YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT By Susan May Warren

You're the One that I want opens with dramatic flare as Owen Christiansen and Scotty McFlynn struggle to survive after going overboard during a storm while at Sea on her father's fishing boat. Drawing us into the story, Ms. Warren sets the stage for the developing romance between the hero and heroine. She gives us glimpses of Owen's strained history with his family, his desire to return home but certainty that he cannot. Scotty has her own issues having been raised as an only child by her father after losing her mother at a young age. She thrives at doing a man's job, Captaining a boat and being one of the men and as a police detective on the side. But, a tragic circumstance on her detective job involving family members has her denying a need for faith.

Things get even more complicated when Owen's brother, Caspar shows up to convince him to return home and then has to be arrested and escorted home by Scotty because of a suspected murder charge. Waiting on them, is the woman, Caspar loves and the mother of Owen's child.

This is a great climax to a family saga. It can stand alone as an enjoyable read but many of the characters and their part in the story will be much more meaningful if you have read all the earlier books in the Christiansen series. I highly recommend the whole series for your keeper shelf. Ms. Warren remains in the top 5 of my Christian Romance authors.

COLDSHOT (CHESAPEAKE VALOR SERIES) By Dani Pettrey

http://www.danipettrey.com

If you like romantic suspense, then you will thoroughly enjoy this new novel and series by Ms. Dani Pettrey. She writes masterfully using both third person and first person to tell her narrative. I enjoy hearing clues through the first person thoughts of her villain.

In addition, I am encouraged by the faith depicted through her hero and heroine as they breathe their spur of the moment prayers to God. As a Christian, I do this throughout the day and can relate. If you are offended by those living out their faith, you may not be able to overlook this. However, if you can, you will find a very interesting story that details crime scenes, post-mortem, and ballistics. Ms. Pettrey has obviously done her research.

Our story opens as National Park Ranger, Griffin McCray discovers grave robbers while he makes his rounds. The surprise is that, instead of a violation of a civil war grave, he finds it is modern remains. He calls in forensic anthropologist,  Finley Scott. From here, the mystery grows, the romantic tension smolders, and the  foundation is laid for the rest of her series.

Turns out the victim was killed by a sniper and this leads us to the knowledge that, in his past, Griff was a sniper learning his skills in the military and performing for a police department. Secrets from the past haunt both Griff and Finley. They are both fighting a relationship even though they are drawn to each other. Will the truth destroy them? Will they find the truth before they become the next victim--and they are in the sniper's line of sight.

 Coldshot, actually, a hot suspenseful read that I highly recommend for your reading list which should include looking forward to the rest of the Chesapeake Valor Series.

A NOBLE MASQUERADE By Kristi Ann Hunter

I have found a new favorite author, Ms. Kristi Ann Hunter. Her book, "A Noble Masquerade" combines romance, humor, mystery and suspense in a most delightful read. One can not help but fall in love with her hero and heroine. One of the things I like best is that the angst she creates between hero and heroine doesn't stress you out but has one turning the pages to find out how they are going to get out of each new predicament.

Immediately, you are drawn into the intrigue of Miranda Hawthorne's missives to her make believe confidant, who is an actual school friend of her brother. Then when you are introduced to her brother, you also discover his mysterious valet and suspect that her erstwhile correspondence may get even more complicated.

Miranda, struggles under her mother's strict tutelage on being a lady, when within she is a passionate free spirit. She finds solace in writing her feelings to her confident Marsh, her brother's favorite colleague from school.

Things become a comedy of errors when Marlow, the mysterious new valet of her brother, mails one of her letters. Then, he inerrantly becomes her confidant. She,in turn, becomes inexplicably drawn to both him and to the Duke who has surprisingly answered her letter.

Ryland, Duke of Marshington, moonlighting as a valet to Miranda's brother, Griffith, his childhood friend, discovers more than he bargained for as he is undercover spy for the Crown. He wants to know more about this lady who has written letters to him for years. As things begin to develop between him and Miranda in person, they also are developing between Miranda and the Duke, as well, through the letters. Ryland wants to know more of her and to court her when he is free of this job; but the conundrum is how to maintain his integrity through the subterfuge, as Marlow, the valet, and not lose his heart in the end.

This is a must read and an author to add to your keeper shelf.

THE MISTRESS OF TALL ACRE By Laura Frantz

A sweet romance, The Mistress of Tall Acre, eases you tenderly into the relationship that develops between Sophie Menzies and General Seamus Ogilvy and his little daughter, Lily Cate.

 The story flow is gradual as the author fills us in on the history of both hero and heroine--and a prologue finds the General home from the battlefield, for the birth of his daughter, delivered by mother and daughter midwives with a doctor having been called because of a difficult birth. The doctor admonishes the general what will happen if he doesn't protect his wife from further pregnancies giving us a glimpse at future problems for this marriage. We meet Sophie the midwife daughter here but the significance of this meeting is not clear until the opening chapter.

It is a complex relationship that develops and we suspect the general cares for Sophie much more than is apparent to her. Sophie, on the other hand, clearly loves Seamus; and her relationship with his daughter becomes a thread that draws them together.

There is a major surprise in the story line that I cannot say I was happy with but I can see how it could have transpired. I'm also not sure that the solution is acceptable; however, I trust that Ms. Frantz did her historical homework and the moral dilemma is ours to ascertain.

I am a big fan of Ms. Frantz historical romances so I still highly recommend this for a very interesting and enthralling read!

FIRE AND ICE By Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy's books are always an adventure. Fire and Ice is no exception.  This novel is part of a series about sisters in the old west. Bailey Wilde likes to dress and act like a man but she doesn't like men especially Gage Coulter. Gage has a problem. He needs Bailey Wilde's land but the man would rather shoot at him than talk. Bailey is a small homesteader seeking to make a living in a wild and lonely land. Gage Coulter already owns 5000 acres and lives to manage and build his empire. His ways are fair but tough.

When Gage discovers that Bailey is really a woman sparks begin to fly. Add to the mayhem, someone is trying to kill Gage; and he thinks it's Bailey.

Over the lonely winter, Bailey learns that she doesn't like being alone and she misses her sisters and family. When Gage  surprises Bailey with a visit despite the icy conditions of winter, she warms to his visit; but then Gage makes a crazy proposal stating he needs her help because his mother is coming and expects to find him with a wife, Bailey must make a crazy decision of her own.

I highly recommend this read for the humor, suspense, and romance. Fire and Ice very appropriately describes each character and their relationship as well.

 

FRONTIER ENGAGEMENT By Regina Scott

Frontier Engagement, an engaging read by Ms. Regina Scott is part of a series but, does well as a stand alone. Alexandrina Fosgrove has traveled West to escape the disgrace suffered from the lies she has lived with her adoptive family. She desires to find a job as a school teacher but lacks experience.

James Wallin seeks a school teacher for the small town his family resides in. The problem is it is a very isolated area and the students are not children but full grown adolescents.  Somehow he convinces Alexandrina to come and she chooses to because she is desperate to succeed. Unknown to everyone there already exists opposition; someone is trying to scare her off. James agrees to escort her to another teaching opportunity; but when they find themselves alone together in the wilderness he offers to marry Rina as he has nicknamed Alexandrina to protect her reputation. James has his own issues but Rina has seen the gentle but strong man he is.

There are many twists and turns in this delightful sweet read. I enjoyed it enough that I plan to read the others in the series.

REFUGE OF THE HEART By Ruth Logan Herne

Ruth Logan Herne writes amazing books. I am not disappointed when I choose one of her novels to get engrossed in. Refuge of the Heart is a unique experience. From the beginning, you are captured by the charm of her heroine and her sister as they are enjoying the Christmas decorations--refugees from Chechnya,  living on a shoestring budget as it becomes readily apparent. Then you are introduced to the hero, Mitch Sanderson, a no non-sense District Attorney; but one with a tender heart, for he sees the flat tire Lena and her sister, Anna, are fixing to discover, and realizes he needs to be the one to rescue them.

Thus begins the complicated relationship between Lena and Mitch. Both have dark secrets which neither is willing to share with the other; yet, they are drawn to each other even though their prospective economic statuses should keep them apart.

Lena has seen and suffered through many atrocities in her homeland. Formerly a Doctor, in Chechnya, she struggles to study, work, and take care of her little sister, Anna.  Mitch, lives for work, and takes pride in the job he has done. Now he is up for re-election and strives to please his electorate. Having lost his wife and unborn child tragically, he doesn't want to get emotionally involved again.

Things go from bad to worse when Mitch finally learns some of Lena's secret but believes the gossip rather than to trust what he knows to be true about Lena's character. Lena chooses not to enlighten Mitch after the hurt he's caused her and returns to her original plan of survival.

True love tested in the crucibles of fire survives. You'll be jeering and cheering and completely satisfied with this ending. Another keeper by Ms. Ruth Logan Herne.