance shows up and proposes again! Then, one of her aunt’s heirlooms turns up missing, followed by the disappearance of the engagement ring Lance intended for her.

When the Millers’ estranged daughter Sarah leaves her Englisch husband and returns home, Cheryl finds herself wondering what more could happen to spoil her Christmas cheer?

A lot, evidently. The town is turned upside down as it discovers there’s a thief in their midst.

But when fingers are pointed at Levi Miller, Cheryl doesn’t want to believe her friend might be guilty. Can she find the real criminal in time to bring back the joy of her first Christmas in Sugarcreek?

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Even when it’s not Christmas time, I’m always in the mood for a great Christmas read — and O Little Town of Sugarcreek is a GREAT Christmas story!

Cheryl Cooper has her hands full — literally — when her ex-fiance shows up and proposes! Cheryl’s crazy cat has just knocked over a jewelry box full of antique heirloom jewels, and her engagement ring goes missing — just when her shop is full of customers!

Oh my!

Will Cheryl be able to find the missing jewels? Will she be able to resist Lance’s proposal?

Read the book. Just read it. I’m not giving anything else away… but if you enjoy mysteries — and lots of excitement — don’t miss this Sugarcreek Amish Mystery!

Amy Lillard writes wonderful Amish stories — and this one is full of unforgettable characters and non-stop action, from beginning to end. And the best part, is that Cheryl will be back in other stories.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Love Finds You in the City at Christmas | Herne, Schmidt

 

Today I am reviewing Red Kettle Christmas and Manhattan Miracle, two heartwarming stories — of Christmas past and Christmas present — found in Love Finds You in the City, by Ruth Logan Herne and Anna Schmidt.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Red Kettle Christmas

It’s 1946, and police officer Mike Wolzak has inherited his family’s home . . . and the custody of his younger sister, who is in trouble with a problem he doesn’t know how to fix.

While on patrol during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mike makes the acquaintance of a lovely Salvation Army bell ringer, Karen O’Leary, who is struggling to support herself and her young daughter.

As their paths cross during the festive holiday season in Manhattan, Karen teaches the tough World War II veteran how to support and love his family. In the process, he just might gain a new one.

Manhattan Miracle

A war-weary soldier who has served three tours in the Middle East, Max Wolzak has come home to New York City to celebrate Christmas with his family in the Manhattan brownstone where he spent much of his childhood.

There Max reconnects with Sarah Peterson, his sister’s old schoolmate who now organizes relief missions for the United Nations.

Sparks fly as the pair gets reacquainted over various holiday events, but when Max realizes that Sarah will leave for the Middle East the day after Christmas, he has a decision to make—convince her to stay, wait for her to return, or go with her to the one place to which he never thought he’d return.

 

Love Finds You in the City at Christmas. . . check out these heart-warming stories! – Tweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Red Kettle Christmas

I really enjoyed reading this story; it reads just like real life . . . it’s messy, complicated, sad (at times) — but there’s always hope. My life has been messy, complicated and sad. Most of the time, I had lots of hope – that things would work out, life would get better, and love would come.

For Mike and Mary Lynn, there’s love…

For Mike and Karen, there’s hope…

Ruth Logan Herne does a wonderful job, creating a story well worth reading — about the Salvation Army and a particular bell ringer. It was interesting to learn why people volunteer and how important it is to everyone involved.

Aha! Now I’ve got you hooked! I could add more, but that should be enough to nudge you to read this wonderful heart-warming tale. You’re gonna love it.

Manhattan Miracle

This is the first story I’ve read by Anna Schmidt, but hopefully, it won’t be the last.

This story is about the grandson of the main characters in the first story, which doesn’t happen often, but it makes for an interesting story when it does…

Anna does a wonderful job, continuing with many of the same characters, and a very similar storyline. Of course, most people love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which is the focus in the beginning of the storyl

All of a sudden, you realize you’re hooked again, and can’t stop reading until the end, which is mostly what happened to me . . . I stopped to write my review, but before too long, I was reading again.

I was delighted to find time to delve back into the story and finish “the rest of the story“.

Don’t miss this awesome book!

Merry Christmas!!!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Peppermint Kisses | Valerie Comer Marathon

 

Today I am reviewing Peppermint Kisses, a short story from the Farm Fresh Romance series by Valerie Comer.

Here is a brief synopsis:

This short ebook novella takes place at the reception of Noel & Claire Kenzie’s Christmas-time wedding.

At the reception, Rebekah Jackson, (the best friend of Noel’s sister Amber) meets Noel’s former employee Wade Roper.

Could Wade be the one to help Rebekah get over her crush on Noel and help her find the Light to battle the darkness she fears?

 

 

 

Peppermint Kisses: A Farm Fresh Romance . . . read this great series by Valerie Comer – Tweet this!

MY THOUGHTS:

I LOVE THIS SERIES!

Poor Rebecca . . . after adoring her friend’s brother from afar, now she’s attending his wedding — to another woman. Oh well, we all have our fantasies — and more often than not, they get dashed.

In the meantime, the man in question, Noel Kenzie, marries his true love — Claire Halford. Will they live happily ever after? While I’m sure they’ll have their share of problems, I think they have a better than average chance of making it work.

If you want to find out what happens with Rebecca and Wade Roper, a former employee of Noel’s, all you have to do is sign up for Valerie Comer’s newsletter — and you can get a digital copy of Peppermint Kisses — free! So go do this… and start reading with me.

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt