Book Review Catch-up!

Ok everyone... Here we go! Have fun reading and don't forget to leave a comment! I hope the links work..... they did on the test.... but if they don't please let me know!

Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts

This is a heart warming story about a young woman named Mattie Evans who is the veterinarian for a small town in Kansas and a retired pro football player, Gilbert McCray.

Mattie loves living in the Flint Hills and caring for the animals on the various ranches. She took over an existing veterinarian clinic in her home town so she could stay in the place she loved most. I can understand that, after having lived for 13 years away from where I grew up. I couldn't get back “home” soon enough.

Gilbert McCray's family has a large ranch in the Flint Hills, but because of the past, he couldn't get out of Kansas fast enough. He ends up coming back home because of his horse, Dusty, and a desire to make some peace with the past.

Mattie and Gilbert both learn how to let go of the past, look forward to the future and mostly, they learn about forgiveness.

Deborah Vogts is a wonderful writer who will have you feeling the wind coming off of Flint Hills and experience the joy of forgiveness.

This is a Kindle book that I was able to download for free. The publisher has the option of changing the free status to pay. So if you want to read this book for yourself for free, be sure to download it today.

Gingham Bride by Jillian Hart

This is off of the back cover:

“Fiona O'Rourke doesn't believe in love – and certainly not in a marriage arranged by her cruel father. And even if her unexpected betrothed seems honorable and kind, can she trust his motives...or the attraction between them?

Ian McPherson came to Montana to salvage his family's dwindling fortune, not to take a wife. But he's instantly drawn to Fiona. He wants to protect her- even if that means pretending that they're engaged. In a season of surprises and miracles, there's nothing he won't give to show Fiona his love is for always.”

This is such a sweet story! Fiona and Ian both are suffering from an arranged marriage by their respective families. This arrangement took place when they were but children. Neither one wants to get married for their own reasons. But, because of her cruel father, they pretend to be engaged until another option makes its way known. They both learn to trust and forgive and maybe even fall in love.

Gingham Bride is set in Angel County, Montana Territory during 1883. Jillian Hart did a wonderful work in her research and setting the stage for this story. You, the reader, will not be disappointed and she includes a discussion at the end of the story to help you reflect on took place and how it helps you in your faith.

The Cowboy's Baby by Linda Ford

When you first open the book, this is what you will read.....

“It was as if he were seeing things that had developed since the last time they had been honest with each other.

Anna let her thoughts grow and expand, knew they filled her eyes even as they filled her heart. She was being more open with him at this moment than she had been since his return....

“Would you mind singing it as I play so I can hear the words in my head?”

Colby's voice seemed to come from a long tunnel, taking its time to reach her brain.

Anna jerked away and turned back to the piano keys. She must guard her heart. And thoughts. Hadn't she learned that lesson already?

So she played. He played. And she sang.

And despite her constant mental warnings, Anna let the music wash over her, numb her caution. She knew a height of pleasure so new and unfamiliar she didn't even know what to call it.

It was the music. That was all. Nothing more....”

This is a story you will enjoy reading. Linda Ford writes in a warm manner. She breathes life into her characters, making them real.

Colby Bloxham returns home after being gone for two years. He left his baby daughter with Anna, his former sweetheart.

Anna has cared for and raised little Dorrie without the benefit of Colby's assistance. She isn't ready to trust Colby again, after he has broken every promise he made.

Colby claims to have found faith in God, yet, Anna doesn't know that she can trust him again.

Together they learn how to trust, forgive and deal with the past hurts and move forward to a better future.

Linda Ford includes a discussion section at the back of the book for you to use to help you strengthen your faith.

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances by Andy Andrews is a story about a young woman who lives in America during WWII. It's a story about a young man in the German navy. This is a story about intrigue, suspense, hope and possibly love. Helen Mason and Lt. Josef Landermann lives will never be the same.


This is a great read. I enjoyed meeting Helen Mason and learning why she is a bitter young woman. And Lt. Josef Landermann is a young man that would have made any German momma proud. The author, Andy Andrews did a wonderful job in creating an intriguing story that was different from most historical stories. Helen and Josef dealt with broken heart issues that needed to be healed.


There was enough twists in the plot to keep me reading. I wanted to know what happened next. The overall story is intriguing, inspiring and definitely makes me want to delve deeper in my own faith. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical stories, books of intrigue, something hopeful, well, just everyone!


I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I am not required to write a positive review. These are my own opinions that I have expressed here. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Ok, here is a real twist... I have an extra copy of The Heart Mender and I would like to give it away. So, I am going to have a drawing! Hmmmmm..... What kind of drawing? I know, everyone who leaves me a comment saying they are following me on Twitter and Google Friends or Networked Blogs will be entered in the drawing. I will then throw your names in a "hat" and pick one, with my eyes closed. 


Be sure to add your email address in the comment box so I can email you to let you know you won and request your snail mail address at the same time. When you do leave your email address put it in a format that will be hard for spammers to read, such as email(at)address(dot)com..... well, you know what I mean. 


The drawing will begin today May 5, 2010 and will end June 13,2010. That way anyone who would like the chance to enter the drawing will have an opportunity to do so.


This would make a great gift for a graduate or even a father. Men would enjoy this book, as it's not too "girly."