Month: October 2013

LOTS to LOVE about AMBERLY by Mary Elizabeth Hall

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments
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Amberly, The Crestmere Series, Book 1
In a world that might have been… 
Snatched by coldblooded enemies as a declaration of war, Eleanor Williamston finds herself caught in a deadly snare-miles from home and lost in the wilderness. Her heart is drawn to the handsome palace guardsman who rescues her, but is torn when he challenges her political ideals-and then reveals something he’s kept hidden that will make her choice even more difficult. Marsten longs for a God-fearing wife, but cannot marry the lady he desires. The sassy young schoolteacher he rescues catches his eye, but he fears she’ll turn out to be like the beautiful women who’ve broken his trust in the past. Journey with them through the spectacular but treacherous Aspian Mountains while they evade enemy pursuit and wrestle through the challenges of wilderness and budding love, only to run headlong into Ellie’s anti-royalist family-and a whole new onslaught of foes. 

Sharing my thoughts~

“I’m beginning to wonder if you were truly abducted,” he chided again, “or just given away.”

Fast-paced, flirty dialogue and wonderfully vivid descriptions will whirl you away into the world of Bretalia.

“Behind them, pale violet mountains marched toward the distant horizon, and crows cawed while they circled. Mist rose in swirling ribbons from the water. Wildflowers swayed in a gentle breeze which stirred along the rocky bank, sending forth a fresh, earthy scent.”

When Marsten rescues Eleanor Williamston from an evil Norlander’s clutches, Eleanor can’t help but fall in love with the handsome royal guardsman. But as the daughter of Amberly’s mayor, an anti-royalist and Freedom Falcon leader, she’d grown up believing Bretalia would be better off without the Crown’s rule. Marsten strives to convince her that God ordained monarchy for her beloved country. She debates revealing her identity, and Marsten is keeping a few secrets of his own.

“Honor God through adversity–He’ll bless you for it…Life is but a breath–preparation for the next.”


Simple spiritual sentiments weaved throughout the story, not overbearing or preachy, but with gentleness and love, even as Marsten and Eleanor debate politics.

Although I felt the declaration of love occurred a bit too soon, that didn’t mean the conflict ended or that the romance resolved. No, the author just ramped up the conflict, all the way to the last page!


Fast and furious, with a compelling plot to keep your turning pages, Amberly is a great read for anytime of the day or year!

Disclosure: I purchased this book. All opinions in this review are my own, and I received no compensation.

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Have you read A BRIDE FOR KEEPS by Melissa Jagears?

/ Dora Hiers
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About the book~
Everett Cline will never humiliate himself by seeking a mail-order bride. Not again. He’s already been jilted by three mail-order brides and figures a wife just isn’t in his future. However, a well-meaning neighbor hasn’t given up on seeing him settled, so she goes behind his back to bring yet another woman to town for him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. A mail-order marriage in faraway Kansas is a last resort, but she’ll do anything to leave her life in Massachusetts and the heartbreak she’s experienced there.

Although Everett doesn’t see how a beautiful, cultured woman like Julia could be happy sharing his simple life, he could really use a helpmate on his homestead. Determined to prove she’s more than just a pretty face, Julia agrees to a marriage in name only. Faced with the harsh realities of life on the prairie and hesitant to explore the tentative feelings growing between them, can Everett and Julia ever let each other in long enough to fall in love?

Sharing my thoughts~
Wow! A Bride for Keeps is one of those books that I wondered if the hero and heroine would actually find their happily ever after!

Poor Everett. Mail order brides never chose him, and he’d given up after four tries. So when his too-helpful neighbor persuaded her friend Julia to travel all the way from Boston to wed, Everett practically ignored her. Not only is he scared of rejection, but she’s so beautiful. She’d never make it through a Kansas winter, and he doesn’t want to give the town more reason for gossip.

Julia Lockwood’s father and ex-fiance were only concerned about her good looks, and used her as a commodity, with no regard for love or her feelings. When she arrived in Kansas, Everett’s features remind her of her ex-fiance, almost frightening her off. But she’d traveled all this way, and her friend wouldn’t lead her astray. Besides, without any other living relatives, she has no other options.

He needs help on the farm. She needs protection and a roof over her head. They strike a deal, and along the way Everett decides he wants this bride for keeps. This book is so much bigger than the romance, although it’s sweet, and at times, frustrating. A Bride for Keeps shows us that no matter the dark shadows of our past that continually rise up and taunt us, with God’s help, we can overcome. God covers us with forgiveness and healing, and breaks the chains of fear so we can move on with our lives. It’s about a loving God who never gives up on us and showers us with grace. A Bride for Keeps is a definite keeper for my kindle shelf!

Disclosure: Sending a big thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for providing me with an advance review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

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K is for Kannapolis

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments
Have you ever visited your fire department to learn more about what firefighters do? Are you considering a career in firefighting? Would you like to show your appreciation to your local fire department? 

Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, is your opportunity!

Fire Prevention Week Oct 6-12, 2013
Because we’re situated smack dab in the middle of NASCAR country and racing season is in full swing, the Kannapolis Fire Department will host its Open House on Saturday, 10/5 from 11-3. Each year the event expands and only gets better! 

Come check out the fire trucks and apparatus. Bid on some cool Silent Auction items. And there’s plenty of crafts, photo opps, fun and games for all ages.

Did I mention there would be games for ALL ages?

The Kannapolis Firefighters Assistance Foundation will be selling food (hotdogs, hamburgers, barbeque, kid’s meals). The Kannapolis Parks & Recreation Department will provide free popcorn and lemonade slushies.


And best of all, admission is FREE! 
This Saturday, 10/5/13
11 – 3 pm
at Kannapolis Fire Station #1
300 Firehouse Drive, Kannapolis, NC

Show your appreciation to your local firefighters next week!

A to Z blog hop at Patterings.

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