Lori Copeland's writings are typically light hearted, yet carry a deep message. After reading several serious chapters of this book, I checked the front cover to make sure Lori was the author! It is the story of a young woman, Emma, who believes she has escaped the hurt of her past by running away, making a new life for herself. Fifteen years later, tragedy places her in the center of the pain she sought to deny. Ultimately, the author's typical humor cannot be denied. The addition of humor is equal to the changes in the heart of the characters. An example of this is on page 218, when Sam, the man who jilted Emma long ago, comes for a visit on Christmas morning. It begins with Sam's greeting:
"'How's my girl this morning?'
'I'm not your girl.'
'How's my grouch this morning?'
She smiled."
A great read about hurting and healing from God's love and faithfulness!

The hero spends most of his time having sex with his fiancee , which incidentally, he does not love. Says quite a lot for his morals!!!

This is a wonderful book. Very funny at times! Not only is the story about April, Dr. Gray and Grace good, but the subplot of April's friend's search for love is touching too. I definately recommend it.

All the characters is this book are heart warming. April and Dr. Gray have a great chemistry together. Grace is a nice little bit of spice thrown in and made it all the more interesting. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I would and do suggest this book to all who adore romance as much as I

This book just was not very special. I suppose I enjoyed it ok, but it is not one of those books that you pull our to reread the good parts of. Those are books I consider great. This one was passable. I think my first problem is that the heroine is older than the hero. This is just a personal problem I have. It seems icky to me to have the heroine older by three years. Also, neither the heroine or the hero are very memorable. As a matter of fact the hero, Cade, could be downright dislikeable. He leaves for seventeen years, leaving Zoe waiting for him. He barely writes and when he comes home he can find no explanation as to why he left in the first place. As a matter of fact, all he did through the entire book was to offer pitiful excuses for things he did or neglected to do. The unappealing thing about Zoe is that she took it all. If you want to read this book, I recommend you borrow it from a library or a friend first, because it is not that good.

My friends enjoyed this more than I did. I am sure that they would give it 5 stars. I liked it but would not read it again. I guess I have a hard time with the guy being gone for 17 years and still claiming that he has always loved her. Pooh! I don't believe it. He COULD have come back. He COULD have written. He just did not love her enough. I did like Cade, but I just couldn't believe him.

Must offer a comment or two about the characters --- first when Cade left he was about sixteen years old -- no guy knows his own mind at that age.

Zoe [icky name]Bradshaw was definitely at fault and supported by Cade's sister, Addy. But she did marry and made the best of the life she decided to live. And I can understand why she figured that Cade should give Addy and John's children to her.

Ah, therein begins a very well written story with a lot of great supporting characters. They make reading the story well worth it. I do not go for the heroine being older than her man but who am I to restrict the author.

Zoe had a lot of resentment and feelings of betrayal to work through but it did not stop her from being an excellent mother to the children -- ten year old Brodie -- six year old Will -- eight year old Holly and five year old Missy. Her fault, her secret should have been shared with Cade.

It appears that the one to be feared was elderly Aunt Latitia, John's aunt. She was adament about family raising the children.

Chalmer Winslow, a man of 65 years, was called "Pop" by everyone [I think] and was sheriff of Winterborn, Kansas - 1885.
A gently scheming man who knew how to make people think that they had an idea first. He had an ingenious plan to get Cade and Zoe married.

Cade planned on riding out of Winterborn as soon as he found a family to take the children. Some how he kept getting delayed - but still figured he had time to leave before the killer, Hart McGill could track him down. A bounty hunters' life was very unstable.

You just fall in love with the children and Cade's capitulation to them and can understand his reawakened love for Zoe. I got the impression that he was shattered when Addy told him that Zoe had married. Loved the decision of the children to call Cade, "Uncle Pa".

I fell in love with the townspeople as they proved that they would be willing to protect their own. I chuckled when the older ladies started to carry guns and when Cade finally realized that the people were watching his back in anticipation of McGill's showing up. These people filled out the story with such gentle humor even Sawyer Gayford who wanted "credibility" after Laticia practically ran him down.

Cade was the town's famous native son and he lived up to both of his reputations as helper, caregiver and bounty hunter.

Ah, I don't want to give away all the little twists and turns that make this such an intigueing story but you will definitely love the way it ends.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and should be shared.

I have really liked the Heavenly Daze series. This installment,however, was so hard to get through! The challenge was not to put the book down (as in "A Warmth in Winter") but rather to keep picking it up!! So much whining and insecurity from all sides of the story lines. Pages and pages of the same stuff. Heavenly Daze books usually focus on a few islanders in each book and that has worked in the past, but not this time. Bobby and his pet were just obnoxious, Dana's and Mike's kiss and make-up was shallow, Annie's tomato project was lightly written off and the Cleta-Barbara thing was totally overdone although it was given the most acceptable resolution. The authors tried to touch too many bases this time. A miss with this one but the series overall is fine.

It's January on the Island of Heavenly Daze, and though the islanders get a brief, heaven-sent reprieve from constant avalanches of snow and ice, there are some chilly snowdrifts forming in some of the relationships. You don't have to have read the other 3 books in the series, but you might understand the secondary characters more if you do - most of the secondary characters here were in the spotlight in a previous Heavenly Daze story - The danger of getting to know some of the characters in previous stories is you hope to get updates on them in later stories - there ARE updates on previous characters here, but they seem to be sketchier than they have been in past stories... if you want to know more about Bobby and Brittany, who are Salt's grandkids, or Salt (the lighthouse-keeper) and Birdie (the retired librarian) - don't expect much because though they are mentioned, none of them even speak more than a passing comment of a sentence or two - if that. Of course if the authors gave detailed updates on all the secondary characters, the book would probably be double the length it is now!

In this fourth story, we get to know Mike and Dana Klackenbush (she's a teacher who runs the Kid Kare Center; he's helped fix up their home and the school) and Dana's eccentric brother, Buddy. The story of Buddy's quest for a place to belong is a very good one, but the snowdrifts that form between Mike and Dana seem to get swiped at with a kitchen spoon instead of a top-of-the-line snowblower - yet the snow and ice miraculously disappear after a brief "heart-to-heart" talk (how can a heart-to-heart talk after weeks of silence take only a few minutes to wrap up?). The family relationships between Barbara and Russell Higgs (a young couple who have been married for 3 years and are ready to start a family of their own; they are currently living with Barbara's parents, Floyd and Cleta, who run the bed and breakfast) and Barbara's parents are in the spotlight, too. This look at a mother who finds it threatening when her daughter cuts her hair and visits the doctor without telling her (and to add insult to injury, she tells Russell things first!) is very heart-rending and realistic (though at times Cleta acts overly-much like a simpering, whiny child while Barbara reacts a bit more adult-like - hurt and confused, YES, but not unbelievably - Cleta's behavior seems overdone) and is resolved in a time frame that seems more realistic than Mike and Dana's - Cleta doesn't figure things out overnight nor does the pain magically go away. We see a little bit of the growing process.

Overall, this is a very good story with a healthy dose of humor -well worth the time spent with the islanders even through the brisk, cold winds of January.

I have just finished A Perfect Love. Each book in this series leaves me breathless for the next one. This book in particular was used for an incredible lesson in a time of trial in my life. It reminded me of His Perfect Love for us. That if we give up control and let Him, He will show us our new purpose in life. That life is to be lived and loved. I know that when these two women put their pens to paper, the Lord uses them to communicate to all of us. Buy this book and read all the books from Heavenly Daze. You won't regret it!

I was very disappointed in the cover that was chosen for this book. I was embarrassed to read it in view of my family or friends. I had just told some fellow readers about Copeland's spiritual awakening and then they see a cover like this. Poor judgement on the publishers part, especially when the content was good.

Some of the content of this book was not something I would liked to have read, it was a wonderful, and funny story. But the real love, and the real reasons for marriage or the sanctity of it were left alone. Walker's love for Sara was completely based on lust, not real love. There also was three or fours swears through out the entire book. But for the most part it was an enjoyable read.

Sara Livingston desplays the most charming, silly niavity of a teenager of her times. Yet what I found most appealing was her willingness to keep on trying regardless of her ineptitudes.
She was such a refreshing character compared to the ladies of the contemporary stories, as I abhor the bed hopping. [My pet peeve]
She dwelt with sensitivity in regards to Walker McKay's distrust of women and his whole idea of marriage. He starts out with desireing her [what else attracts a man at first if not lust] and falls in love with her but definitely fears to admit to it.

I definitely loved Sophie and her rough affection for her husband, S.H. and Sara. She certainly gave Olivia a set down.
And Potster always came through for Sara.
Caleb started out good as a character but needed to be a little more dangerous.
And I loved it, two for the price of one. I think poor Lowell suffered the most. Don't parents always!
Great story - great for your library -- Highly Recommended - cannot recommend this one enough! Try it you will like it!

I was so excited to see this newest Brides of the West ... My sister and I both wondered if this was the same Lori Copeland who wrote Faith, Hope and June (and Glory). Ruth just dragged on and on, it was so shallow and repetitive. This series, while not Pulitzer Prize material, has delivered some good laughs and fun stories. But Ruth struggled. I don't want to ruin what story there is but here's the jist: Ruth can't have children, falls in love AND finds a baby in need, then spends the rest of the book wondering if today was the day they would die trying to get to shelter. Pages and pages of "if we don't make it today I just don't know what will become of us". And the romance was too forced and too fast. Nothing unpredictable. I guess if I hadn't enjoyed the other books in the series so much, this one might do but be sure you don't skip those in favor of this one!

This is a story of adventure, romance, comedy and lots of other emotions. I loved the book once I got about 1/3rd the way through. The main characters, Ruth and Marshall McCall make a trip through freezing weather and injured bodies. They also have another person they are responsible for during the trip. The book tells of the events and trials the couple endures along the way. Ruth turns to God for her strength due to a strong faith she possesses. She does what she can to convince Mcall that God loves him and cares what happens to him. He has a hard time believing her because of his rearing by a woman that preached hell and damnation and not the love of God. Ruth is to be admired for her determination, strength, endurance, and her faith in God to take her through anything this life deals to her.

Lori Copeland's delightful mix of romance, sensitivity, and light humor always serves up a "keeper" book! Ruth is no exception. Wonderful characters, great storytelling--readers can't ask for more!

Keep them coming, Lori Copeland!

Dianna Crawford's,"Something New", was terrible. I was offended by the tone of the story that a Jewish couple easily discarded centuries of Judaism, in favor of Christianity. If Jews at fire and knifepoint throughout the centuries have not converted enmasse, it is not plausible to believe Rachel and David would convert so easily in 1895. Today there are very few Rabbi's that would marry a non-Jew and a Jew. It would never have happened in 1895! I know that Christians believe in trying to convert people from other faiths, but I felt angry with this story. The other three stories were fine, and the co-worker who loaned me this book was surprised at my reaction. Oh well.....

Tying these four wedding stories together is the old bridal saying: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue..." I especially enjoyed Dianna Crawford's story about a young Jewish immigrant's arranged marriage to a San Francisco businessman's Christian son. I fell in love with the characters, especially the gifted and spunky heroine, who learns about Yeshua from her at-first-unwanted fiance. Also, Catherine Palmer's story about a young Scandinavian woman with an infant, who arrives in Louisiana to find her husband dead, tugged my heartstrings. How she learns to trust God and give up her memories of her homeland as she falls in love with the exuberant Cajun hero makes for an engrossing and delightful story. I highly recommend this book!

What an entertaining twist... with Adam Baldwin hoping to pull off a quick divorce with his secret wife, Vonnie, so he can marry the sweet Beth Baylor... and Vonnie secretly furious at the entire affair. This story is full of misunderstandings, lack of communication, anger, rage, and a lot of passion. The main characters are warm, and loving, but I found it quite enterataining. I would recommend this story, however, did not find it a must read.... although quite enjoyable.

A light hearted book with cute characters. Vonnie Taylor and Adam Baldwin make a sweet pair with a stronge attraction to each other. A definite read for anyone looking for something to do other than watch TV.

Taking into consideration that the characters were 15 and 17 seven years earlier this turns out to be a wonderfully innocent love story with general complications.

Now we come onto Vonnie Taylor Baldwin at 22 and Adam Baldwin at 24 with a marriage complicated by their fathers deep-seated aversion to each other, is it a wonder they don't seem to know how to straighten out their lives??

Throw in a grief stricken mother and a melancholy friend, Franz - well it is almost too much for Vonnie. She has a friend in Beth Baylor who is supposed to marry Adam, due to another misunderstanding I might add. And now Beth, who has a great admiration for Vonnie's talents as seamstress and bridal dress maker, wants a Vonnie original.

Beth tries to involve Adam in the wedding planning but Adam just can't seem to care.
Accidents start to happen around the Flying Feather ranch. Vonnie's father, Teague is raising Ostrichs, which the neighbors didn't like. The birds are a riot. Do they really ride them?? Then came the house fire. . . . .
Adam feels a need to protect Vonnie even though he is pushing for a divorce. And the memories of seven years ago are bringing back the love they had for each other.

I always wondered how P.K. Baldwin and Franz figured in the prologue and what ever happened to El Johnson?

The story was of every day events happening in 1898 to these people involved in hiding secrets of the past and resolving them in the present. I did enjoy meeting Adam's 3 brothers, Andrew, Joey and Pat and I had to laugh at Beth driving that first automobile, seems just like a woman in that day who thinks she can do anything. [this needs a triple smiley.]

Definitely RECOMMENDED - a great change of pace from all the bed hopping stories being put out. But as I always say - see for yourself.

This story holds your interest, but near the end, I was disgusted at the way the Abigail allows herself to be treated by a man. I also didn't understand why Abigail changed her lying ways due to meeting Barrett. He didn't seem to have such a positive influence on her. Interesting, but this 1992 Lori Copeland book is not her best. Her more recent works are much better.

I thought this book was pretty good, but this is the first book of a trillogy. If you want to keep on thinking of Lori Copeland as a good writer, I suggest that you never read the other two books in this series. Ever. It gets worse as you go along. The third books was so terrrible I didn't pick up another romance novel for three months afterwords.

This book was absolutely horrible. The first book in this series was really good, but the books, not to mention the McDougal sisters, progressively get dumber as you go along. Amelia has to be the most stupid, ignorant heroine I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. I mean, how does Ms. Copeland expect us to believe that she's a con-artist when the girl has the IQ of, oh, say, an earth worm! And Amelia's unhealthy obsession with bacon, while amusing, is really gross. In conclusion, all I have to say is: in the name of all that is holy, what were you thinking Lori?

I don't usually read westerns and have never read a Lori Copeland book, so I was wonderfully surprised when I couldn't put this book down! It was witty, action-packed and just an all around cute page turner of a love story. Amelia is very funny and I love that in a book. I like humor more than anything else! And what I liked about it most was that I didn't feel like I was reading a porno book when it came to the actual love scenes, matter of fact if you are looking for the sizziling sex scenes that some other books have pass this one up, because there are none, it is just a good love story, and I for one loved it!