Book Review of Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

What a  treat this is for me. My first opportunity to review a Susan May Warren book. I've been a reader and follower of hers for years now but never had the chance to do a book review. Woohoo!

Wild Montana Skies is book 1 in the Montana Rescue Series. If you have never read a Susan May Warren book start now!

She's come home to heal . . . only to find heartbreak is waiting. He thought he put the past behind him . . . until he returned home to discover it's walked back into his life--and this time, with a secret he can't forgive. Can two broken hearts find their way back to love?

Here's the back cover copy:
The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

But her mistakes aren't so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn't realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart. 

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?


Susan May Warren is known for her captivating characters and rich story lines and Wild Montana Skies is no exception. Also true to form is the compelling adventure that moves the story on like river rapids.

Kacey and Ben are two runners. They both fled their mistakes and ultimately each other years back after high school and now they are both home again. Although flash floods and a decimated town bring them home, it is the buried away love they once shared that keeps them here. The story line is as powerful as it intriguing.

The setting of the story, Glacier National Park and surrounding areas brings it own level of intensity and excitement to the plot. Warren writes it with crystal clear clarity. Old haunting grounds and similar circumstances reignite the past that Ben and Kacey shared.

There is a strong family element in this story, not uncommon for Warren. The friends and family that surround the main characters are riveting in their own way. There's an element of what our families would do for us to protect not knowing if it's the right choice in the end. And the power of forgiveness surrounding those choices.

Wild Montana Skies also touches on the topic of PTSD, as Kacey is a military helicopter pilot returning home after a tragic accident in Afghanistan. The problems she faces are real and the power with which they hold in her life can be devastating. However there is hope.

The faith element is evident in this story, both main characters are struggling with it but come from a solid base of Christian beliefs.

"Having faith is the bravest thing we can do. It's the unwavering confidence that God loves us. That although we can't see the road ahead, we can see God." page 271, Wild Montana Skies

I also love the contrast between the father's - one is a pastor and one is a judge. A perfect visual of the age-old battle within us of love versus the law.

Lastly, there is a subplot that takes the main stage many times throughout the book. It is the up and down relationship of Ian Shaw and Sierra Rose. Although this is a great story in its own right, I found it very distracting to the main plot. It was like reading two books at the same time. This is becoming more common in fiction these days and is not a first time for Warren either. My personal preference is to do one at a time.

However, Susan May Warren wrote a novella titled If Ever I Would Leave You. It is a free offering to her readers for signing up for her newsletter. It is my understanding that this story lays the foundation for the plot story of Ian and Sierra. I haven't read it, but looking at the synopsis I think it may have helped me not feel so yanked from the story. Check it out.

And of course ... book #2, Rescue Me is on its way for January 31, 2017.

What happens when the rescuer has to be rescued? When a van full of teenagers is lost in the rugged mountains of Montana, it's logical that PEAK Rescue would call out deputy Sam Brooks. Only problem is...he's lost with them. It'll take all the courage, skill and determination for Sam to rescue the wounded, scared teenagers. But when tragedy takes a dark turn, who will rescue Sam?

I definitely recommend Wild Montana Skies to readers who love adventure, romance and strong characters. Stories that grab your heart and take a long time to let go are your thing? This is a perfect match for you.

Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels, including Wild Montana Skies, with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. 
She can be found online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.

Don't forget:
If ever I would leave you novella - sign up for her newsletter.

A pdf excerpt of Wild Montana Skies and links to popular shopping places are available at Baker Publishing and susanmaywarren.com


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Book Review of The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky

Got a daughter? Granddaughter?

Or maybe a female friend whose sights are set on finding that "right" guy?

Then check out this new book from Kelsey and Kyle Kupecky.

The Chase.

"A must-read for single girls looking for a God-honoring relationship!" - Rebecca St. James; Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist and author of One Last Thing.
 
It is a fun read for young girls all the way up to the not-so-young. I would not recommend for girls younger than twelve or thirteen personally. However it would depend on where their heart is. If it's all about chasing guys ... then get it now!

Kelsey is the daughter of well-known Christian fiction author Karen Kingsbury. She grew up longing for her own "love story". And she got it. In her first ever book, Kelsey tells about learning to focus on God ... not on who the next guy in her life could be. That coupled with some great teaching from her parents set the stage for her to anticipate God's guy for her fairy tale.

Kyle Kupecky is a Christian recording artist. He also had a great stage set for him about looking forward to a future written by God's hand and not his own.

Together this young couple writes a book, from their hearts, to young girls everywhere about chasing after the right Thing.  The book is a light and easy read filled with tons of personal stories. Both Kelsey and Kyle give their thoughts - a unique aspect for girls everywhere to have some insight in a guy's heart and mind in regards to dating and girls. Kelsey imparts great wisdom for girls and young women everywhere, while Kyle brings in scripture and a guy's thoughts. The book isn't your typical "save yourself till marriage" message. This is a nice detour down a little broader path. It's about where to focus your heart. Because if you focus it on God, He will take care of the rest. So, eyes on Him, not on the boys in your math class and let God write your "Happily Ever After".

Kyle and Kelsey give some very compelling stories and evidence that God had plans for them back before they even began dreaming of "the one". A very cool story to tell. I already have a few young girls in my life that would benefit from this book and message.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I do however have one comment to add that I hope will give insight but not deter you from the valuable piece that this book truly is. I wanted to read this book with my daughter, who is turning twenty. She was in a dating relationship and we wanted to find a book that would help steer her heart in the right direction. I was thankful I read it first. There is nothing inappropriate in this book - or anything you wouldn't want your daughters or granddaughters to read, it is just a very different take than my daughter can relate to. See, she is in college and in her very first dating experience. Kyle and Kelsey tell a wonderful story of how God orchestrated their lives to come together, but neither of them refrained from dating through high school. The entire book is filled with stories of the guys and girls who went wrong. Just not the kind of thing that is helpful for my daughter at this time.

So, my advice ... judge where the girl in your life is at. If she is chasing guys and not God then this is a fantastic read. Definitely. No doubt about it. However, for girls like my daughter - it is all good information and excellent advice, but the stories of dates gone wrong and guys not worth it wasn't quite what we were looking for.

What my daughter can take away from this book is that God is a far better author for our love stories that we can ever be. So, wait. Rest. And most of all chase after His heart and let him take care of yours.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Here is some other fun links for you to check out.

Karen Kingsbury's Bailey Flanagan series used Kyle and Kelsey for the video book trailer for book 3, Longing. :) That is alos Anthem Lights song, Can't Get Over You plays in the background. (A Christian band Kyle used to be a part of.) :D

Give You The World by Kyle Kupecky - official music video - with real footage of the two.

A truly amazing song for a young girl chasing after boys - Hide Your Love Away by Anthem Lights Lyric video. Buy this song for her! And show her this video - Anthem Lights - Behind the Song because she is worth waiting for!

I have so many more valuable things to share with a girl in your life that needs to know she is precious and worth saving her whole self - heart and body - for a true love that will  last. If you want more contact me. This is a passion close to my heart. I wished someone would have told me that simple line when I was chasing after all the wrong things.  Tell someone today ... you are worth waiting for.

Book Review of What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days by Holley Gerth

It is a privilege to review another book by Holley Gerth. I truly love her easy-going, heart-inspiring way of talking to women. So if you are familiar with Holley and her other books (You Are Already Amazing, You Were Made for a God-sized Dream, and You're Going to be Okay), you will not be disappointed with this one.

However, if you are new to this author, allow me to share a little of what this book can offer you. First, the Publisher's blurb:


We all have days that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.

Thankfully, Jesus said we don't "live on bread alone"--that includes cupcakes--"but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). What we really need is truth.

If you're tired, discouraged, or feel a little empty inside, my prayer is that by the end of our time together, you'll be refreshed and nourished in a way that will sustain you through whatever the future may hold. Remember, you're not alone, my friend.

This book is cute. It is hardcover with bright and fun colours. The book is small, about the size of a photograph (4x6) but jam-packed with wisdom, hope and insightful truths taken from the Psalms. It makes an excellent gift!

Each of the 52 devotions are about three pages long with room to write at the end of each section. She encourages the reader to ask what their heart is saying to God and what they're hearing from God. Also, each entry is titled such as "God will give you courage, not condemnation." Or another title is "God will be with you through the whole process". This allows the reader to pick and choose which entries to read at any given time. Each one is numbered but not dated - lots of freedom here.

Holley uses stories and anecdotes to relate to the issue or topic being discussed, Then she breaks down the spiritual elements using scripture and biblical truths about God's character. Finally she caps it all off with a short prayer of the heart.

Readers will love the way Holley brings hope so effortlessly into the aches and pains we face just by living day-to-day. Pick up her latest encouragement for you and let your soul rest in the unfailing love, peace, strength and joy of our Lord and Savior.

Check out an excerpt of the book, including the Contents page and the first devotional. And don't forget ... it makes a wonderfully cute gift!



"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Book Review - Sarai - Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith wrote a rich tapestry of history and love in her new book Sarai:  Wives of the Patriarchs.

He promised her his heart. She promised him a son. But how long must they wait?

Sarai, the last child of her aged father, is beautiful, spoiled, and used to getting her own way. Even as a young girl, she is aware of the way men look at her, including her half brother Abram. When Abram finally requests Sarai’s hand, she asks one thing–that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even her father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if Sarai makes a promise in return–to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees.

But as the years stretch on and Sarai’s womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain–lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram’s patience last?

I have always loved the story of Abram and Sarai.  But I find sometimes we accept Bible stories without putting ourselves in their shoes.  I mentioned this in another post recently about how the Bible says what happened in one small paragraph - so we know the details - but it doesn't give us enough chance to 'feel' the details.  Well, now I have.  Jill Eileen Smith's book Sarai was my first taste of historical fiction.  I enjoyed it very much.


I especially liked the way she delved into the surrounding characters. Lot's wife in particular.  Smith had to name her and create a persona around her from very little information but I think she did a great job.  A wonderfully contrasting character to Sarai. My other favourite part was the love between Abram and Sarai.  It was fun to read their interactions - so loving and sweet, yet realistic to a marriage.  


If I had to give a negative comment it would be the story seemed to move a little slow at times.  I found this felt better as the book progressed but that is the one thing I wished was different.


Overall I loved the character development, I enjoyed the writing - her rich, beautifully flowing way of writing was a joy to read, and the way she laid the setting was exquisite.  I highly recommend this book to other readers.  For fun ... and for spiritual growth and understanding.


Please check out Jill's website where you can read about other upcoming books in the series as well as access a bible study, discussion questions and read a portion of this book.  Also you can check out a fellow bloggers' review of the same book here at Interviews & Reviews.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".