What's been on my nightstand lately?
 The Lady and the LionheartedSo far this book is my favorite of the year and I highly recommend it. Besides being beautifully written and compelling, there is rich redemptive symbolism that points to the depths of Jesus's sacrifice. |  My Hope Next DoorA contemporary romance about second chances in a town where reputations are written in stone and grace-filled transformation with a sigh worthy ending. |  The Promise of RayneA contemporary romance from Nicole Deese with plenty of sweet and sparky romance, destructive family secrets and a touch of Romeo and Juliet (without the poison!). |
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 Within the VeilThis latest by Brandy Vallance is gorgeously written, with a few sentences that made me catch my breath. This is a unique story with characters who both undergo wide character changes and leave the reader satisfied and inspired. |  The AllianceThe latest by Jolina Petershiem is a very cool Mennonite Dystopian, (yes you read that right). Because of course if the country was hit by an EMP who would be able to deal with the loss of electricity? Jolina's writing is beautiful and leaves you questioning how you would react in such dire circumstances. |  Bride of a Distant IsleBeautifully written and engrossing, this latest in Sandra's gothic romance series kept me up well past my bedtime. I really enjoyed this first in this series, Mist of Midnight, as well and cannot wait to read the next one. |
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 Ben HurAn intriguing re-write of the classic, this novel is written by Carol Wallace the granddaughter of Lew Wallace in anticipation of the new movie coming out in the Fall which looks to be (I hope) really good. |  The Reluctant DuchessRoseanne's second book in this lovely Regency series is beautifully crafted and intriguing. Her description is superb and evocative. I cannot wait for the third book to land in my mailbox. |  No Other Will Do What's not to love? A strong female lead who is out to save a group of women from abusive relationships and poverty and a handsome, wounded hero who just happens to think she's been his "angel" since he was a starving orphan. I love each of Karen's books better than the last. |
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 Like Never BeforeAlthough this latest book from Melissa Tagg wasn't quite as comedic as the last few, I always enjoy a visit to Maple Valley and as an adoptive mother the storyline touched my heart in a special way. |  Just A KissAlthough this book hasn't been released yet, I was able to read an ARC and loved it. It's a very satisfying ending to the Summer Harbor series and I was very drawn to Riley, the hero, and his hurting heart after returning home from war wounded, confused, and in love with his best friend. As usual in a Denise Hunter novel, sparks fly all over the place. |  Her One and OnlyThis was my favorite of the Porter Family series and I loved the character of Dru, the tough-chick bodyguard of a famous football player. It was a fun twist on the usual bodyguard-celebrity story that kept me turning pages. Becky even threw in some twists that I never saw coming. |
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 Close to YouKara Issac's debut novel had me laughing from the first page. She has a quirky, fun voice and as a Tolkien fan since elementary school I was enchanted with the unique setting and the tie-in's to his works. |
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