Review: A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

A Match of Wits Author - Jen Turano Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Yes

After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancee, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes--by hook or by crook--she'll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.

Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth--until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?

What I Loved...

I am a fan of Jen Turano and A Match of Wits did not disappoint. The whole gang from her previous books are incorporated in the book and I just loved it. It felt familiar and brought back memories of previous plots.

Jen Turano's female characters are hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit.

What I Liked...

For those that don't know me, I am a bit obsessed with swoon  and humor in the novels that I read. While A Match of Wits did have lots of humor, it didn't have as much swoon as I like, BUT in this case it's not a bad thing. The lack of fit the storyline perfectly well and I am surprised myself how much I liked the book without one of my major ingredients for loving a book.

Other...

Who said you shouldn't judge a book by its cover? I admit that I do judge a book by its cover...literally a book. Jen Turano's cover's are unmistakeable. However once I begin reading, I don't ever picture the woman on the cover . I guess since the characters have appeared in previous books, I already have a picture in my head of what they look like. I found myself constantly  looking at the cover and just couldn't make the image on the cover stick. I guess its not a big deal but I thought I'd mention it. 

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Plots and Pans by Kelly Eilleen Hake

Plots and Pans Author - Kelly Eileen Hake Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Yessir

Order dictates Tucker Carmichael’s life--his orders. On a cattle drive, a moment’s hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. The Chisholm Trail is dirty, dangerous, and no place for dainty ladies. That's just part of why he loves it.

Jessalyn Culpepper's life is perfectly ordered--by men. By her father's mandate, she was booted from their beloved ranch for lady lessons abraod. Now Jessalyn has returned home, determined to show them all that a woman can manage everything from cooking to cattle--whether they like it or not!

What I Loved...

I am in a Cowgirl state of mind! The two women of this novel are a hoot and I enjoyed reading from both of their points of view. The heroine, Jessalyn, is as determined as a young lady ought to be when she in looking to get into something. I love romance and comedy, but the cowgirl is icing on the cake.

What I Liked...

I was pleasantly surprised with the story line of Desta. This was my first Christian Fiction Romance (that I can remember anyway) that included a former slave so significantly in the plot. Let me be clear that the book isn't about slavery. It includes a former slave that now lives free. The heavy topic of slavery doesn't weigh the book down. It is still a very enjoyable read with a different twist. I liked the character of Desta a lot.

POSSIBLE SPOILER...
I couldn't help but picture the late actor, Michael Clarke Duncan, whenever I read about Ralph Runkle. Big and Sweet, unless you messed with Desta...lol.

Other...

My followers know that I am addicted to swoon, swoon and more swoon. Plots and Pans missed an opportunity to have me singing it's praises forevermore. It had everything I love in a book except not enough swoon worthy moments. Their was swoon at the end, but I felt it had to be squeezed in for the happy ending.

I prefer a romance comedy have swoon, trouble, more swoon, more trouble, swoon and then happy ending! I wonder if that's too much to ask?

My only other issue was Jessalyn's walk with her faith. It felt rushed to wrap up the story and insincere.

All in all it was a good read and I do recommend it.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Winter's Past by Mary E. Hanks

Winter's Past Author - Mary E. Hanks Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Yes

Winter didn't plan on seeing Ty Williams ever again. But when she speaks at a conference in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a city she's avoided for ten years, and Ty shows up, she must face two things. Her past. And the fact she hasn't forgiven him. Only now, he's humble, broken, genuinely sorry, and, much to her displeasure, still wildly handsome! Can she forgive him? Can she let God heal her heart and have His way in her life?

What I Loved...

The subject matter of Winter's Past is very personal to me. Having worked in Marriage & Restoration Ministries for several years, I am an advocate of reconciliation. The subject of divorce and a failed marriage was approached with grit and reality. I appreciated Mary not sugar coating the emotions associated with such a delicate situation. It made Winter's Past a more dramatic book. Well more than I am used to. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the change.

What I Liked...

The emotional rollercoaster of this book was awesome. Somehow, Mary managed to get me as emotionally involved as the characters. Good job Mary!

I felt happy, sad, angry, betrayed, uneasy, loved just to name a few....it is wild!

Other...

Winter's Past started out slow for me, but I must admit that I like to get right to the good stuff. I am a very impatient reader. However the slow beginning was necessary to an extent.

POSSIBLE SPOILER
I think I would have been satisfied with the beginning if Mary would have started with Winter finding Ty cheating. I know she relives it later on in the book, which was good too. However, maybe the beginning chapter could have been from Ty's POV, getting caught cheating. Just an idea...like I said, I like getting to the good stuff. I think I would have gotten through the book faster with a drama filled start . END OF POSSIBLE SPOILER

Once the book gets rolling, its pretty good and I finished it quickly. By the end I felt wrapped up in the lives of the characters as if I were there. Mary did a great reeling me in emotionally.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author, Mary E Hanks. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.