A Kiss of Adventure (Treasures of the Heart Series #1)

Description

Desperate and on the run, Tillie Thornton finds herself in an uneasy partnership with Graeme McLeod, a daring adventurer who comes out of nowhere to thwart the plot of Tillie’s would-be kidnappers. Now these two must join forces against their common enemies, as well as the challenges of nature, as they embark on a quest that could bring them the answers they seek—or cost them everything.
Formerly published as The Treasure of Timbuktu.

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Customer Reviews

the very best!!!!!!
adventure and romance at its very best! it is contempory and has really powerful christian message.

2009-01-09 (athens, gr) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Excellent
This was my first read of Catherine Palmer. Excellent!!! Good message and good adventure!!

2007-03-14 (Allen, TX USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Best of whole series!
I have read all four books in this series, and have to say that this is by far the best! I love the adventure, and how it never really let up. A great book! Clean, but a good romance too. Graeme is a studmuffin, and Tillie a great girl who seems to love adventure as much as I do!:)A must read for anyone sick of tired over-done plots, this one is definitely original! It was interesting to learn about the different cultures (a.k.a the Tuareg) and I loved that it was set in Africa. Also... Bachelor's Bargain by Catherine Palmer is great! Enjoy!

2007-02-13 (wisconsin) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Exciting read; four and a half stars (I rounded up)
I must say that this is my favorite Catherine Palmer book to date. I've only read a few of her books, but I was very surprised and pleased with this one. Having grown up in Kenya (just as Catherine Palmer did), I definitely enjoyed all of the Africa facts and language--I got homesick just reading it! The plot was very interesting, though it was confusing at times, and I had to read certain parts twice to understand what was going on. The romance was wonderful, and the characters were written very well. I would definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the other books in the series!

2006-12-30 (Alabama) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Adventurous Christian romance
"A Kiss of Adventure" is an adventurous, passionate telling of a kidnapping, chase, and treasure hunt set in Africa. I was especially impressed with the realistic description of the dilemmas that accompany an attraction to a non-Christian. Thank you for a balanced, introspective book!

2006-08-29 (Branson, MO) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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The Maverick's Bride (Love Inspired Historical)

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780373828197
• Notes: BUY WITH Self-confidence, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and repair to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Up: New

Description

Her faith takes her across the world and into the path of a most extraordinary man. Freshly arrived in East Africa, Emma Pickering is instantly drawn to Adam King. The rugged cowboy is as compelling as he is mysterious. And if he'll agree to a marriage of convenience, it would solve both their problems. Emma could secure her inheritance—and with it, her chance to find her sister. Adam could gain the funds needed to carve his ranch out of the savanna. Yet their match is anything but "convenient" when Emma's fears gain hold, and malicious whispers threaten to tear the couple apart. Only their love and shared faith can save their life together.

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Customer Reviews

It was ok
This book had potential. I really wanted to like it. The heroine left a lot to be desired though. She was too easily led to mistrust the hero by someone she knew even less than him. She had no reason to mistrust him other than the words of someone who obviously disliked him yet she let that cloud her judgment. Maybe its just me but I felt like she should have been a little more distrustful of the other gentleman than she was. I wanted to like this book and I tried but when she started accusing the hero of horrible deeds even though she had never seen him be anything but kind it just irritated me to no end.

2010-04-30 (Georgia, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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The Courteous Cad (Miss Pickworth)

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780842375559
• Accustom: New
• Notes: BUY WITH Conviction, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and marines to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Description

On her tour of the English countryside, a chance encounter in the streets alerts Miss Prudence Watson to the inhumane working conditions at the worsted mill. She learns that the owner is William Sherbourne, a Royal Naval officer just returned from sea. Following in his wake is his reputation as a cad and a secret so ghastly he’ll do anything to protect it. Even worse, he’s handsome and charming and not at all the villain Prudence expected him to be.

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Customer Reviews

Loving a certain cad...
This read was a breath of fresh air. What a delightful story! William is a cad indeed, but isn't each of us really a sinner and deserving of hell forever? Without our Lord and Saviour dying for us and paying the ultimate price, we forever would suffer. However we have his promise, much like our lady, Ms Prudence Watson, ends up giving him after all the wrong they have done to each other and others as well.

This book will make you laugh because Prudence is so delightful a character. I am so excited to read more "gossip" by Ms Pickworth. Makes delightful books, having the message so well weaved throughout! Bravo Ms. Palmer!!! Well done..

2010-04-28 | Hoarder of books (Goldendale WA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Gotta Love Those Cads!
I loved this book. Catherine Palmer wrote well in describing poor working conditions in England in the 1800's.

Spunky Prudence Watson decides it is her job to crusade on behalf of a group of workers at a local worsted mill.

She is angry at William Sherbourne who is the owner of the mill and away at sea as a Royal Naval officer. He has a reputation as a handsome charming cad.

As the two people meet and begin to develop a relationship, Prudence realizes that William isn't aware of the circumstances of his mill and she intends to let him know the facts from working there undercover. Her secret doesn't last as she is discovered and has to explain herself.

Early on, the cad has fallen for Prudence, but he must begin to mature and come to grips with what he really wants out of life while Prudence is attracted to him, he falls short in her eyes. She has committed herself to never marry, let alone a handsome wealthy cad. Why he treats all the ladies the same and tugs at their heart strings, she believes.

It will take an old blacksmith's love and care for Prudence to straighten out both young people's thinking and get them to share truths from their past before they can move forward into the future together.

Tyndale House graciously gave me this book to review and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Sincerely,
Paulette L. Harris
Author/Speaker

2010-03-28 | & Paulette L. Harris | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Boring!!!
I found this book really really hard to get into. I read the first 3 chapters 5 times! It was slow and boring. Overall not a good book. The first one was soooo much better! If your wanting to fall asleep in the first two chapters then this is the book for you!

2010-03-10 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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What's a Woman to do?
"Marriage is not the object of my hearts desire...I shall never wed...when God reveals my mission, I mean to do it with all my heart."

"I shall champion those less fortunate than I." Miss Watson is serious about God's mission for her life; her sisters view it as silly. A woman as beautiful as Prudence should be seeking the most illegible partner, settling down and raising a family. This mission to help the poor was ridiculous thinking. Did this really come from God?

William Sherbourne agrees with Miss Prudence Watson about one thing, "I must say how delighted I am to learn your plan to remain unwed, partakers in uncorrupted innocence we shall be great friends forever. Chums, in fact."

William and Prudence are both smart, opinioned, beautiful people who enjoy verbal sparing. Neither will admit their feelings they have for the other.

William says, "You are correct in the wickedness you surmise about me. I am not a good man. I have committed such evil in fact, that I cannot hope to be forgiven."

Miss Watsons quick retort, "It is not my good opinion you should seek, Mr. Sherbourne...It is God's. You will find Him more forgiving than I and certainly more merciful. But I shall endeavor to like you. We are, after all chums."

This is fun filled book with substance. I was surprised by the risks Prudence took to fulfill her mission. Catherine Palmer urges us to "...take a closer look at ourselves, realize we are all a work in progress. We may reverse our opinions, make serious mistakes, and commit outright sin...The Holy Spirit wants to transform each of us into new creatures." I was entertained; I laughed and made to think about life in this Regency period story. I'm thankful for the review copy I received.

Nora St.Laurent
Finding Hope Through Fiction

2010-02-17 | Finding Hope www.psalm516.blogspot.com (Georgia) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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3rd in Miss Pickworth series fizzles in romance department

The Courteous Cad by Catherine Palmer is the third book in the Miss Pickworth series taking place in Regency England. Prudence Watson is the toast of the ton with her golden curls and rosy cheeks, but while traveling in Yorkshire, she is struck by the plight of mill workers and feels the need to improve their working conditions. But when she meets the mill owner, William Sherbourne, she is forced to reconsider her quest. This historical romance never quite clicked for me. The story is mostly dialogue, and while Palmer tries to imitate Austen's quick wit and clever conversations, I was more frustrated by Prudence and William's insistence on always thinking the worst of each other and never telling the truth. I didn't understand what they saw in each other, because he was consistently telling her and everyone else that he was a cad, and she was forever telling him that she was silly. I enjoyed the historical portion of the story with Prudence's work in the mill and her relationship with her sisters was amusing as well.

2010-01-31 | Christy's Book Blog (Oconto Falls, WI USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Love's Haven (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #21)

Description

He offered her baby a life of privilege, instead of the abject poverty Mara Rosemond remembered from her own childhood. But at what cost? Brock Barnett had been her husband's best friend. Mara blamed him for her husband's death. Even so, the bond that grew between them was unimaginable—yet undeniable—as both fought a battle with their emotions. Though Mara feared forsaking her late husband's memory, she knew that for her baby the future was everything….

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Customer Reviews

Light Reading
This was my first Catherine Palmer book and I will probably think twice before buying another one. It is a good book if you want a bit of fluffy, light reading. It would well belong to the seventies Harlequin romance books. It is shelved with Christian fiction, though not overly Christian and it is a little contrived. The hero would definitely not have to marry Mara to provide for her and her unborn child. No man in his right mind would saddle himself with a woman he didn't love and a child simply to provide for them. It is not completely believable.

2007-08-05 | Bookworm (SC) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Not Palmer's best
This book seems like an excuse for the author to write an average romance in an unrealistic setting. Basics: husband of pregnant woman dies and she blames the best friend, who is now offering her marriage out of guilt to cover her husbands debt build-up and health care and security for her unborn child. The two main characters hate each other, yet she marries him anyway. That is the setup for these two to "fall in love." The romance, the friends, even the so-called forgiveness all seemed so forced; it often made me cringe. The only reason I finished the book is because I was bored, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I closed the book. I turned right around and returned it for my money back. I was highly disappointed with Palmer and this book, because she's written some amazing books, some worth five stars. But this isn't one of them.

2007-01-17 | imagineforever (Florida) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Worth the Read
Honestly, I loved the story. It was everything one could ask for in an Inspirational romance novel. There were, however, a few points with which I continue to struggle reconciling with reality. If one is able to set aside these few issues, the book is well worth reading.

First, I continue to be irked with the novel's premise that Mara & Brock had to be married for Brock to provide the assistance he promised to Mara. They wed so the wealthy Brock can provide financially for her & her unborn child, who have been left husbandless, fatherless, & penniless since the tragic death of Mara's husband, the best friend of Brock. Set in the 1800's, this premise would be more than logical. However, set in present-day, it rubs me as nothing more than a means to a beautiful love story.

Second, I have not been able to shake my husband's comment regarding the premise. He commented that it was a great, guilt-free way to get together with one's husband's best friend. Yes, I chided & corrected him, explaining the story, but the disconcerting thought has remained tucked in my mind. And my husband doesn't even have a best friend. So I'm not sure how men would take this book (or any romance novel, for that matter, I suppose).

Despite these personal issues with the story, I still remained completely enthralled from beginning to end. The characters are nicely developed, & the passion & intensity between the couple could possibly leave one breathless. Mara's struggle with accepting her husband's death & learning to love her new husband seem appropriate & well drawn out. The story is peppered with humor & insight, as well as some heart-wrenching moments. (Personally, I loved the amusing opening scene, imagining the two in the bathroom already fighting.)

Oh, how I wanted to give this 5 stars! If only I could reconcile my innate romanticism with my view of reality. Even still, I'd read it again whilst suspending disbelief.

2006-07-17 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Love's Haven
I enjoyed the book. It was moving and thoughtful. It's a tender story of love and security.

2006-03-10 (Avondale, Pa. USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Light Afternoon Read
This was a light enjoyable read. The characters were decent and the message was good. Its not a book that you'd need to reread, but a great one to enjoy for the moment.

2006-02-17 (Ohio) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Falling for You Again (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #3)

Description

Charlie and Esther Moore have been married nearly fifty years when the contented life they've built together begins to crumble. Esther has been forgetful recently, but it's rarely a problem until the day she puts her car in drive instead of reverse, flying off the end of the carport and into the backyard. Esther's accident and declining health shatter their reverie, and the couple must come to terms with all the paths their lives have not taken if they ever hope to pull their marriage out of winter. As always, the quirky characters of Deepwater Cove will pop in and out of the story and delight readers.
This is the third book in a new fiction series from best-selling authors Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer, based on the marriage principles found in Gary Chapman's nonfiction book The Four Seasons of Marriage. Each book includes a study guide that talks about the four seasons of marriage and the healing strategies depicted in that particular storyline.

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Customer Reviews

Book #3 in the "Four Seasons" Series
It's easy to become friends with these characters from the very first book and feel a part of their lives and neighborhood. You feel the love here and the sense of belonging. The characters are real and face real-life issues. Can you almost feel their joys and pains, their happiness and grief?

Something strange is happening with Esther Moore. She is blaming Cody for her misplacings and mishaps. Pete is still pursuing Patsy. Cody's heart is still for Jennifer. Autistic though he is, he still has such wisdom.

Brad is stuck on himself and his marriage with Ashley is suffering. Should the addition become a nursery as Ashley wants or a garage as Brad is set on? Charlie commits to helping Brad with the addition and tries to talk sense into the younger man. Esther and Charlie help Ashley with her bead business.

Much to Patsy's delight, Brenda prepares to open her own business "Bless Your Hearth" at the mall where Pete and Patsy have their own businesses.

A momentous event takes place almost at the end of this Four Seasons installment, causing happiness or sadness, I dare not say.

2009-11-22 | Love Starbucks (NH) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Inspirational and Entertaining too!
This is a very real-life book that could have happened in any small town across the USA. The people are very true to form, and the events are happening everywhere. The faith that the characters have is very inspiring, and motivational. The book deals with every day living and life events, like love and death, plus family life with combined families. Be prepared for a variety of emotions and temperaments. The book has multi-characters like autism, mission-minded people, business people, mothers, fathers, and elderly people. I really enjoyed the book. It's like taking a class on life.

2009-09-12 | Goody2Books (Hornbeck, La USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Light Read
This work of fiction covers serious topics including: Christian faith, vascular dementia, love, marriage, faithfulness, autism, and death. All of these are covered in quite a superficial way. If you have a deep faith in God and take comfort in reading about communities of like-minded people, you may enjoy this book.

It didn't however give me what I was looking for. It tells the story, in retrospect of Charlie and Ester and their 50 year marriage of joys and hurts. While touching, there is a remarkable lack of learning opportunities.

The book has Charlie as a mentor to young, twice-divorced Brad who spends all his free time at the local bar drinking and flirting with the town airheads. Charlie's astounding wisdom is:

"What matters is that you kids found each other, loved each other and made a vow to keep on loving each other no matter what. ... You called {your wife} a lame-brain? You're a total numskull when it comes to women. Your're even dumber than most men. So stop strutting around like you have the world on a string just because the floozies at some bar give you the eye. ... You've married yourself a sweet little lady who used to think you hung the moon. You really want to be a man? Pull yourself together and hang that moon back in the sky for your wife."

I expected more from someone (Dr. Chapman) who makes his living in the field of marriage counselling.

2009-08-11 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Seasons of Love - Gary Chapman
OMW!! I have this whole series and I just adore it! The characters are so great! You are guaranteed to find someone to relate to in this 4 book series and I would be surprised if you don't just fall in love with Cody and his passion for chocolate cake cut into squares.

2009-02-16 | Cheryl Miller (somewhere land, CA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Hard Read
This was a hard read for me because of the topic, vascular dementia. Catherine Palmer & Gary Chapman addressed this topic in a compelling, yet realistic way; the confusion, the terrible danger they can unknowingly put themselves in, the sorrow they feel when they recognize they're not in their right mind. I would've liked to see this addressed from the adult children's point of view as well.

Part three in a series, the other miscellaneous characters in the series got little focus as the issue of dementia was addressed. Unsatisfied with one heavy subject, they also touched on autism. In my opinion, they were too many hard topics for one novel and the book was somewhat depressing.

Charley, Esters spouse, goes through his own grieving process and struggles to maintain normalcy while Ester is clearly far from her usual self. The book has a sad but hopeful ending.

2008-07-09 | Writer (Parker, CO) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Stranger In The Night (Haven)

Description

In the dead of night, there's a knock on the door at Haven, an inner-city youth center in St. Louis. A refugee family—scared, tired and hungry—seeks shelter. Fresh back from Afghanistan, former marine sergeant Joshua Duff takes on the mission. He recruits aid worker Liz Wallace, but she has questions for Joshua. Such as why a Texan with an oil magnate for a father is working at Haven. Or why a man who fears nothing—including the gang violence threatening the center—seems scared of opening his heart to her.

Joshua will call upon his training and his faith to protect Liz and Haven. Yet the most dangerous threat lurks closer than they realize.

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Customer Reviews

Another keeper
Catherine Palmer is among my favorite authors. Spiritual, compassionate and very in touch with the human passions, failings and victories through Jesus Christ.
Solid author. Solid reading.

2010-07-27 | Annie (Tax Mountain, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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