Monday, April 2, 2012

In my spare time...

If you're a pinterest-er like me, you might have a board labeled, "in my spare time".  For me that represents movies, books, music, writing, and other fun things that I like to indulge in when I have a few spare moments.  With the addition of babe #3, those spare moments are few and far between!  But...I have managed to squeeze in some reading time...particularly during those late night feedings.  It's been good because it helps me to stay awake!  I've still been participating in Bethany House's book review program, even though I had a little hiatus for a while, and received my latest book to review while we were in the hospital having the baby.  I knew it was coming, but hoped I'd get it before the baby came!  Oh well...the timing worked out ok and I was super excited about getting this one!  I have only read one Mary Connealy book before this one, so I was like a kid in a candy store when I found out I was going to be able to review this one!
*Note* I received this book for free to review from Bethany House and I am giving an unbiased opinion.
In Too Deep by Mary Connealy
In Too Deep is the second book in The Kincaid Brides series.  This story is centered around Ethan, one of the Kincaid brothers, his new family, and the trials they go through as they face their past and look forward to the future.  At the beginning of the story, Ethan is convinced (rather easily) to enter into marriage with Audra, a widow with two small children.  All three of the Kincaid brothers want to help Audra, but don't practically know how to do that unless she marries one of the brothers.  Ethan is the best candidate.  Ethan enters into this agreement with his typical smile that he uses throughout the story to conceal his true feelings.  Most of the time Ethan wants to numb himself and feel as close to nothing as possible.  As the story progresses, the Kincaids face many dangers in the forms of a cavern that holds bad memories for the Kincaid brothers, a few "bad guys" that want to reclaim the money Audra's dead husband stole from them, and, on a personal level, Ethan must face the past and learn to open his heart to love.

I think it would've helped me if I would've read book one this series, Out of Control.  I was able to pick up on most of the plot history without it and still thought In Too Deep was a great story!  One thing I liked about the book overall was the author's style of writing.  I didn't think there were too many metaphors (I've noticed some author's tend to overdo those) and I liked the way that a character's train of thought was written out...I could relate to that as a reader.  The characters were well-developed and deep.  For example, when the story began and Ethan kept smiling about everything I thought I was going to get bored with that.  But as the story continued I saw what was behind that constant grin and the feelings/emotions that led him to use his facial expression as a "cover".  There were several twists and turns in the story.  The reader was able to see the perspective of the villians in the story as well as our heros.  I, being a lover of romance, thoroughly enjoyed the Audra/Ethan storyline.  You gradually see the walls break down between the two of them and the love that grows.  Can you tell I enjoyed this book!?  I know it's a good one when I look forward to picking it up again...even when it's at a 3am baby feeding!  I would definitely recommend this book.

On a totally different note, I wanted to add this song....that I now LOVE!  I have not seen The Hunger Games...I'm fighting my curiosity at the moment...but I think this song was written for the movie.  I think it's wonderful.  Hope you enjoy!

Until my next bit of spare time...God bless!

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