"Her Secret"
by Shelley Shepard Gray

During her "running around" time Hannah Hilty becomes "friends" with an Englischer.  But the friendship is short-lived, but only on Hannah's part.  When he begins to stalk Hannah, and even takes her picture, she and her family are forced to leave the Amish community, where she has grown up.  They relocate in Hart County, Kentucky, for a fresh start.  But Hannah is still afraid and still looking over her shoulder, and for good reason.  It looks as if her nightmare has followed her all the way to Kentucky.  How did he find her?
Is Hannah's own sister so angry at Hannah for being forced to leave her home and friends, that she is giving the stalker information?  Hannah feels as if her entire family doesn't believe her, that the stalker has followed them to Kentucky.  Only her neighbor, Isaac Troyer seems to care, but after all, Hannah has been through, can she learn to trust a man again?  Will this nightmare ever end?
*****************************************************************************
I consider this to be the best book Gray has written. I love the mystery angle that she has incorporated into the book. The mystery angle added an interesting element to the story, so that it wasn't your typical Amish story.  This story kept me guessing until the very end because I could not figure out from where he was getting his information. If you enjoy Amish stories, then I definitely recommend you read this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publishers. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

To learn more about "Her Secret" by Shelly Shepard Gray, please check out http://litfusegroup.com/author/SGray. 

"The Superheroes Devotional"
​by Ed Strauss

Can you actually find spiritual truths in comic books and superhero movies?”   
Yes, you can!

For more than 75 years of comic book history and dozens of gigantic cinematic releases, Superheros have captivated our imagination--filling our senses with heart-pounding adventures, riveting plots, and spectacular special effects—and sometimes they have profound messages woven into them. Often the underlying themes reveal a Judeo-Christian influence, and even when it isn’t intentional, you can still draw deep lessons from them.  Whether it’s the self-sacrifice and humility of Captain America and the Hulk’s struggles with anger or the parallels between Superman and Jesus or between Black Widow and a ruthless Bible heroine, your favorite heroes and heroines (and even villains) have much to teach.

If you’re a fan of this good vs. evil world, you will love The Superheroes Devotional—featuring 60 interesting, challenging, and encouraging readings. With devotions drawn from dozens of favorite superheroes from both the Marvel and DC Comics universes—well-known names like Captain America and Batman and lesser-known heroes like Shazam and Gambit—each reading includes spiritual lessons relating superheroes to the heroes of the Bible in themes like faith, hope, courage, pride, and power. You’ll also enjoy reading about the history and background of each superhero, shared by author and lifelong fan Ed Strauss.

Read on, True Believer, and may you draw inspiration and encouragement from the characters and stories that you know and love from comic book pages and big screen movies alike.
*****************************************************************************
I must admit that I do not know much about the Superheroes in the comic books or the movies. I did watch the Batman TV show when I was a child and I have seen a few of the Incredible Hulk episodes, but other than that I am not up-to-date on Superheroes. So why would I read about book dedicated to Superheroes you may ask. Well the answer is simple…I am the Children’s Church director at my Church, and the children love and know about Superheroes. Last year my Bible School theme was Superheroes in the Bible. Everyone had a lot of fun. But when the children would ask me about or talk about Thor, Wolverine, Flash, or any of the other Superheroes, I must admit that I could not answer their questions or carry on an intelligent conversation with the children. So, when this book became available, I thought that it would be a perfect way to learn about the Superheroes. I was right. I did learn about the Superheroes, but I also found that there are spiritual lessons to learn from the Superheroes. Many of the Superheroes struggle with some of the same problems you and I struggle with; such as, anger, pride, courage, lack of faith and more. Just as many of the Superheroes realized that there is One greater than them and One Who can help them, we too must realize that God is bigger than any of our struggles and problems that we face.

My one complaint about the book is the use of multiple “versions” of the Bible. I only use the King James Bible, so I was not a fan of the author constantly skipping from one “version” to another.
​
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. No review was required. All opinions are my own.

"My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas"
by Erica Vetsch

Fashion artist Priscilla Hutchens has a grudge against the army that has ruined her family and taken the people she holds most dear. When her twin niece and nephew are left orphaned at Fort Bliss, Texas, she swoops down on Fort Bliss to gain custody of them immediately.

There is just one thing standing in the way—Post surgeon Major Elliot Ryder, who is also the twins uncle, also claims the children and thinks he knows what is best for them.

Priscilla and Elliot will cross swords, but each will have to lay down arms if they are to find a lasting peace on which to form the family both are longing for.  Who will win the battle? Or will a truce be called for the sake of love and family?
*****************************************************************************
This book is filled with many twists and turns and loads of excitement. I have always loved reading Civil War books and this story is post-Civil War, so I enjoyed reading this book to learn more about what happened after the War. The characters each had their stubborn streak, but they both realized that what they were best may not always be the case. The twins, Tessa and Timothy, added so much to the story with their escapades. I especially loved how they both came to rely on God and each other. If you love historical fiction books or are just looking for an exciting book to read, then I would recommend this book to you.
​
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

"Her Baby's Protector"
by Margaret Daley and Susan Sleeman

Saved by the Lawman by Margaret Daley 
As an unknown assailant attempts to kidnap family-court judge Kate Forster's infant son, police officer Chase Walker thwarts the attack—and vows to keep the pair safe. But who will protect the ex-marine's heart when the widowed mother and her little boy make him long for a permanent spot in their family?  
*****************************************************************************
Margaret Daley is a new author for me, but I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more stories by her. Her story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and held it until the end. Filled with non-stop action, you will be drawn into the thrill of the chase as they try to find the abductor before it is too late.




Saved by the SEAL by Susan Sleeman 
The tragedy that killed Bree Hatfield's best friends—and left her with custody of their young daughter—has been ruled an accident. But Bree knows it was murder. Scared and alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, navy SEAL Clint Reed, who'll risk everything to protect baby Ella and the woman he never stopped loving.
*****************************************************************************
Susan Sleeman is one of my favorite authors, and she did not disappoint with this exciting story. The story is jammed packed with action from beginning to end.  Filled with many twists and turns, a whole slew of suspects, and danger around every corner, the story will keep you guessing until the very end. 


This is a two-in-one novella collection of well written stories. Both stories are filled with suspense, intrigue, and romance. I loved how they both shared the common link of not only protecting a baby, but they also both had men who had served in the military. I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Susan Sleeman, in exchange for my honest review.

"Baseball Faith: 52 MLB Stars Reflect on Their Faith"
by Rob Maaddi

Winning the World Series may be the ultimate prize for most MLB players,
but a relationship with Jesus Christ is No. 1 for many diamond stars, including:

• Hall of Famer John Smoltz
• Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw
• MVP Albert Pujols
• All-Star Mariano Rivera
• And dozens more.

Baseball Faith will inspire you in your faith journey as 52 MLB players--past and present--share their stories and how they are chasing the success that only comes from being God's man and following His plan. These men are committed to living their lives with eternity in mind. Empowered by God, they are looking beyond the competition to a larger goal: following God's game plan for their lives as team players, as husbands, fathers, sons, and then using their influence to point others toward Him.
​***********************************************************************************************************************************************
 I am a baseball fanatic! (Go Yankees!!!) So when I received the opportunity to review this book, I jumped at the chance. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about some of my favorite players and about players that I really didn’t know. In this book, we learn about the faith of 52 Major League Baseball players and how they are using their love of baseball to share their testimonies and inspire others. Sometimes we look at athletes and think that their lives are easier than ours because they are famous and make a lot of money, but in reality they are just regular people just like everyone else, and they go through struggles and trials just like we do. These 52 men have learned to lean on and rely on God during those times. As Andrew Bailey said, “Even when though the road gets rocky at time, God is always there for you.” I loved how Scooter Gennett realized that he is an example to his fans and that he needed to give up some of the things that he was doing in his life because he was not honoring and God and being a good Christian example. My favorite player, Mariano Rivera, said that he wanted people to remember him for he is as a Christian and not for what he did on the baseball field. I also loved finding out that the several Major League teams have chapel services and devotions for the players. Not only do we learn about the faith these men have, but we also learn their stats and an interesting fact about each one. This book will make a terrific gift for any baseball fan.
​
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishers no review positive or negative was required. All opinions are my own.