Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell

The latest book I received for free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review is Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell. I was a little unsure of it because I am not really a big fan of military novels and this one takes place on and near West Point. So, I started out with a little skepticism, but quickly got over it. I LOVED it. Not exactly what I imagined it would be about at all, much better! It was, also, my first Siri Mitchell book. She is wonderful author. I would give this book a solid 4.5 stars. There wee times I wanted to scream, laugh, and cry...but it all worked out as it should have. It is a great story of overcoming self-esteem issues, growing into who you really are, and not compromising standards to accomplish something. I am sure any age group would love it. It is definitely a book I would recommend to friends and family. Thank you Bethany House.. and Siri Mitchell for being a great writer!

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

Once again, Jody Hedlund does not disappoint! Being that she is one of my favorite authors, you know I jumped at the chance to review this book for Bethany House (free in exchange for my honest opinion). I have also read the other two books in the series. There is a common thread among these books of a symbol of hope that gets passed on. Without giving anything away, I will say, that if you have read the other two books, you will LOVE how that symbol plays into this story. If you haven't read the other two books, you can still read this one and enjoy it, It is a great story about leaving your past behind and trying to create a new future for yourself, The struggles involved with past mistakes and getting over them. The hard choices we make on a daily basis to keep our heads above water. This girl went from someone I really didn't like in the last book, to someone I adore in this book If that is not good writing, I don't know what is. The male characters in the book are also quite intriguing. There is a good amount of hardship happening in the town where the story takes place and it will tear at your  heart. It is overall a very enjoyable read. Thanks, Jody Hedlund, for keeping me so entertained! Looking forward to her next book!!

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klaussen

WOW! I have no words. This is probably my new favorite book. The Tutor's Daughter (also by Julie Klaussen) has been my favorite book up to this point. I really, REALLY, REALLY loved this book. I felt like I lived it while I was reading it. More like being part of it than reading it. It is a story of mistakes and forgiveness, responsibility and acceptance, mystery and intrigue. I wanted to yell, scream, and laugh so many times. I wanted to pull the characters aside and have a little chat with them so many times. I LOVED the ending. I wasn't really sure how everything would work out until the very end. To me, that is a well-written book. The characters are lovable, annoying, frustrating, endearing, and amazing! If you like Jane Eyre, this is the book for you. You will really enjoy this book! I am SURE of it. Julie Klaussen does it again and I sure hope she has A LOT more to come!!
* I was given this book free in return for my honest review for Bethany House. Thank you, Bethany House!

Rising Darkness (Finding Sanctuary3) by Nancy Mehl

This is the third book in Nancy Mehl's series Finding Sanctuary. I did read her first two. This is another great read!  The three books are similar, but NOT the same.  Each one has a little twist that makes it interesting. I thought the character development in this one was amazing. Sophie (Emily?), the lead character, is very complex. She is immature, yet insightful; weak, yet so very strong; untrusting of others, yet wanting so badly to trust.  It is nice to see her character develop and grow. She also has a good idea of who she is and not so sure about who she wants to be, which makes things interesting. The male lead character is amazing, but not perfect.  The mystery in the story keeps you guessing and not at all what I expected.  Overall, it was an enjoyable read that I got through pretty fast (which translates.. I couldn't put it down).  I do like Nancy's books and would read her literature again. Thank you to Bethany House for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.

Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy

This was the first book I have read by Mary Connealy. I LOVED IT! I had a few of her other books I had gotten on Amazon and just hadn't gotten around to reading yet. I didn't really know what to expect from her. But I was impressed!  She has great detail and really draws you into the story. The only disappointment I had was that this was book three in the series and I had not read books one and two. It can be a stand-alone book, I was not at all lost. I just felt that if I had read the first two books  I would have enjoyed the third a little more and gotten a deeper understanding of some issues. But, all in all, I really liked the characters and the overall development of the story.  If you like stories about love and trust, a feisty main character, and a loving, caring hero with lots of patience, and a mystery to figure out.. then you will love Fire and Ice. I got the book free from Bethany House for my honest review. And here it is.