A Bride in Store

by Melissa Jagears

I am excited about my latest read! In a town where mail order brides are being scooped up before they have a chance with their intendeds, we find our story. Eliza Cantrall is anxious to meet her own husband-to-be, Axel, and takes off early to surprise him. On the way, she is robbed of all her savings and is now showing up without the money she promised him.

Will Stanton is Axel's business partner and town preferred doctor. He has no practicing license, or schooling for that matter, but cares for his patients and they adore him. When Eliza arrives, Axel is nowhere to be found and Will finds himself drawn to her.

I love that this novel isn't just a love story, but a spiritual journey, as well. Both, Eliza and Will, have to work through their dreams, hopes and desires while learning to trust God. They both have to realize what is most important in life and trust that God loves them enough to provide through all things.

I am giving this 4 stars because I really enjoyed reading it, I liked Will and Eliza and their strong character. It was a light, easy read, but fun and had some depth. Great story. Thanks, www.netgalley.com and Bethany House for giving me this book for an honest review. Here's to many more!!

The Healer's Touch

 by Lori Copeland

As a fan of Lori Copeland, I was surprised to find that this book was difficult to read. First of all, the appearance of the "Spooklights" throughout the book seemed odd and a bit far fetched. Apparently, there are some "spooklights" that mysteriously appear in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Nobody can explain their existence, or where they come from. They "respond best to love and children". While, it is an interesting concept and tale, it just seemed very out of place in this story.

At the start of the book, we find Ian Cawley, a U.S. Marshal, spooked by the "spooklights". He ends up riding his horse through the barn door of a local home and wakes up not remembering a thing. Lyric Bolton finds him in her barn and the rest is history.

While I do enjoy a good, historical romance, I found this to drag and feel a bit far fetched. It was hard to connect with the characters and really care about them. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I have to give it two stars because it was very difficult to get through. However, I do want to thank worthypublishing.com and Netgalley.com for giving me this book to read and review! Here's to many more!!