Another great read by Lurlene McDaniel
350136
Another great story by Lurlene McDaniel.  Her stories always touch my heart and although may have sadness, there is a greater meaning buried within.

Lifted Up by Angels is no exception.  Her main character, Leah, has finished her chemotherapy and is needing a vacation from her mother.  She decides to go visit her Amish friend for the summer.  Leah had become friends with Rebekah and her family as Rebekah was in the hospital when Leah was.  She became close to Charity, Rebekah's older sister and had become enamored by Ethan, her older brother.

But Leah was considered "English" by the Amish community, she wasn't one of them.  But they liked Leah because she had helped Rebekah when they were in the hospital.

Lurlene McDaniel has combined a beautiful love story with heart wrenching reality of life in another great novel.  Great read!!
2000665
Its been years since Ive read a book of Lurlene McDaniel. I was first introduced to her books as a freshman in high school and through the four years of school, I was addicted to her collection of books. When the opportunity presented for a review, I immediately jumped in.

The Year of Chasing Dreams is about two friends, Ciana and Eden. Both of these young women are chasing their dreams, even if they are struggling with love and grief. Ciana wants to preserve her family farm and struggle to win the battle because the town is against it. See, a developer has come to their town and wants to buy the land. Ciana has pride and loves her family. The farm is her house and does everything to preserve it. While Eden is determine to find her Australian love interest. She travels not knowing whether her feeling is mutual, but she takes the leap of faith and is rewarded with love.

I enjoyed Cianas story the most. She is strong headed and firm to her believes. Her family tradition is important to her and she wanted nothing but to preserve it. She didn't care if the town was against her and what she believes. And even though she was in danger, she protected her land. Not only was she struggling with this, but she also discovered a mystery while reading her grandmothers diaries.

Lurlene specialty is to make one cry. I remember how passionate and addicted I was to her stories. So I was surprised I didn't cry with The Year of Chasing Dreams. Then, I realize why. This book is part of a series, which now I have to read. Sometimes while I read The Year of Chasing Life, I felt out of the loop and didn't know what happened to make the characters unsecured. I felt bad because the family faced a tragedy and I really didn't know what exactly happened. Even though I felt out of the loop at times, I did enjoy this inspiring story. One should never give up on dreams.
341036
Latrice Simpkins is an excellent novelist. She is one of my favorite writers and when I read her books, I'm glued to the chair as the quality of her writing is so excellent. I find her new novel, Hidden Flowers, exciting, engaging and filled with plenty of twists. I love her character, Makita. She is very believable and the story line is quite intriguing. I would recommend her books to anyone who likes an exciting and unpredictable plot. I don't usually read women authors, but Latrice has captured my imagination by the suspense and intrigue of her plots. Hidden Flowers is an excellent and I would recommend it to both men and women.
626929
As soon as I finished this book all I wanted to know is--is the next Harper McDaniel book available to read!! I like smart, strong, physically able women as well as being THE decision maker. Someone able to put together her team using each for their strength, relying on them to do their part, instead of doing it all. Greatt read! Highly recommend.
584002
I have read all of the books written by McDaniel, but this one is really great.  Whether you've read any of the One Last Wish series or not, its a great book to read.  It tells of how the OLW came to be and it shows great friendships and heartache.
23387
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion.

Maggie Montgomery travels from Ireland with her brother Gabe to stay with her other brother Ryland and his wife Colleen.  Maggie is escaping the unwanted attentions of her ex-fiance Neill.  Little does she know that Neill has followed her all the way to Long Island, New York.  Adam, and ex-convict tries to come to grips with his own parents and is determined to not make the mistakes he made that sent him to prison.  He finds a loyal friend in John McNabb who is a minister.  With John's help, Adam engages in his love of furniture making and working at the orphanage that Ryland manages.

As Maggie and Adam come to appreciate each other and love begins to bloom. There are complications to this romance and also to two other romances during this novel

I loved the pace and the twists and turns of this story. Susan Anne Mason gives the characters life.  I didn't want this story to end.  I am looking forward to the next book in this series from this very talented author!
2901800
I loved reading this book and meeting the main character Katie Calloway. She is extremely strong and determined. I always enjoy a book set in a historical era of our country's past.
3775362
I love Lynn Austin's books, and this one did not disappoint.  I loved how the two stories of young Anna and the older widow, Geesje, come together in the end. The author does a wonderful job depicting life in the late 1890's in Michigan.  It makes me want to visit Holland, Michigan.  I also really enjoyed the character of Derk.  Like many others who have reviewed this book, I would love to see a sequel.  I have to say the book did not end like I thought it would.  But life doesn't always turn out like we think it will, either, so that doesn't necessarily make it a bad ending.  I look forward to Lynn Austin's next book, whatever it might be.
1593281
Love this author, has made me remember there is still the hope and promise of true love. I am not one for corny romance novels. Mrs. Fiorna doesn't not disappoint this has a wonderful mystery as well to make for a very intriguing story
2908479
I am once again amazed by the characters and plot line!! Ava and Sawyer are wonderful and somewhat broken. They experience pain and loss and grow as individuals as they discover their love for each other. They are ordinary people with ordinary jobs who could be my neighbors. Yet they share an extraordinary love and some strange connections.
I laughed and I cried with them and I rejoiced as they grew to be a couple.
This book has romance, mystery and scripture all wrapped up in a fun plot. Great way to escape life by sinking into a good book
2391163
Just finished this last night.  I liked her first novel featuring Cybil Quindt, but I think this one is even better.  As always Cybil is an appealing character and the plot is very well done.

Kudos to Ilsa Mayr for focusing attention upon the plight of the homeless.

Highly Recommended.
230170
I started reading Lurlene McDaniel's books last year, in 7th grade. The first one I read was Don't Die My Love. Ever since my first spoonful of McDaniel's novels, I couldn't get enough of it. In A Rose for Melinda, she uses a very different unique writing style, with a mixture of journal/diary enteries, conversations, letters, e-mails, instant messages, doctor's reports, etc. and writes with such passion and love. I started reading the book about 2 hours ago and couldn't put it down, and I finished it within an hour and a half. McDaniel makes you feel a part of the story, and makes you feel as if you were one of Melinda's closest and dearest friends. This book is now my favorite book of McDaniel's and one of my favorite books of all time. This novel started out making me giggle, then started to make me smile, cry (a lot), smile more, and fall in love with each character, especially Jesse. I wish all guys were as sweet as him! I recommend this book for anyone in general, but to be specific I recommend it for anyone with friends or family with any serious illness or a friend or family member who has died from one. Trust me, you'll never be able to forget a story such as A Rose for Melinda.
2871763
I am a big fan of Gail's books. I had pre-ordered this e-book and couldn't wait till it was downloaded to my Kindle on June 1st. In the meanwhile I read the excerpt on the book's Amazon page. That got me even more interested in the book.

The book is about Angie moving to Lilac Circle and how her friendship with Rick and his daughter Carly developed into something more permanent. Hope I am not giving anything away.

I loved how Gail brought Carly into Angie's life and the relationship that the two of them had. There was some suspense thrown in that kept you wanting to continue to the end of the book.

Gail introduced us to some of the other homeowners on Lilac Circle. Looking forward to her next book in the series and wondering who she might be featuring in that book.

I would highly recommend A Mother To Love!
2080639
Lyssa Layne has done it again! She has written another wonderful book. Colie has a tough choice to make in this book. Love scenes are steamy but tasteful. I also love that her baseball facts are right on.
1735993
I love, love, love Lutishia Lovelys books. First it is great to read books and know the places that are being talked about. I live in Kansas City and know the Plaza, Gates BBQ, and the other places that she describes so well. But the characters are the real reason that I keep going. I feel like they are friends of mine and when they laugh or cry I too have the same emotions.
4730593
Olivia Hardin has done it again! Tangled Up In Trouble is a little bit of both things that a girl loves....magic and romance. I love Lynlee's character because she is a clean up girl for the MUAC. I think that this would be something that I would do if I were ever in this type of world. I naturally clean up after people, so why not? Plus, I think it would be a great thing to be able to wipe a human's memory clean from something they saw that may haunt them forever. Lynlee's personality just makes this book all the easier to read.

The romance part is that Lynlee reconnects with a past boyfriend named Beck. When Beck's daughter needs help that is when he turns to Lynlee. There was never anticipated or expected the romance to occur between them since she was a witch. You will understand what I mean once you figure out what Beck's feelings are towards witches and any of the magic that they do.

I love adventure and this book had that as well. Lynlee is brought to the task of defeating a very dark witch from taking over with a horrid spell. All-in-all the book is a joy to read and I would read it again and again if I could, but there are other Olivia Hardin novels that I have yet to read, and I MUST get to them. I loved her other novel, All For Hope, and so I just knew I was going to be taken on another adventure with Tangled Up In Trouble. I was right, and for that this book gets FIVE STARS. Olivia, you rock!
3329284
The story of Linny is continued in the third novel in the Willow Hill Series, but you will not be lost if you pick this book up first. The story opens with Linny on her honeymoon with Jack when it is sadly interrupted by her stepson. The honeymoon is cut short, and the adventure begins. Linny has much to deal with having a new husband, stepson, and the beautiful ex-wife, not to mention her mama. I love the RV adventure with Linny's mama. I won't give a spoiler here!

You will definitely enjoy the last novel in this series, but also sorry it must come to an end! I look forward to more heart-warming novels from Susan.