Though My Heart Is Torn - my review

I really started to get involved with the characters until the book just ended suddenly.  I somewhat liked the first book in the series and in this book I really started to get involved even though the plot aggravated me as a reader.  Lonnie and Gideon had a horrible start in the first book and then things started getting better.  I really liked them in their happy place so to say and then bam! there was a plot twist.  I found myself mad at Cassie and just about everyone else in the book.  It think I would like the book more if it was one giant book instead of 3 volumes.  The whole book was just put on hold.  I guess that means I will have to read the 3rd book though so maybe that was the writer's point.  Just so much waiting!

A Bride For All Seasons - My review

I looked forward to this book for a long time because it is written by some of my favorite authors.  I wasn't disappointed.  I liked each story.  Even though they were short they were well developed and independent.  It was nice to sit a spell and finish a story and feel like it was complete and that you weren't cheated. I am always a sucker for a mail order bride story and this was no disappointment.  None of the stories were connected in any way except by the mail order bride catalog's owner. Robin Lee Hatcher's story including characters from Heart of Gold, but they were minor characters.  I think I liked David and Megan's story best, but then Mary Connealy is my favorite author.  This is definitely a book I would share!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson - My review

I was excited to read this novella because I really enjoyed the previous books by Mona Hodgson.  I liked the characters.  I was intrigued by them. I just wanted more.  I think the storyline was good though a little predictable.  I wanted there to be more to it.  Maybe reading the following novellas will help, but I don't think that the story was long enough to truly get to know the characters and see a relationship develop.  I like where it was going.  Maren and Wooly made for an interesting match and old Elsa had more stories to tell.  I can tell by reading that the sub-stories will continue, but I don't know that we will hear much more about Maren and Wooly.  I enjoyed the writing, it just felt a little rushed, but then again this isn't a novel.  I will read the novellas to follow because I feel the need to complete the series, but I don't know that I would recommend it. It is not a book that I desire to read again.

I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

Safe in His Arms - Under Texas Stars Book 2

This is only my second Coleen Coble book. I liked the first book in the series and was happy to be able to read about Margaret. One of my favorite things about this is that it is a historical/ suspenseful / romance. There are many aspects to the book and the story line keeps you wanting to read. I liked Daniel from the beginning and his character was intriguing. He is mysterious and she doesn't want to trust him. She has always been the strong one and doesn't want to depend on anybody so she tries to take down a bank robbery, by herself. She finally finds safety and comfort in his arms. Coble's books are always great. I love a good series! The element of mystery to her books make them enjoyable and easy to read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the copy to review!

Another Karen Witemeyer Hit!!!

I loved Short Straw Bride and was so glad to know that Crockett Archer was getting his own story!  I also enjoy that this is a stand alone book.  Crockett is finally getting the chance to be a preacher to more than his family.  Joanna Robbins prays for a preacher to revive her little church.  With a little prayer, the help of her father and something criminal, Joanna has her preacher. Crockett and Joanna form a friendship out of an unusual circumstance.  It is another wonderful Karen Witemeyer read.  I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for my copy to review!

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

Super fun!  Keeps you reading!  Can't wait for the next one! This is a continuation of A Change of Fortune with Theodore Wilder tracking down and protecting Arabella Beckett, sister to Hamilton Beckett we met in the first book.  Theodore and Arabella are both very strong, independent characters who really have no need for the other.  They have differing views on the roll of women.  As the two continue to cross paths and need the help of the other a peculiar relationship begins.  There is an energy to the book that comes from the mystery and romance. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to more by Turano!

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for my review copy!

The Heiress of Winterwood

This is something different.  Regency era fiction is not my usual, but I have recently become a fan of a popular TV show of set in this era so this book intrigued me.  I wasn't disappointed by any means.  When you read alot the plot of a book often seems familiar like you've read it before, but not this book!  I would think I had it figured out and then something would change.  I didn't want to put it down.  Amelia was a fabulous main character.  She had spunk to say what she wanted and was a devout loyal friend.  She made true sacrifices in this book.  The character of Captain Graham was also very likeable and a sweet father!  I love the relationship that they formed out of necessity and then becoming more.  There were many other characters that I wanted to know more about and can only assume we will learn about in the following book.  I was glad to know that this is the first in the series because I have questions and want to read for the answers.  Great job Sarah Ladd!

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy to review!

Forsaken Dreams - My Review

MaryLu Tyndall's books always surprise me.  I don't know what I originally expect, but they always blow my expectations and this book is no different.  It is set after the Civil War and is about people escaping the South trying to build a new south so to speak.  They are heading to Brazil to build a new life trying to escape different things. 

Colonel Blake Wallace is trying to escape the Yankees who want him dead. He has nothing left in the his southern home, no family, no plantation and no hope of a future as long as he is always looking over his shoulder.

Eliza Crawford, a former Civil War nurse, has nothing to call her own after to war tore apart her family.  She longs to begin fresh where no one knows her past. 

There are numerous other characters from all walks of life that make up this voyage to Brazil. Each one has his or her own purpose in the new colony that Wallace is heading up.  The different personalities and roles make for some very interesting story lines.

The main story is the back and forth between Eliza and Blake.  Can they look beyond their pasts and the deep rooted loyalties to find a true love. 

I think the part that fascinates me the most about this story is the true historical aspects of it.  Southerners really left the South and fled to Brazil because they refused to live under the government of the United States of America.  I never learned that in history class.  I learned so much reading this book and really enjoyed this book too!  I look forward to the next book and am curious who the story will be about. 

Good job MaryLu!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

Swept Away - My Review

I love Mary Connealy and will read everything she ever writes!  I can always count on a good fun read full of surprises and a sweet romance.  I was so excited to start a new series!  I don't know how I missed it but this is somewhat of a spin off of the Kincaid Brides Series.  It is a totally stand alone series, but I find myself wondering if there will be a series connecting the two series like Mary has done in the past.  Hmm... 

Luke Stone is a former Civil War soldier who is headed home to reclaim his family's ranch that was stolen.  He has carefully plotted and planned with his war buddies how to regain control of the ranch.  He has to be smart and maintain his long running plan.

Ruthie McNeil is swept away from her wagon train by the rushing river, but she is not sad to lose the family that has took her in years ago.  They never treated her as family and took advantage of her.  Luke happens upon Ruthy and can't just leave her there, but his plan can't be changed or delayed.  He had to take her with him. 

Luke heads home to town and meets up with his buddies "the Regulators".  They have a plan to take back his ranch and its a good thing Ruthie is there to help them fight. 

This is another winner by Mary Connealy.  I liked the book and look forward to her other books.  I laughed outloud as always and the romance was sweet.  It's not my favorite Mary Connealy book, but is a great start to a new series.  I look forward to the continued development of the other characters.

I was given this book for free by NetGalley in exchange for my review. 

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano - My Review

This is a fabulous book!  It's funny, the characters are enjoyable and it makes you want to keep reading.  I have a hard time believing that this is Jen Turano's first book.  The story is original.  There is a novella that accompanies this book called Gentleman of Her Dreams.  It is not something that you have to read in order to follow A Change of Fortune, but it briefly introduces the main characters in this book.

The story is about Lady Eliza Sumner who has come to New York in search of her missing fortune that was stolen once her father passed away.  She is left in London with no money, rumors of her father swindling their money, and an ex fiance that became an ex when she told him all her money was gone.  Liza comes to New York alone and poses as a governess while she is searching for the couple who stole her money. Eliza becomes a governess for the Watson family where she is thrust into filling in at a dinner and ball for their daughter Agatha.  Agatha is quite the character!  She wants to be a journalist and has no intention of making a match with a man anytime soon. 

Hamilton Beckett is a wealthy, young widower with two small children and is the man that all the mother's have picked for their daughter to make a match with.  Hamilton however has no intention of becoming anyone's match.  He and his brother Zayne are trying to determine who it is that has been stealing business from their family's company. 

Eliza and Hamilton along with Zayne and Agatha find themselves in quite a few predicaments that will make you laugh out loud.  Their paths continue to cross in unique circumstances and there is a common thread in both of the investigations.  They work together to uncover the truth that they are both looking for.

It is a delightful read.  It is a little far fetched but that is part of its charm.  I would absolutely recommend it.  I look forward to more books by Jen Turano!

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me a copy in exchange for my honest review.