We are currently in the middle of a rather massive reorganization but that hasn’t stopped me from my random library reading. This week among the boxes and chaos I grabbed enough time to read The Lawman’s Honor by Linda Goodnight (I admit it, 50% back of the book, 50% her awesome last name). This is apparently part of a series – Whisper Falls, the place the book is also based in. 

Of course we have our lawman – Heath Monroe, a Fed who is now taking an easier post at a police station in small town Whisper Falls. In honour of his father’s legacy (an amazing police officer who died in the line of duty), he has tied his entire being into upholding the law.

The love interest… small town beautician and widow Cassie Blackwell who literally saves his life when on the way to Whisper Falls the weather and a sharp curve send him hurtling off the road. 

This is all complicated by the unearthing of a link to drugs and Cassie’s deceased husband. Heath is determined not only to solve the case but to determine if Cassie was involved. Neither are simple and the relationship between the two becomes muddied and complex.

What I enjoyed about this book is that neither person needs a boost or support in faith. Their belief systems are strong, it is their relationship skills that require help. This book has a definite mystery, a strong romantic element and even a baby in the mix (neither of theirs, Cassie’s brother and sister in law). 

The Lawman’s Honor is a lovely read, definitely in a slightly different direction than other Love Inspired books, but faith is still there as is truth, justice and love. So check it out! 

Well with Christmas under out belts there is time for the review of one more seasonal themed book. Snowflake Sweethearts by Carrie Turansky was a great book for a taste of Christmas. A single mom returns to Fairhaven, Washington just in time to help where she is greatly needed in the home of a past friend (Alex Jameson, who she had a secret love for) and his suddenly ill grandmother (Irene, owner of Jameson’s Bakery). With daughter Emma (age 5) in tow, Annie Romano has her own skeletons in the closet to deal with as she helps Alex return to his faith and Irene embrace the healthier lifestyle her heart attack has necessitated.

So with romance and healing hearts there is a bakery to save, friendships to grown and pasts to reconcile with. My only dispute with this book is Annie’s views on believing in fantasy. I understand that Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy are all a financial burden but her needs to say truth is an absolute must with raising children and that to let them have that fantasy was to lie to them was a bit extreme to me.

Otherwise, I found this to be a lovely emotional journey of two people who need to learn to let go of the past and grasp the future with both hands, uncertainty and all. I do so enjoy a romantic Christmas story. 

Well, after that rather dramatic magical book (The Magician of Hoad) it is time to return to a different sort of magic – the magic of love and faith. All wrapped up with a Christmas bow. The Cowboy’s Christmas Courtship by Brenda Minton (6th book in the Cooper Creek series) is a wonderful tale of redemption and release. The knowledge of when to let someone in and when to stand strong and independent is also examined.

Faith is a strong theme in this story. The faith of a woman tested time and time again with the death of her parents leaving her to raise her younger brother. The lost faith of a bull riding cowboy, sent home after a bad injury who has yet to forgive himself for past actions and accept that he can be more than his past. 

Layla Silver has been standing along for a long time. With time running out on bills and her brother what is she to do when ex flame, ex friend Gage returns post bull riding injury? I love that while their past was not pleasant the book really begins with Gage attempting to make reparations for using Layla to get to her best friend (in high school no less) that is not really where it ends. There is so much more going on. 

Again this is a book where faith in God is at the very core of it all. There are some discussions about abuse in the past and a teenager out of control, but in Christmas there are miracles. If you just have faith and are open to change and love. All in all a great seasonal read.