Whispers in the Wind by Lauriane Snelling



Book two of the Wild West Wind Series

 She's come this far...must she turn back now?


After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.

Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But younger son Lucas decided from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.

Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?

Cassie Lockwood and her hodge-podge group of weary travelers have finally reached the hidden valley in the Black Hills of South Dakota, only to find that another family has made their home on the land. Met with open arms by the mother and younger son and daughter, she faces the skepticism and doubt from the eldest son. But does Ransom really harbor something more akin to love in his heart? Will Lucas' pursuit of Cassie keep Ransom from professing his real feelings? Through trials, laughter, injuries and blossoming friendships, Cassie comes closer to realizing her dreams might come true...but at what cost?

I'm anxious to find out what the author has planned for our weary band of travelers. Here's hoping that Cassie finds the home, family and love she has been missing since the death of her parents.

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson

$10,000,000 Is Missing.

Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father's death, she found a slim piece of paper--a deposit slip--with an unbelievable amount on it. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin's last chance is Jared Neaton.

How Far Will One Lawyer Go to Find the Money?

When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and started his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it's all he can do to scrape by.

And How Far Will Someone Go to Stop Him?

He's not sure if Erin's case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they're willing to pay to discover the truth.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up until midnight just so I could finish it! The characters are well written and thoughtfully portrayed. Each character's individual struggles, both having to do with the case, as well as with their own personal situations are eloquently portrayed. The underlying story of truth, redemption, understanding, forgiveness and love brings it all to a resounding conclusion.

Valley of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling



Book One of the  Wild West Wind Series

Valley of Dreams is my first experience reading a Lauraine Snelling novel. Her simple way of writing allows the reader to feel as though they have actually stepped into the lives of the characters in her novel.

In this first book of the series, the heroine of the story, Cassie Lockwood, has lost both of her parents, as well as the only way of life she as ever known, as a trick rider and sharp shooter in a Wild West Show. With her faithful dog, Othello, and her band of misfits from the show, she sets of on a journey to find the hidden valley in the Black Hills of South Dakota that her father had shared so many treasured memories of.

From the people they meet, the towns they pass through, and the many trials and hardships they endure, this story will have you settled into a comfy chair unable to tear yourself away until the last word on the last page.

Want to know what happens next in the lives of Cassie Lockwood and her friends? Stay tuned for book two, Whispers in the Wind, which was released on August 1, 2012.

Marvelously Made by Monica Rose Brennen

I, like most women, have struggled with the ideas of my role in society, of how I should wear my hair and clothing and who I should or shouldn’t be seen with. Who of us hasn’t been concerned in some form or fashion about our weight, or if the meal we have cooked is as good as Paula Deen’s. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others, as well as to what society says we should be. Who we should date, what type of relationships we should have, what type of Christian we should be and on and on. In essence, we put a mask over who we are created to be, in order to be like someone else or something else.

In the book, Marvelously Made, by Monica Rose Brennan, she brings these and many other misconceptions that we have of ourselves to light based on what the Bible says of who we are in Him as well as what His expectations of us are. This book is a filling meal of scriptural and personal insight into unveiling each woman’s identity and purpose according to God’s Word. I encourage you to take your time reading this book…chew on the meatiness of the message within the pages. Have an open mind and spirit to the message contained within the cover. Allow yourself to digest what is shared and see how your life and soul blossom. God wants us to be secure in our knowledge of who we are as women, as Christians, and as daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.


This book is available for purchase beginning Monday, July 2, 2012.

New Book to Read!

I received my first book from Thomas Nelson for review.  It is called "Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World" by Dr. David Jeremiah.  I am anxious to get into the covers of this book to see what Dr. Jeremiah has to say about the times that we live in and how we should respond to the world around us!

I'll be sure to fill you in once I have had the opportunity to puruse this book from cover to cover! 

If you would like to review books as well, be sure and go to http://www.brb.thomasnelson.com/ and see what you can do to become a book reviewer for them!  

Happy reading!

The Power of a Positive Woman by Karol Ladd

My cousin has turned me on to blogging about the books I am reading, or have read.  I am currently reading "The Power of a Positive Woman" by Karol Ladd.  I just recently started reading it again, after attempting to a couple of years back and just not having the time to. 

This book is an easy read that is filled with many wonderful insights into the daily lives on women in general and how each of us can go about infusing a more positive way of living and dealing with life into each and every day. Though I have just started reading it again, I find myself smiling as I relate to a story that is being shared, or crying, as my heart recognizes the sad truth that is spilling across the written page. 

I would encourage any of you ladies who would like to add a little more positiveness to your life, to pick up this book and make it a "must read" in your library!