The Sheepish Scribe

Out of Control by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Oh boy... I wish I'd read this one first.  Wonderful story of the eldest Kincaid brother and how he comes to find himself a wife.  "Find" being the operative word.  I love Mary Connealy's ability to write humor that keeps the story light and lively without trivializing the tension.  These books are hard to put down.  If you ever enjoyed the old TV western shows, like The Big Valley, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, etc., you need to read this trilogy.  Trust me.  :)

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Totally enchanting read. One of my rare 5 star reviews.  This is book #2 in the series.  I have not read book #1... but you can bet I WILL!  A wonderful combination of humor and love seasoned with enough tension to keep me awake and reading until after midnight.  I'm not a night person, so this is high praise indeed.

Ethan Kincaid may have just slipped into my favorite leading man slot.  He's not the typical leading man - which might be one of the reasons I like him so much - but he got under my heart right from the start.  A little backward and hesitant to put himself forward, he nevertheless comes through with both humor and heroism enough for any leading character.

Audra is the mother of 2, an infant and a toddler.  Widowed and facing trouble, she turns to marriage with a man she hardly knows.  Accepting her situation with fortitude to be admired, she forges onward to make a life for her family.  When danger threatens to tear them apart, love binds them stronger than ever.

I highly recommend reading book #1 first, but if you don't, you'll still enjoy this one.

The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity by Andy Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Intriguing tale with a "moral of the story" you won't want to miss.  Historical characters and a larger-than-life angel combine to make this a real page turner.  Loved the way Andy Andrews introduced and characterized each historical figure.  From well known figures like Winston Churchill and Abe Lincoln to much lesser known people like Eric Erickson and Joshua Chamberlain, you're inspired and awed by the history surrounding them.  As you watch and listen from the sidelines, these noble people strive to save humanity from itself.  Wonderful read!

History from the Hearth: A Colonial Michilimackinac Cookbook by Sally Eustice

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My sweet hubby bought this book for me on our anniversary trip to Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island.  I read the whole thing on the trip home!  Fascinating glimpses into the past fill in the margins of this wonderful cookbook.  Notes from diaries from the 1700s and historical information of the fort help to bring the era to life.

Author Sally Eusice was one of the reenactors at Fort Michilimackinac (located within present day Mackinaw City).  She salts every page with interesting tidbits from times gone past while providing recipes today's families will enjoy.  Several recipes may be a bit too "gamey" for some in our modern society, but cooks are guaranteed to find something for everyone between these covers and history buffs will enjoy the read as well.

Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An interesting story set among the castles and clans of Scotland. Plagued with "falling fits" since birth, Serena's mother raised her in the sanctuary of a small village of outcasts.  When the new laird takes up residence in the castle, Serena takes employment there.  Gavin arrives with his brother and a crew of clansmen to repair the aging castle.  Serena's plans to remain single and in the community of outcasts are turned upside down when both the laird and Gavin show their interest in her.  After suffering one of her fits in the town, Serena is brought before the church under suspicion of being possessed.  Which man will stand beside her when they learn her secret?  You'll have to read the story to find out.

The years have flown by while we've pursued life as a married couple.  And it has been a pursuit.  Life isn't easy.  Married life isn't easy.  We've had our disappointments, disillusions, and times of discontent.  Those obstacles strengthened our relationship because we didn't let them derail our goal - our pursuit - of a life together.

So why have we persevered when so many marriages haven't.  I'd like to say we're just that good... but in truth, we're blessed.  When we stood in the church before God and said our vows, we meant them.  They were not said lightly.  And He has blessed us time and time again through the good times and the bad because - I believe - we have honored our vows and our commitment to Him. We don't always get it right.  It's not always pretty.  But our hope - and marriage - is build on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
 
This post is part of Christian Writers’ May Blog Chain on the topic, “Pursuit.” Check out the other Blog Chain posts by clicking the links right.

Kaydie by Penny Zeller

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the second in Penny Zeller's "Montana Skies" series.  I don't think it was as good as the first one, but it was still worth reading.  Whitaker House billed this one as a romance and not a historical... which is correct!  They billed the first book as a historical and these are not.  They are set in the old west but contain no actual history in them.  I'd classify them as Prairie Romances.

Kaytie is the younger sister of MacKenzie from the first book. Her story is sad and stems from an abusive marriage.  I think the author did a more than credible job of showing the wounded emotions of a woman who has been through this type of trauma.  The characters from book one are all back, although Zack, my favorite character from the first book, is the most minor character in this one. 

Suitable for older teens on up only due to the issue of spousal abusive.