Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel

CJ Baxter hasn't been back to Adelia, New York since he left home for college 17 years ago. His grandfather's life that is quickly fading away has brought him back to the place he grew, to the childhood memories he has long since wanted to forget.
The ending of this book reminded me of a little version of a modern day Cain and Abel. However, I have to say that I was disappointed with this novel, it was rather bland for my taste. It brought to mind the image of a huge plate of gorgeous food that you just can't wait to devour only to be disappointed once you taste it only to realize it is flavorless. I guess my high expectations for Hunter's Moon were to high because it definitely did disappoint. I would not recommend this book to anyone I know, its just not worth it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel by Bethany House and was not forced in anyway to give a positive review.

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

A heartfelt story of 5 women who end up in Dawson County, Nebraska on April 7, 1871. But once Ella, Zita, Caroline, Sally, and Ruth make the life changing choice of unloading their belongings, including each one of their personal "demons", and hunkering down in the west to start a new life no one expects what is coming.
After completing this book I had no idea if I loved it or hated it. The beginning of this book could not keep my attention at all so it took me a very long time to finish "Sixteen Brides." However, once the women decided to stay in plum grove after confronting the sorry excuse for a man, Hamilton Drake, my attention was detoured from my chipping fingernail polish back to the five very different, all with their very own story. Love presented a challenge for these women (as it usually does for us all) but secrets and sorrow also play a major role here as well. I know there is so much more to this book and I could definitely go on and on about it but I'm going to stop here. Because I definitely recommend you check it out for yourself and let the magic of Sixteen Brides consume you just like it did to me. Because I've decided that I actually loved it all along!
I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers to review.

Jessie D