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.

The Tutor's Daughter - A Review

I have loved all of Julie Klassen's books and this is no exception!  I don't read many regency romance books, but I can't resist Klassen's books.  They are always engaging from the very beginning and keep you reading way past the time you should have put it down!

The Tutor's Daughter is a centered around Emma Smallwood.  Emma is trying to help her father rebound back after her mother passed away and the school that has been his life has experienced a declining enrollment. They reach out to a former family that had send their older boys to the academy, but had yet to send their younger boys.  To Emma's surprise the Weston family invites them to live at Cornwall estate and tutor the younger boys in residence.  A change would be good for both of them and Emma is excited to see the one brother that was her friend and slightly dreads seeing the one who used to torture her, the only girl at the school.  Upon arriving at Cornwall the Smallwoods are strangely welcomed, the family is obviously hiding something. Then Emma notices odd things at night and things missing from her room. 

What will become of the former friendships?  What is going on in Cornwall?  What are they hiding?

This is a great book.  It touches on some different and tough subjects that were unexpected.  I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy of this book. 

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs is a sweet Christmas novella.  It is set in Scotland at Christmastime in 1894.  It is centered around Meg and Gordon, two lonely traveler's whose paths cross unexpectedly.  They discover that they share a painful common history.  Once the two are pushed together on Christmas Eve will they be able to reveal their common path in order to make amends with her family?  Will they form a unlikely bond?

Meg and Gordon were likeable characters.  I wish they could have been a little deeper and their relationship more developed, but it was just a novella and not at 400 page novel.  I think it could have used an epilogue set a few months or a year later.  There were a few questions I had after finishing the book.

I enjoyed this simple novella.  It was a quick and enjoyable read.  The story was very original and not something you have seen over and over again.  It was a story of redemption as well.  I liked it and would recommend it to others. 

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

Finally ...the story of how it all started

I love each and every one of Julie's books about the O'Connor family. I was eager to read the story about the relationship that started the O'Connor family and it didn't disappoint. The only thing wrong with it was that I wish there was more! Julie's books are always very well written and as I always I hate to see them end. Things that were mentioned in the previous books made me wonder how Marcy and Patrick's relationship started and now I know. I think I will have to pick up all the books and read them in order again now that the whole story is complete! I loved how Patrick allowed God to change him and how the friendship blossomed into something much more. Well done Julie! I highly recommend this book and any of her others. Waiting anxiously for her next book to be released!

Strong and Stubborn by Kelly Eileen Hake

This is the third book in the Husbands for Hire series by Kelly Eileen Hake.  This book focuses on Noami as the last unclaimed bride in Hope Falls.  Michael Strode is a recently widowed carpenter setting out to try and make a new life for himself and his son.

One of my first thoughts about this book is that it is not a stand alone book.  I think you must have read the first two books in order to follow the third.  With that being said I read the first two books when they were first published and it has been a while so I really could have used a refresher.  I got a little lost at times trying to remember details from the previous books.  There is a handy little guide that gives a brief description of each character that was helpful though. I might have to go back and read all three in a row in order to make sure I got it all.  There is alot going on in each book. 

Naomi and the other three ladies in the story put an ad in the paper for husbands.  They are landowners in what used to a be a mining town and is now a logging town thanks to the mine collapse and their attempt to redeem the town and their lives.  They had no clue that when they got to Hope Falls they would be greeted by many men who came as a result of the ad.  The first two books cover two of them women meeting their men and the third focuses on Naomi.  The men were happy to work for food and shelter as long as the women were still available to woo, but with just one woman left the game changes.  Michael has no idea what he has happened upon in Hope Falls.  He simply came for a job and a fresh start from his wife's family.  The story also continues with the story of Braden and Cora and their struggle to determine what their relationship will be after the accident. 

I liked this book. The story wrapped up part of it, but also left so questions and more story that needed to be told.  I feel like it set up for more books to be written in either this series or an additional series.  I didn't feel like Braden and Cora's story had been completed and then there is more to tell about all those loggers wanting brides. 

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I have said over and over that I am a sucker for the mail order bride or the bride who marries someone she barely knows. I was excited to read the description of this book because it is a a collection of short stories about just that!  I am not familiar with all the authors, but I do enjoy reading Cathy and Kelly Hake's works so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.  

There are 9 different short stories in the collection.  Overall the collection was good, but I think that the 7 in the middle absolutely went together in a collection and the first and last were a little out of place. 

The last story, Finishing Touches, was good, but didn't fit the wagon train/frontier genre.   The first story, Joie de Vivre,  was not only out of place, but just wasn't an enjoyable read for me.  There was too much french without translation and I understand a little bit of french from the years I took classes.  The setting of the first story didn't appeal to me and therefore made the story just ok.

THe 2nd story, Button Strong Bride,  was wagon train marriage that was right up my alley.  I liked the button strand that was a major part of the sweet story.  I had never heard of it before.  I don't know if is was a real tradition to start a button collection for young girls, but if it wasn't it should have been. 

The 3rd story, The Wedding Wagon, was once again a wagon train marriage that I really enjoyed.  It was a sweet story of a young lady marrying her best friends brother that she has only met just a few times.  I think I would have liked to have read more about this family.

Stories 4-7 were all connected.  In Halter to Alter four sisters are sent off to be mail order brides, but arrive to meet a man who wanted four bridles and not four brides.  All four books are the stories of the four sisters and the men that win their hearts.  The other stories are From Carriage to Marriage, From Bride to Pride, From Alarming to Charming.  I enjoyed reading about the sisters and how they found love.

The 8th story was A Vow Unbroken.  It was a sweet mail order bride story that I enjoyed reading.  It probably had the most spiritual content of any of the stories and made for a nice afternoon read.

The last story, Finishing Touches, was a good story although a little misplaced.  It was an arranged marriage were the sister took the place of the bride.  The setting was different than the majority of the book, but still a good read. 

This book was given to me free of charge from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

I think each of Karen Witemeyer's books is better than the last.  This one was a real page turner!  The Archer brother's are committed to holding on to their land since the death of their father.  They never leave and they never let anybody on their land.  Meredith Hayes overhears somebody threatening the Archer land and feels duty bound to warn the brothers, especially Travis Archer who saved her life when she was just a child.  Meredith runs off from her Aunt, Uncle, cousin and the man courting her that is threatening the Archers.  She gets there in time to warn them but is forced to stay on their land, in their house and her reputation has been compromised by staying with four single men.  Her aunt and uncle will not hear of anything other than her marrying one of the Archer's.  Meredith's heart has always belonged to Travis Archer, even if he didn't know it.  The four brothers draw straws to see who gets to marry Meredith, not who has to marry Meredith.  All Meredith wants is to be loved by Travis Archer, but is it possible?

This was another hit by Karen Witemeyer.  I wish she could write them faster!  I would love to read about the other brother's in the story and where life takes them at the end of the book.  I definitely will read this again, I have already read it twice! Waiting on her next book.....

Twice a Bride by Mona Hodgson - My Review

Twice a Bride is the fourth book in the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series.  I was eager to read this book because I thoroughly enjoyed the first three books in the series.  I wasn't disappointed in the book, I thought it was another great book by Mona Hodgson.  I do however think that it is important to read the other books in the series.  I found myself trying to recall things from the past books to help pull things together in the current story.  The stories don't really continue from book to book, but the characters reoccur.

The fourth book is not about a Sinclair sister, but about Willow Peterson who is the sister in law of Ida Sinclair Raines.  I had a hard time recalling Willow's backstory and felt myself needing to reread.  There was enough detail to help me understand the character again though.  Willow is a widow and an artist.  She is trying to figure out how to make her own way after the loss of her husband and then her father.  Trenton Van Der Veer is a photographer setting down roots for the first time after leaving his fiance that was not who he thought.  Trenton needs an artist to colorize photos and paint portraits of his photgraphs.  Willow answers his ad in the local paper and is thrilled about doing what she loves.  Both are very guarded emotionally and not expecting to ever find love again.  All the same characters are back and Harlan Sinclair finally makes it to Cripple Creek to reunite with his daughters and meet the rest of his new family, but he doesn't arrive without a few surprises.

Overall this is a good book that I would recommend as part of a series. It was a nice ending to the series.  I will look for more books to come out by Mona Hodgson. I was given this book free by the publisher in exchange for my review. 

We all know that I love Mary Connealy!  I have read all of her books and loved them.  I eagerly awaited the release of Over the Edge and I was not disappointed.  This is the 3rd book in the Kincaid Brides Series. 

We were introduced to Rafe and Julia, Ethan and Audra, and Seth in the earlier books and we did hear Seth mention Callie, but nobody knew who Callie was!  Book two left us hanging with the question of how on earth did Seth Kincaid have a wife. 

The book starts out with a shoot out in true Mary Connealy style.  We are quickly introduced to two new family members and lots of action.  Oh and the bad guys are still out there looking for the Kincaids. 

This was a great book.  Callie and Seth are just fun.  I like their story and their connection.  The introduction of Heath stirred things up for the family, but they kept going.  The book answered lots of questions about Seth and what he had gone through before, during and after the war.  We finally figure out what the bad guys are after. 

It was a great end to a great series by Mary Connealy.  I highly recommend this book and all of her others.  I do think that Ethan and Audra's story was my favorite though!

This book was given to me free of charge from Bethany House in exchange of an honest review.

Be Still My Soul - My Review

I was excited to get this book to read.  I am drawn to stories where people marry who hardly even know each other, I couldn't imagine! 

The book starts off as I imagined it would.  Gideon steals a kiss from Lonnie, her dad gets mad and forces them to marry.  Although neither are excited about the marriage they both see it as an opportunity to escape their current lives.  The book takes you on a tough journey as the couple who barely knew each other tries to make a life.  She loves the Lord and he doesn't have time for the Lord. 

I think this book had the potential to be great, but it fell flat for me.  The couple faced challenges and obstacles and the story as a whole was a good story of turning one's life around, but there just wasn't much between Lonnie and Gideon.  There was a lot of thinking and not alot of talking between them.  I would have liked to see more interaction between the main characters.  The supporting characters were good and well developed, but not the main two as a couple. 

To me the book was just ok.  I would be curious to learn about the other stories in the series to see if it continues Lonnie and Gideon's story or tells another couple. I feel like there needs to be more of Lonnie and Gideon. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Bride Wore Blue by Mona Hodgson, my review

This is the third book in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series.  I have read the other two books in the series as well. I looked forward to being able to read this book and was excited for the opportunity to review it.  I think you could read this book as a stand alone, but that you would have a much greater understanding of the relationship between the sisters if you have read all three. 

Vivian is the last of the Sinclair sisters to make it to Cripple Creek.  She longs to be with her family, but wants to be independent and prove herself to be more than just the baby of the family.  She feels that if she can prove herself she can make up for mistakes in her past.  The first person Vivian meets once she gets to Cripple Creek is Deputy Carter Alwyn who she immediately clashes with, but is also strongly attracted to.  Carter is drawn to Vivian as well, but she keeps pushing him away.  Vivian thinks that because she has made mistakes in her past that she doesn't deserve a man like Carter.

This story was a great story of forgiveness.  It was a little predictable, but that's ok it was a good, easy read.  I think the first book in the series was my favorite, but I have like all of them.  I would recommend the series and look forward to reading the next one that is due out in October. The title of the book isn't the most descriptive of the story though. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.