Troubled Waters

Everything Ian Shaw loves seems to always manage to slip through his fingers.  With his fortune frozen due to government fines, his beloved niece still missing, and the woman he loves keeping her distance, Ian feels ready to sell his ranch in Montana, and move home to Texas.  Sierra Rose still loves Ian, but knows he won't have room for a real relationship until he has dealt with the ghosts of his past.  When the PEAK chopper needs major repairs after a crash, Sierra decides to ask Ian for one last favor-- the use of his yacht for a 3-day fundraising excursion with a few of his billionaire friends. When a rogue wave capsizes the ship and Ian and Sierra find themselves stranded on an island in the Caribbean, will they finally be honest with one another, or will lingering secrets and un-forgiveness end their relationship once and for all.  

Susan May Warren tells a page-turning, action-packed love story Troubled Waters.  Picking up almost exactly where A Matter of Trust leaves off, this fourth addition to Warren's Montana Rescue series doesn't disappoint.  Given the variety of plot lines and characters woven throughout the series, each successive book becomes less able to stand alone.  In fact, before the next installment, I may have to re-read the entire series.  That said, Warren's storytelling and character development skills continue to impress and engage the reader.  Ian Shaw has long been one of my least favorite characters, and I truly enjoyed getting to see him experience a period of deep introspection and growth.  Sierra too was compelling, and a worthy female protagonist.  The scenery change to the Caribbean was interesting, but I did miss the lack of mountain adventure in Troubled Waters.  Plenty of love stories and an overarching mystery remain to be told in future additions to the series, and I look forward to reading each of them!  

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.  

Judah's Wife

Having grown up with an abusive father, Leah sees her marriage to Judah Maccabaeus as a means of escape.  Determined to please her strong, yet gentle, husband, Leah works hard and eventually finds a level of peace, safety, and contentment outside of her father's home and the walls of Jerusalem.  Just as she begins to trust that God has delivered her from a marriage like her mother's, however, Judah's devout family becomes embroiled in a rebellion against Antiochus IV.  Leah struggles to rationalize the need for violence against their oppressors and even fellow Jews who have turned away from the Law.  How can she love a man who leads a violent revolt?  Why did God choose her, of all people, to be the wife of a commander?  

Angela Hunt brings to life yet another fascinating piece of history in Judah's Wife.  Much as she did in  Egypt's Sister-- the first in her Silent Years series-- Hunt uses the historical fiction genre to tell stories about people and places most modern Christians know very little about.  Hunt's portrayal of the Maccabean revolt from an insider's perspective was masterfully accomplished.  Leah's inner struggle to come to terms with God's will in her life and for His people, as well as her own journey to understand the nature of real love were equally beautiful.  While the love story between Judah and Leah was more satisfying than the virtually non-existent one in Egypt's Sister, I still could have done with more.  I realize that history-- rather than romance-- play the larger role in Hunt's works, but the amount of time Leah and Judah actually spend content in their marriage was short, and a bit rushed.  While I understand their importance, and appreciate the historical accuracy involved, I also admittedly grew tired of-- and even resorted to skimming through-- the many, many battle scenes depicted in the novel.  Overall, I enjoyed Hunt's latest, and look forward to future additions to the Silent Years collection.  

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.  

The Heart of an Agent

Ready to retire from her dangerous life as a Pinkerton spy, Lily Handland decides to settle down in a small town in the Adirondacks.  Unsure how to make a living in her new life, Lily decides to invest in a failing great camp owned by widower Owen Murphy.  Distraught after the death of his wife, Owen has let their once-renowned great camp fall apart.  Facing the loss of his home and livelihood, Owen accept's Lily's offer to co-own and re-open the camp, but isn't quite ready for all the changes she proposes.  Full of energy and new ideas, Lily eventually brings joy and life back to the camp and to Owen as well.  Will Lilly's past-life come back to haunt her new one?  Will Owen truly be able to risk his heart again?  

Tracy J. Lyons takes readers back to the Adirondacks in her second installment of her Adirondak Pinkertons series.  Though I have not read Lyons's first book in the series, I was still able to understand and enjoy The Heart of an Agent.  The story was more than a bit predictable, and has been told countless times before.  The interesting setting in the Adirondack Mountains of the 1890s, though, brought an interesting uniqueness, however.  The traditional "get a failing business up and running again" storyline-- while predictable-- is also always reliably satisfying.  The climax of the story is a bit frustrating in that the reader knows what will eventually happen, and is simply waiting for the characters to come to their senses.  Overall, I enjoyed the novel and managed to learn a bit of history, too!  

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Holding the Fort

When she loses her job as a dance-hall singer, Louisa Bell sets out to Fort Reno to check on her wayward brother, who has recently been in some trouble with his commanding officer-- Daniel Adams.  Between his two growing daughters, rowdy soldiers, an overbearing mother-in-law, and an entire fort to run, Major Adams finally decides he needs some help, and sends for a mature, religious governess to watch his daughters.  Louisa meets the governess on the way to the fort, and agrees to help deliver the necessary books to the Major when the governess decides the Western climate doesn't agree with her.  Mistaken as the governess, Louisa plays along with charade in an attempt to stay at the fort and contact her brother.  Will Louisa's acting skills convince the Adam's family that she belongs in their home, or will her unconventional methods lead them to the truth of her deception?

As usual, Regina Jennings tells an truly fascinating and entertaining love story in Holding the Fort.  Full of interesting historical details about life on an Army fort in the wild West, Jennings's latest novel was captivating from start to finish.  Louisa's character is fun, imperfect, and a refreshing break from the typical romantic novel.  Daniel is equal parts dashing military officer, devoted-- albeit exhausted-- father, and believable romantic lead.  The end of the novel was particularly satisfying in its lack of predictability.

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

In a return to the idyllic Ivy Hill, several leading ladies must make important decisions that will impact their futures in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage.  Rachel Ashford has recently moved into Ivy Cottage with the two Miss Groves after her father's death-- and the scandal surrounding it-- leave her virtually penniless.  While struggling to support herself, Rachel is often tempted to marry the man who inherited her father's estate, but will her heart allow her to do so?  Mercy Grove finds fulfillment in managing the girls' school in her home, but will her parents desire to see her finally married steal her home from her?  Down the road, Jane Bell is confidently and expertly running her coaching in and finally feels ready put aside the grief of losing her husband.  

I had a much easier time falling in love with this second installment of Julie Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series than I did the first.  Rachel and Mercy are both worthy protagonists, and Thora and Jane Bell grew more appealing in this novel than they did in the last.  While I adored Rachel, I was never particularly fond of her love interest, Sir Timothy.  Inconstant and overly obsessed with his family's reputation, Timothy simply didn't live up to Klassen's typical male-leads.  As a result, the ending was less than satisfying in that I felt Rachel could somehow do better.  While still not my favorite of Klassen's books, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage has me anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series.  The conclusion of both Jane's and Mercy's stories have the potential to be lovely indeed.

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection

Mary Connealy tells eight entertaining love stories in this newest novella collection.  The six novellas  that revisit families from Connealy's previous series were decidedly my favorite.

A Bride Rides Herd, His Surprise Family, Sophie's Other Daughter, The Sweetwater Bride, Texas Tea, and Hope for Christmas will delight fans of the Harden, McClellan and Reeves families.  While I enjoyed The Advent Bride and Homestead on the Range, they were certainly less engaging and almost unnecessary additions to the otherwise excellent collection.  Someone unfamiliar with Connealy's previous books would likely not enjoy these stories as an avid fan would, however.  I sometimes find Connealy's   character development a bit too obvious and heavy-handed, but this is strikingly less distracting in the novella genre.  In fact, many of my favorite of Connealy's works have been novellas, rather than her full-length novels.  I could not put this book down, and foresee reading it many times over.

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

The Engagement Plot

When William betrayed Hanna's trust on national television months ago, she retreated to her farm in Minnesota to avoid the accusations and media attention that followed her appearance on a reality dating show.  While not ready to forgive William, Hanna agrees to his plan to fake an engagement in an attempt to save her reputation and his career.  Will Hanna be able to protect her heart against the charming CEO a second time?  Can Will earn Hanna's forgiveness once an for all, and admit that his feeling for her might be genuine?  When both of their worlds come crashing down, will they choose to trust and depend on one another, or go their separate ways?

Kristina Phillips tells a timely and entertaining story in The Engagement Plot.  I will openly admit to The Bachelor having often been a guilty pleasure for me, so was immediately intrigued by the premise.  Phillips brings up a number of excellent themes given today's media-obsessed culture.  How much should we care about what other people think?  How much does God require us to forgive?  Is deception ever justified?  Can we ever rebuild trust once it has been lost?  The plot itself, while obviously a bit predictable, was fun and moved along quickly.  I like both Hanna and William, and found them compelling romantic leads.  The conclusion, however, was a bit abrupt and unsatisfying.  I would have appreciated one more chapter or an epilogue to cement the overall happy ending.

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

A Dangerous Engagement

With her small dowry, Felicity Mayson begins to despair of ever making a good match.  When her aunt, Lady Blackstone, sends her an invitation to a house party and introduces her to the charming and affluent Oliver Ratley, Felicity begins to believe she may have finally found a man who does not mind her lack of fortune.  She accepts Ratley's abrupt proposal only to discover the alarming purpose of the house party and its guests.  Rather than a country getaway, Lady Blackstone has convened a meeting of a radical group of men and women bent on a violent overthrow of the British government.

Government agent Phillip McDowell has infiltrated the group, and soon discovers Felicity's dangerous position.  In order to gather necessary evidence against the group, Phillip convinces Felicity to continue her engagement with Ratley.  Will they each be capable of playing this dangerous game without any of the guests discovering their true intentions?  Will Felicity be forced into a hasty marriage to a terrifying revolutionary?  Will the respect and admiration Phillip and Felicity develop for one another ever have a chance to grow amid such intrigue?

Melanie Dickerson takes readers of a thrilling adventure in A Dangerous Engagement.  This was my first experience with Dickerson's Regency Spies of London series, and I found that the strengths and weaknesses in her various medieval series have followed her to this one.  Her historical descriptions and overall storytelling is, once again, excellent.  Character development?  Still flawed.  As always, I admire her male characters, and continually wonder what they see in the female love interest.  While Felicity manages to be function as a spy in a dangerous situation, she still makes stupid decisions (that of course require her to be rescued) and often faints.  Why can't one of Dickerson's female leads be strong and independent for once?  My inner feminist wants more to cheer for.  Overall, though, Dickerson's latest is a fun, entertaining story with a satisfying conclusion.

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!

No review this week (I'm working on some, I promise...) but here's a look at our family's first trip out to Albuquerque for Balloon Fiesta! 

Lies Jane Austen Told Me

Having "broken up" with Jane Austen in college, Emma Pierce does her best to live an a practical, grounded way-- always surpassing her inner romantic.  When her long-time boyfriend, Blake Hampton, invites her to his family home for a weekend, Emma lets her friends convince her that Blake intends to propose.  When Emma finds Blake dining with another woman, though, her romantic dreams come crashing down once again.  Determined to focus on her fast-paced job as the CMO of a growing gym franchise, Emma finds it difficult to forget Blake when her boss hires Blake's brother, Lucas.  Though a deep friendship develops and sparks fly between Emma and Lucas, Emma can't understand why Lucas continually tries to convince her to give her relationship with Blake another chance.  Will Emma decide to follow her heart and embrace her inner Jane Austen, or will she continue to maintain that romance itself is a lie?

Julie Wright tells an entertaining contemporary love story in Lies Jane Austen Told Me.  While I appreciated the concept of the plot and enjoyed Lucas and Emma's love story, Wright's writing was a bit casual and scattered for my taste.  I grew tired of the almost schizophrenic ramblings of Emma's mind.  Additionally, the conclusion of the story itself was satisfying, but it took an unreasonable amount of time to get there.  Too many characters made too many mountains out of molehills to be really believable.  I genuinely liked the book, but never really lost myself in it.

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

The Regency Brides Collection

As an unabashed lover of all things Regency England, it shouldn't be surprising that I jumped all over the chance to review this wonderful little collection of seven novellas.  Michelle Griep and MaryLu Tyndall happen to be favorites of mine, so I was reasonably sure I'd love at least two of the included stories.  Luckily for me, I thoroughly enjoyed almost every single one!  Each takes a look at different aspects, regions, and peculiarities of a fascinating time in English history, while telling a host of lovely love stories.  I was least impressed with Susanne Dietze's Three Little Matchmakers, and Nancy Moser's When I Saw His Face, but Griep and Tyndal's additions did not disappoint, and I was particularly impressed with Amanda Barratt's First Comes Marriage.  I also may have re-read the end of Erica Vestch's Jamie Ever After an embarrassing number of times.  I'll certainly be adding Barratt and Vestch to my list of authors to watch.  Short and sweet, these seven stories kept me more than entertained on a rainy weekend a few weeks ago!

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own. 

A Dangerous Legacy

Associated Press telegrapher Lucy Drake loves her job at the very heart of the American news industry.  During her free-time, however, Lucy and her brother spend most of their waking hours and hard-earned salaries on a court case involving a contentious and complicated family feud.  When Sir Colin Beckwith arrives to manage the Reuters-- the AP's rival news agency-- Lucy can't help but enjoy his company, and eventually finds a way for him to gather vital information for her court case.  

On the hunt for an American heiress to help save his family's home and tenets, Colin uses his British title to rub elbows with America's gilded elite.  Though enchanted by Lucy's tenacity and gumption, Colin cannot afford to fall in love with a fortune-less woman.  Will their deepening friendship and undeniable attraction to one another lead them to follow their hearts, or will Colin and Lucy continue to sacrifice their own desires for family obligations and money?  

Elizabeth Camden takes readers on a compelling journey in A Dangerous Legacy.  As a devoted fan of Camden's work,  I had been somewhat disappointed in her last two novel attempts, but am more than happy to assert that this latest work may be one of my new favorites.  Both Lucy and Colin were believable and flawed, but still likable as protagonists-- which had been my primary complaint in To the Farthest Shores and From this Moment.  I truly enjoyed their individual journeys to let go of past expectations and disappointments in an attempt to finally embrace the lives they'd been given.  I have always loved America's gilded age, and the depictions of unabashed fortune-hunting European aristocrats, the fast-paced world of the burgeoning news industry, and even the field of mental health were fascinating.  With her typical talent, Camden brings a lovely story to a beautifully satisfying conclusion that leaves the reader ready for yet another journey into the past. 

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.  

Too Far Down

While trouble has been following the Boden family and their ranch for years, their powerful and well-connected enemies seem to have begun targeting the profitable CR Mining Company too.  When someone purposely detonates dynamite at the entrance of several mines and kills five men, and the life of patriarch Chance Boden is threatened again in far-away Denver, the Boden children decide to find and eliminate their elusive enemy once and for all.  

Having served as the mine's manager ever since he returned from Harvard, the destruction at the mines hits Cole Boden particularly hard.  Will the love of his family and his confusing feelings for his neighbor-- Melanie Blake-- be able to keep Cole in the New Mexico territory, or will the rugged danger send him back to the intriguing world of business he left behind back East?  Melanie Blake grew up with the Boden children, and has been a friend to Justin and Sadie for years.  More interested in horses and guns than silk dresses, Mel has never quite understood her infatuation with Cole.  When Cole begins to show an interest in her, will she have the strength to protect her heart from a man who hasn't truly decided what he wants in life? 

Mary Coneally brings her Cimarron Legacy trilogy to an exciting and satisfying conclusion in Too Far Down.  Much like the second installment, this novel takes place just weeks after Long Time Gone, and the plots of all three novels are intricately intertwined.  Readers should view The Cimarron Legacy as a three-part story, rather than a series of three individual novels.  Having made the mistake of not re-reading No Way Up when Conneally released her second installment, I brushed up on the Boden family before starting this newest addition.  I'm certainly glad I did.  In re-reading the first two installments, I also decided that the first and last novels are superior to the middle one.  Cole's struggle to find his identity and reconcile his two lives is compelling, Melanie's need to protect herself from Cole's indecision shows wisdom and strength, Chance and Veronica's mistake in making unfair demands on their grown children is (finally) addressed, the chance to see Sadie, Heath, Justin and Angie in their first weeks of marriage is enjoyable, and solving the mysteries surrounding the CR's enemies was sufficiently satisfying.  As a resident of New Mexico these days, I particularly enjoyed this glimpse into American history.  

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.  

101 Days

No reviews this week... the boys and I have been busy celebrating the return of a certain pilot after a 3-month deployment!

It was a lonely summer... but definitely not boring!

Christmas at Carnton

Recently widowed, pregnant, out of work, and facing the foreclosure of her home, Aletta Prescott is desperate to find a new job that will allow her to support herself and her six-year-old son.  She eventually finds a short-term position working with the Women's Relief Society auction, but has to work alongside and depend on a wounded soldier also assigned to the auction.  Will Aletta learn to trust God to supply her needs when her temporary position at Carnton ends?  Will she have the courage to give her heart away after it has so recently been broken?  

Wounded confederate sharpshooter Jake Winston begrudgingly takes an assignment working with the Women's Relief Society while he waits for his vision to recover from a serious head injury.  Wishing  he was back on the battlefield with his unit, Jake must learn to define himself outside his rank and occupation.  Will his friendship with Aletta show Jake that he still has value?  Is he willing to risk forming attachments when the war still seems far from over? 

In her typical fashion, Tamera Alexander tells a lovely story full of fascinating historical detail in Christmas as Carnton.  While the plot was a bit predictable-- even with the supposed twists toward the end-- Jake and Aletta's characters were beautifully written and compelling to explore.  I loved Aletta's gumption and Alexander's feminist undertones woven throughout the story.  Why can't a woman build a nativity set?  Jake's struggle to accept the end of his sharpshooting career and the guilt he feels being away from the battlefield was equally interesting.  As a matter of personal taste, I would have preferred that Aletta hadn't been quite so recently widowed.  One month seems like an awfully short amount of time to have recovered from the death of her spouse to the point that she feels as drawn to Jake as she was.  Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Alexander's upcoming series set at Carnton, and cannot wait for more! 

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.  

An Inconvenient Beauty

Now that each of his siblings is happily married, Griffith-- the Duke of Riverton-- decides it's finally time for him to settle down as well.  Approaching the courting process with all the planning, reasoning, and control with which approaches everything, Griffith comes to the conclusion that Frederica St. Claire is his most rational choice for a bride.  Unfortunately, Miss St. Claire constantly pushes Griffith toward her extraordinarily beautiful and popular cousin, Isabella Breckenridge.  Despite their mutual attraction, Griffith and Isabella have reservations about pursuing a relationship with one another.  Will Griffith allow himself to follow his heart this time, or will Isabella's secrets keep them apart forever?

Kristi Ann Hunter's An Inconvenient Beauty brings her Hawthorne House series to a masterful conclusion.  It's no secret I've been anxiously awaiting this latest installment, and have devoured each of its three predecessors.  I might go so far as to say that the series gets better and better with each addition.  Full of interesting historical detail, excellently crafted characters, complex plot lines, and yet another swoon-worthy love story, Hunter's latest is practically perfect.  Most impressive is her talent in composing a truly engaging set of individual stories.  While I definitely binge-read the prior books in the series in preparation for this release, it wouldn't have been necessary.  Hunter manages to tell a complete story in each novel, while artfully bringing back older characters in a way that isn't confusing, distracting, or unnecessary.  Again, you don't have to read the whole series to enjoy this particular novel... but you should anyway.  I'm honestly sad to see such an excellently written series come to an end, and look forward to whatever project comes next!

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

Left at the altar and told that her fiancé has absconded with her family's fortune, Clara Chapman finds herself heartbroken, penniless, and living with an ailing aunt.  When a mysterious invitation arrives promising her 1000 pounds to spend the 12 days of Christmas at an unfamiliar Bleakly Manor, Clara feels she has no choice but to accept.  

Unjustly accused and imprisoned for stealing the Chapmans' money, Benjamin Lane is offered his freedom if he also spends the same 12 days at Bleakly.  As Ben and Clara come face-to-face again at the mysterious country home, they must decide if they can forgive one another for the schemes and misunderstandings that have separated them.  When the master of the house never appears, servants continue to leave, and other house guests continually injure themselves in freak accidents, will Clara and Ben even be able to survive 12 days?  

Michelle Griep takes reader on an intriguing adventure in 12 Days and Bleakly Manor.  Clara and Ben are both well-developed and believable protagonists, and the host of secondary characters in the story are equally entertaining.  I particularly enjoyed Griep's depictions of Christmas traditions and celebrations in the mid-19th Century.  The story's conclusion was equal parts lovely and satisfying, and I enjoyed every single page.  I anxiously await the next installment in the Once Upon an Dickens Christmas series.  

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Loving Luther

Left at a convent by her father as a small child, Katharina von Bora knows little about life outside cloistered walls.  Though she takes her vows and maintains dear friendships, a part of Katharina still chafes under the strict way of life she has chosen.  When the writings of Martin Luther begin finding their way into the convent walls, though, Kat begins to look at her life-- and her faith-- in a much different way.  With the help of Luther and his friends, Katharina a group of fellow nuns escape the convent to embark on a new adventure.  Without a family to support her, Kat must live in the homes of Luther's friends and supporters while the reformer himself tries to find a husband for her.  Will Katharina learn to navigate life outside a religious order?  Will she trade one life of service for another, or dare to risk her heart for a chance at love and a family?  

Allison Pittman tells a compelling story of both love and faith in Loving Luther.  Rather than focusing on Martin and Katharina as a couple, like Luther and Katharina, Pittman simply tells Katharina's story... and what what in intriguing story it is!  From a fascinating look into life inside 16th century convents, to the dangers and details of the Reformation and its leaders, I couldn't put the book down.  As a proud protestant, I've always loved this era or church history, but I also appreciated Pittman's tact in not maligning our Catholic brothers and sisters.  I loved than women of deep, abiding faith existed both inside and outside convent walls.  As with all of Pittman's works, this one was excellently researched, superbly written, rich in historical detail, and full of compelling characters.  

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

All That Makes Life Bright

Despite her sister's concerns, Harriet Beecher doesn't question that her married life with Calvin Stowe will be full of happiness, family, independence and literary opportunities.  Just two months into their marriage, though, Harriet finds herself overwhelmed with household responsibilities she detests, pregnant, and having to bid her new husband farewell as he embarks on a long European trip.  Between Calvin's high domestic expectations of Harriet and his tendency to compare her to his first, beloved wife, Harriet begins to wonder is she is capable of being the wife Calvin needs, as well as the woman she needs herself to be.  After months apart, the addition of children to their family, and constant financial struggles, will Harriet and Calvin remember how to cherish one another despite their extreme temperamental differences?

Josi S. Kilpack tells yet another gut-wrenchingly beautiful story based on the life of acclaimed author Harriet Beecher Stowe in All That Makes Life Bright.  Words cannot express how much I adored this book.  Kilpack does a flawless job alternately portraying both Calvin and Harriet in realistic and sympathetic ways.  Neither one is always in the right, and thus the novel perfectly exemplifies the daily struggles of the early years of marriage.  Are Calvin's expectations reasonable, or overbearing?  Both.  Is Harriet a wife and mother, or an author?  Both.  Every stay-at-home mother will shed a tear reading of Harriet's struggles to find an identity outside that of a cook/housekeeper/nanny... as well as the accompanying guilt associated with those feelings.  It's as if Kilpack had read my own diary.  Perfection.  Absolute perfection.

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.