Chasing the Horizon (A Western Light #1) by Mary Connealy

 

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own--she will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum by her father, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother join forces with other travelers and hope they can make it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him and he learns something much more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--with danger threatening their every step?

From bestselling author Mary Connealy comes a gripping and adventurous historical novel of survival, sacrifice, and romance on the Oregon Trail

My thoughts:

This is the start of the new series by Ms. Connealy and oh what a great start.  We are introduced to Beth Rutledge and her mother as Beth devises a plan to rescue her mother from an insane asylum. Keep in mind this was in the the1800’s when a husband had more rights than his wife and could easily have her committed if he chose to.

I loved the grit and determination Beth shows to get her mother, herself and a couple of others who tag along to safety.  Traveling with them on the Oregon Trail was equal parts exciting and dangerous. Knowing that there was the rich, powerful Mr. Rutledge looking for them, being careful to hide their identities made me worry for their safety.

The wagon train scout is one of my favorite characters and I loved the care he provided to all, but especially Beth.  I have a keen interest in all the characters and cannot wait to reconnect with them in the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions are my own.

Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy Brad Mason Review and GIVEAWAY

 

Book Details: Book Title:  Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Mason, Ed. D. Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre:  Children's Picture Book Publisher:  Yorkshire Publishing Release date:   January 2024 Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA), e-book (PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 2 Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone. Book Description: The Charlie Chaloosy book series kicks off with its inaugural offering, Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy. ​The first book focuses on Charlie's experiences as he learns lessons, gains new experiences, and grows up in a world that happens to rhyme. The story is told through the use of a playful rhyme scheme and enhanced with beautifully colored illustrations of Charlie tackling new adventures in whimsical detail. The book ends with Charlie providing two pages for the reader to become an author by writing their own story. My thoughts: I don’t normally read books in this genre, but as soon as I saw this one, I knew I wanted to read and share it with a toddler in our family. The illustrations are fantastic, bright, colorful it is sure to catch the eye of children.  The story is delightful and reminded me of myself as a child.  I enjoyed the rhymes myself and am certain it will hold the attention of both the children being read to and the person reding to them. I love the fact that it is a hard back, excellent quality and will last for a long time. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy and have given my honest opinion.  Meet the Author My passion for children's literature stems from 30+ years in education and my re-entry into bedtime stories with the addition of my beautiful grandchildren. I created Charlie as a means for children to learn with Charlie by having a growth mindset when it comes to facing new experiences and learning new things. Children live in a world that is traveling ever faster and my desire is to help them slow down and enjoy childhood through the adventures of Charlie Chaloosy. I hope children have fun with Charlie while engaging their minds through stories that encourage them to read, write, illustrate, and dream a little. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N add to Goodreads ENTER THE GIVEWAY HERE

 

Double Take (Lake City Heros #1) by Lynette Eason

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason will leave you breathless with this fast-paced first book in a brand-new series.

My thoughts:

Double Take by Lynette Eason is an engaging, well written, fast paced novel. Filled with suspense, intrigue, mystery and of course some romance, it is a perfect for readers who enjoy those genres.

I liked both main characters, Lainie and James, they were likable throughout the book.  I loved the premise, the twists and turns and trying to figure out who was behind the plot to kill Laine.  I admit to being surprised by the culprit which is another thing that I liked so much about Double Take.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.