Mama Bear Reviews

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz is a new historical romance novel. I really loved this story. The author painted such a beautiful scene and the characters were authentic and heartfelt. The book is set in the mid 1700's and starts in Scotland. After a misunderstanding and some legal issues with the main characters become indentured servants and have to make their way across the Atlantic Ocean to fulfill their new roles. The author covers many of the issues of the time period such as slavery and trading. The characters Lark and Magnus both have many issue with breaking the law and the mistreatment of people. I love the way that both of these characters strive, no matter what their surrounding, to help make the lives of other better. I also found Lark to be especially intriguing with her role in creating natural remedies and medicines. This was truly a beautiful story and I cannot wait to find more books by Laura Frantz. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest ...

The New You: A Guide to Better Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness by Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson is really inspirational. I have been in a slump lately and while I am getting ahead in certain areas of my life, I feel that other areas are starting to slide. Reading this book really helped me to think about my priorities and realize that I need to make some changes. As you can tell from the title of this book, the author's make some pretty big claims. This alone can seem overwhelming but I feel that each topic is put into easy to understand sections. For example with the physical section, the author's discuss the importance of drinking enough water and getting in 10,000 steps a day. Each section also has a part that ties the different areas to scripture. My favorite part is the small steps challenge at the end where the author's break down the book into small, attainable goals that can be reached over time. I feel that this book could be helpf...

New Every Day: Navigating Alzheimer's with Grace and Compassion by Dave Meurer is about the complexities that are faced in caring for and dealing with an individual with Alzheimer's. I do not have hands on experience with this illness but have heard stories from friends that are dealing with family members that are affected. This is a heartbreaking illness that can be very difficult for the caregiver to manage. I loved that the author gave this book a conversational tone and did not organize this into different areas. There are stories that are personable, funny and sad. There are also tips for caregivers on the different issues that they may face such as dealing with stress of repeated questions or handling insurance issues. I think this book would be great for anyone that is dealing with a friend or family member that has Alzheimer's or anyone that would like to know more about this illness. I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest re...

In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn is the second book in the Dive Team Investigators series. This is a romantic suspense novel that supplies both elements throughout the story. Adam is part of the sheriffs office dive team and is called to the scene of an apparent suicide. When he arrives, he finds that he may have a probable connection to the death. Dr. Fleming is also called in on the case as she is the pro at pulling important tech information. The two work together on this case to help find the connection and solve the mystery. While doing so, a stronger connection is created between the two of them that is really sweet. There is a lot of action in this book. The characters are in constant forms of danger. Poor Dr. Fleming ends up in the hospital numerous times. I have to say that I loved this about this book because it kept the story moving and made me want to know more about what was really happening in this story. I felt the suspense element of this novel was very creative and...

Wait For Me by Susan May Warren is the 6th book in her Montana Rescue series. This is however the first one that I have read. While I felt that this book could be read on its own, I would not recommend doing so. The couple that is the main focus of this novel, Pete and Jess, have had multiple story lines in the other books. There is quite a bit of recap that happens but I feel that it would be easier to follow along with if I had started with the beginning of the series. With that said, I really enjoyed this book. It was full of adventure and romance. The situations that these couples are put in is crazy but that meant that I didn't want to put it down. Jess was an EMT for a while but had to return to her original life as a socialite to take care of family business. Pete is a SAR incident commander and lives a life that puts him in persistent danger. When the couple are reunited for a second chance, or perhaps 4th chance, they have the opportunity to finally work things out. Howe...

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the third book in her Nantucket Legacy series. I did not read the first book in the series but I did read the second when it came out earlier this year. While I enjoyed the continuation of characters, I feel that this could be a stand alone novel. When I read book two in the series, I found the language of the book to be a bit of a challenge. I will say that having already once been emerged in this world, I did not find that to be an issue with this book. The author does however include a handy list of definitions if some of the language is tricky. This book follows the twins Hitty and Henry who are now grown and receiving an inheritance from their grandmother that has a few stipulations attached. Along with the story of the characters growing and developing relationships, this book also covers important social issues of the time. This was a part of the book that I really enjoyed. I also liked the inclusion of the ancestors journal wh...

Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon is the second book in the Code of Honor series. This is a lively romantic suspense and can be read as a stand alone novel. Kristin runs a store selling fair trade products from around the world. After a murder happens in her store, Kristin finds out that she is part of a terrorist scheme. Detective Luke is on the case and helps to solve the mystery surrounding the murder while dealing with a growing attraction to Kristin. This book had a good balance of suspense and romance. Though it was heavier on the suspense, I liked that there was enough action to keep me interested all the way through. I rooted for the characters to end up together and wanted to know more about what was going on with the candles. This was a fun, quick paced read that will pull the reader in. This was the first book that I have read by Irene Hannon and I look forward to finding more of her books. I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.