TREASURED GRACE By Tracie Peterson

If you enjoy historical novels, then this one fits the bill. Tracie Peterson does her homework and many of the facts of the Whitman massacre are accurate in her story. Grace and her sisters have come west to meet up with their uncle in Oregon Territory. Grace had to marry in order for them to be accepted on the Wagon Train but her husband has died and as we are introduced to the characters we find that it was a loveless marriage.

At the Whitman Mission, Grace meets Trapper, Alex Armistead. Alex lives among and trades with the Indians. He and Grace have some disagreements about the Indians early on but quickly become allies trying to help when they are stricken with measles.

Grace and Dr. Whitman but heads about her healing gift and his being a trained doctor. It is obvious however, that Dr. Whitman and his wife care for the Indians but they struggle to gain their trust. Tensions end up ultimately in loss of life and compromising of many of the women including Grace's sister Hope.

Emotions come to a head between Alex and Grace but he, unintentionally, humiliates her because he has some secrets of his own. Grace and her sisters head on to Oregon City where they find they aren't through with the consequences resulting from the attack.

I found this book an interesting read and worth spending time with but I can't give it my highest recommendation because I was frustrated with the lack of growth and maturity in the romantic relationship between Grace and Alex. At least I think there could have been more depth given the characters. The lack of trust and communication made for too much angst, in my opinion. However, it still had a good plot and one can see where the foundation is laid for further books in this series.

I received this book for an honest review from Netgalley.

JUST A KISS By Denise Hunter

Riley Callahan has always loved Paige but she was in love with his brother. Then things changed and he was going to confess his love to her; but life got in the way because he ran away to a tour of service in Afghanistan. There an IED changes his life forever making him an amputee and killing his best friend.

Back in the states everyone thinks they know what's best for him and he finds himself roommates with Paige and they finally must confront their feelings for each other.

Denise Hunter writes great books on angst and love and quandaries to be solved. She covers many difficult subjects and in this book she deals with PTSD. Just about all her books are keepers and this one is no exception. I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

LOVE, LIES, AND FIREFLIES By Jan Elder

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This is a lovely story and the reason for the title is explained by the heroine and is part of the climax at the end. At first you are devastated, along with Didi, when her fiancee admits to his unfaithfulness but it quickly graduates to confusion as he acts like it is no big deal and that they are still an item although Didi has made it clear they are through.

Then, in a random part of a daily routine, Didi and Jake casually meet at the Vet's office and then again at a youth event. Jake, having decided it is time to move on after the tragic death of his fiancee, decides to ask Didi out. 

Didi and Jake's relationship begins to blossom, while at the same time her ex-fiancee decides to stalk her. Jake still has feelings of guilt and unresolved issues relating to the death of his fiancee which complicates matters. 

There are many surprise twists and turns and just when it seems Jake and Didi might get their happily ever after, it seems God might have other plans or does he?

Ms. Elder has done a fine job with this novel and covers a very difficult subject, domestic violence well. She also deals with spiritual struggles as Jake deals with giving great insight. This is definitely for your keeper shelf. I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

NO OTHER WILL DO By Karen Witemeyer

No Other Will Do has an interesting premise in that the setting is a women's colony for women who have left abusive or intolerable situations and generally are distrustful of men. The town is founded, lived in, and run by women. Emma Chandler and her aunts have founded the colony as their mission but now they are in trouble because someone is trying to do them harm.

Emma sends for her long time friend and first mission cause, Malachi Shaw. It soon becomes evident that Emma and Malachi are more than friends although neither seem to recognize that fact. Malachi has been working a dangerous job, dynamiting for the railroad and has only a few days to help Emma before his job becomes in jeopardy; but Malachi has a dilemma because it's either lose his job or Emma who has his heart.

Karen Witemeyer always has great stories. This one is no exception. I received this copy from Netgalley for an honest review.