Book Review: A Rush of Wings

A Rush of Wings

by Kristen Heitzmann

Copyright 2003 (repackaged 2010)

Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

ISBN:978-0-7642-0845-4

Fiction

From the Publisher:

Though her panic is real, Noelle St. Claire is uncertain what danger she is fleeing. Fragmented images and slivers of memory have driven her to abandon her wealthy, sheltered life in New York for the hope of a haven—remote and safe.

Noelle's arrival at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer and his brother Morgan causes more than a little stir. Beautiful, vulnerable, yet strangely secretive, Noelle is an enigma the two contrasting brothers seek to unlock. But as their attentions breach the wall she hides behind, the past becomes a menacing threat from which Noelle can no longer hide.

My Review:

This is the first book I’ve read by Kristen Heitzmann and I’m glad to say that I won’t be my last!  Suspense is one of my favorite genres and when you add a bit of romance into the mix, I’m hooked.  This book has a fast paced and intense plot which is what kept drawing me to this book chapter after chapter.

Heitzmann did an excellent job of building suspense by only revealing bits of Noelle’s traumatic childhood past at a time.  As I read the book, I had my ideas about what happened to Noelle, but things made a surprised turn as the end approached.  The issues in this book such as kidnapping, rape and a violent ex-fiancé where rather intense, but I felt like they were presented tastefully and were a valid part of the plot.  While the amount of suspense kept the story moving, the romance was just enough to balance out.  I found the love triangle between Rick, Morgan and Noelle to be entertaining, especially since the brothers are complete opposites.  Though I was rooting for Rick from the beginning, it was nice to see Morgan grown up a bit near the end and do what was right.  Lastly, there was the element of God within the story.  Throughout the majority of the book, Noelle is struggling with believing in God and is surprised by how Rick places all his trust in God.  Towards the end of the story, Noelle realizes what is preventing her from having a relationship with God and finally is able to overcome her traumatic past, while looking forward to a future with Rick.

I’m glad that I got to read this book and I plan on reading the sequel, The Still of the Night.  Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for sending me this free book to review!  Sara’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Phoenix Suns Pre-Season Game

Continuing on with the exciting trips of Jeremy and Sara… after I came back from Hawaii, I was in southern California working for a week and then I met Jeremy in Palm Springs.  Why Palm Springs?  Because the Phoenix Suns were having their outdoor pre-season game there!  Woo hoo!

This is the 3rd year that the Phoenix Suns have done this outdoor game, and I must say, it was really cool.  The game was held at a tennis garden in Palm Springs, the weather was perfect and it was neat to be watching a NBA basketball game while feeling the outdoor breeze around you.  Of course, Jayla came to Palm Springs with us and we all enjoyed a few days of shopping at the outlet stores (how come I’m always the only person to end up getting something?), eating out and enjoying the game.  It was definitely a fun little weekend trip and best of all…the Suns won!

   

I entertained myself by taking pictures before Jayla got there.

 

The view from our seats.

    

Steve Nash!!

 

The Gorilla.

Hmmm, these pictures look kinda familiar.

Book Review: Digitalis

Remember back in August when I said that I would be occasionally reviewing books?  Well, here is another one and I foresee more in the near future!  This book is #2 in the Discarded Heroes series, by Ronie Kendig.  If you decide to read it, I’d strongly recommend that you read the first book, Nightshade, beforehand, so that you know the background of the characters (plus, because it too was just a great book!).  Now, without further ado…

Digitalis

by Ronie Kendig

Published January 2011

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

320 pages

ISBN: 1602607834

Fiction

From the Publisher:

Former Marine sniper Colton "Cowboy" Neeley is recovering from a life of bad choices. Piper Blum, daughter of dissident Yakov Rosenblum, is in hiding--from life and the assassins gunning for her family. When she begs Colton to help extract her father from Israel, Colton petitions the group Nightshade to consider the mission. The team agrees, and soon they're deep six--straight into the Holy Land for a snatch-n-grab of Yakov. Will Colton and Piper make the treacherous trek out of hostile territory and into safety with their love--and lives--intact?

My Review:

Wow!  I fell in love with the men of Nightshade in the first book of this series and I was really looking forward to reading about the hunky cowboy's, Colton Neely, story. This book did not disappoint at all. It was everything I thought it would be and more. Action, suspense, drama, romance. I loved, loved, loved it.

In the first book, Colton seems to have everything in control, as he helps Max overcome his anger and PTSD. However, within the first few pages of this book, we learn that Cowboy has struggles of his own that he's keeping locked up inside. He's dealing with the death of his sister, raising his little daughter, being a member of Nightshade, all while having debilitating flashbacks. This book was intense. At times, I found myself a bit shocked at Cowboy's behavior towards the team and to Piper. But I loved how the Nightshade team rallied back and supported Cowboy to no end and how Piper didn't let his actions overshadow their love for each other.

Ronie Kendig has an excellent writing style and as with her other books, I found myself instantly sucked into the story. I love how when reading her books, I feel like I'm actually there either underwater in an ocean dive, in the jungle with the Nightshade team, or hiding in a vacant house in Israel. There is so much action and intensity in her books that before I know it, it is late at night and I'm over 150 pages into the book! Plus, Kendig always has a natural way of incorporating the love of God for her flawed heroes, and of us, within all her books.

I'd highly recommend this book! I cannot wait for the other books in this series and to get to know the other members of Nightshade. I was able to read this book through the wonderful website, NetGalley.com.  Sara’s Rating: 6 out of 5 stars…yea, it was that good!

Sara Goes to Hawaii

I have so much to blog about, I don’t know where to start!  Oh wait a minute, yes I do.  Did you all see my last post about my super cute shoes that I got from CSN Stores?  CSN Stores has over 200 online stores with items ranging from kitchen bar stools and holiday decorates, to bedding sets and pet products.  Talk about one stop shopping!  I’m lucky enough to be able to work with CSN Stores as a preferred blogger and I’ll be doing another product review very shortly, so keep an eye out.  Also, if you’re looking for a chance to win a gift card from CSN Stores, be sure to check out my other blog.

In other exciting news, I have a tons of pictures that I’ve taken over the past 2 months and now it’s time to blog about the exciting adventures of Jeremy and Sara.  Well actually, this post is just about the exciting adventures of Sara, but you get the idea…

In September, I went to Hawaii.  On business.  Yea, I know what you’re thinking.  “Who goes to Hawaii on business?”  Well, I do now!  In addition to Southern California, I now handle all the student applicants from Hawaii.  Which means I got to go there for a week, work from about 7am – 1pm and have the afternoons to do as I please.  It’s a tough life, I tell ya.  Here are some fun pictures that tell the story of my trip!

I sat on my balcony and watched the Hawaiian sunset for 7 nights.

I visited the Dole Plantation.  Did you know pineapples grow in bushes?  No joke, it’s true!

I climbed Diamond Head and saw the whole city of Honolulu.

I hung out in my upgraded room (for free!), complete with 2 balcony and a kitchen area!

I went to the beach.

I stared out my balcony and viewed the city and ocean.

I went to Pearl Harbor.

And I said, “Mahalo nui loa, Hawaii!  It was a fun trip!”