 About the Book:
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Clouston's quietly held principles oppose those of the Southern Cause--but when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home, where she is governess, is converted into a Confederate hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancé and lifelong friend. As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie's arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy's first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg. Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers' respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton's walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn't realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie's heart softens toward the Confederate captain, she discovers his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and pledges made, she struggles to be true to her own heart while standing for what she knows is right--no matter the cost. My Thoughts: I am a huge history buff and was immediately drawn into this story. Alexander holds nothing back in relaying the true devastation and horrors of war. Lizzie's strength, courage, and sorrow moved me. Her compassion for the soldiers and difficulty dealing with the realities of war that were thrust upon her brought to light both our human frailties and our ability to summon an other-worldly strength when circumstances require us to do so that otherwise we feel would be beyond our reach. I also appreciated how Alexander brought to light Roland's enlightenment on owning slaves and transitioned his thinking on this very sensitive subject. And of course there was the romance between Lizzie and Roland! A sweet, slow unfolding of their growing affection for one another left me pining to learn even more about this real life couple's romance in the face of tragedy! One thing to note- I strongly recommend that readers visit Alexander's website to read the historical notes and documentation used to build this story. The pictures, personal stories, and historical references added so much to this story making it truly jump from the pages of history! I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Tamera Alexander is an author and inspirational speaker whose novels have garnered or been short-listed for numerous awards, including the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Bookseller’s Best Award, National Reader's Choice Award, Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill Award, and the HOLT Medallion, among others. Tamera enjoys living in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. For more about Tamera's books, visit www.TameraAlexander.com
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 About the Book:
The Great Rebellion of 1857 was a remarkably bloody business. At a time when Britain’s imperial influence in India was sparking brutal clashes on both sides, no one could have expected Rena, an Indian woman, to marry a British officer—nor do they understand her decision to follow her mother-in-law to England after her husband’s tragic death. Once the two widows are in Abbotsville, the stern yet compassionate Lord Barric attempts to help them despite his better judgment. Soon he is torn between the demands of reputation and his increasing desire to capture Rena’s heart for his own. My Thoughts: I've read other allegorical novels portraying the story of Ruth and Boaz, but this one was unique in setting and characters. The story did not follow Ruth and Boaz's Biblical account exactly, but was presented in a culturally correct setting for the time period after the rebellion in India. I thought some aspects of the allegorical tale were quite clever in comparison with Ruth and Boaz's romance and some went completely against the grain. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Rena had such a kind and beautiful heart yet put up with undue cruelty from the citizens of Abbotsville. From the beginning the attraction- and struggle- between Jack and Rena are evident creating plenty of romantic tension. Although both are slow in acknowledging their true feelings for one another, once they are revealed a beautiful love begins to bloom. Ruth and Boaz aside, this story could have easily stood on its on merit for its lessons on forgiveness and acceptance, the historical elements of the time period and culture, and a sizzling romance between two people that shouldn't be but fights for their hearts. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight. Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London. To learn more about her writings, visit https://www.naomistephens.com/.  About the Book:
When Mulan takes her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this journey her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, Mulan has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher. Disguised as a young man, Mulan meets the German duke’s son, Wolfgang, who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the new soldier who seems to be one step away from disaster at all times—or showing him up in embarrassing ways. From rivals to reluctant friends, Mulan and Wolfgang begin to share secrets. But war is an uncertain time and dreams can die as quickly as they are born. When Mulan receives word of danger back home, she must make the ultimate choice. Can she be the son her bitter father never had? Or will she become the strong young woman she was created to be? My Thoughts: This novel had me hooked from the beginning! I adore Mulan! Her spunk in the face of fear, her internal strength and conviction, her bravery, and her gifted leadership abilities had me cheering for her throughout! I appreciated how she did not lose the respect and command of the other soldiers in her company once they learned of her true identity. Wolfgang truly shone as a hero- both on the battlefield and when winning Mulan's heart. Finally, the love that grew between these two was both fiery and tender wrapping a beautiful love story into a young woman's story of finding her place. #TeamWolfie&Mulan I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times bestselling author. A two-time Christy Award finalist and a two-time Maggie Award winner, she won the 2010 National Readers' Choice Award for Best First Book for The Healer's Apprentice and the 2012 Carol Award for The Merchant's Daughter. She lives with her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit her online at Facebook (MelanieDickersonBooks), Twitter (@MelanieAuthor), and MelanieDickerson.com.  About the Book:
Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened. William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down. They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together? My Thoughts: This sweet love story about new beginnings and forgiveness touched my heart. Daphne was such a sweet, gentle soul whose social quirkiness just added to her charm. I can see how William fell in love with her! I think I most liked that even though Daphne's past revealed she was more of a match for William socially than he originally thought, their road to love was not an easy one. They both had personal and societal expectations to wade through before understanding the new path God had created for them both. Enjoyable ending! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Her debut novel, A Noble Masquerade, is a RITA double finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.  About the Book:
Aven Norgaard understands courage. Orphaned within an Irish workhouse, then widowed at just nineteen, she voyaged to America where she was wooed and wed by Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia. That the Lord saw her along the winding journey and that Aven now carries Thor’s child are blessings beyond measure. Yet while Thor holds her heart, it is his younger brother and rival who haunts her memories. Haakon—whose selfish choices shattered her trust in him. Having fled the Norgaard orchard after trying to take Aven as his own, Haakon sails on the North Atlantic ice trade, where his soul is plagued with regrets that distance cannot heal. Not even the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s pursued can ease the torment. When the winds bear him home after four years away, Haakon finds the family on the brink of tragedy. A decades-old feud with the neighboring farm has wrenched them into the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Haakon’s cunning and strength hold the power to seal many fates, including Thor’s—which is already imperiled due to a grave illness brought to him at the first prick of warfare. Now Haakon faces the hardest choice of his life. One that shapes a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know the healing peace of surrender and the boundless gift of forgiveness. And when it comes to the woman he left behind in Norway, he just might discover that while his heart belongs to a daughter of the north, she’s been awaiting him on shores more distant than the land he’s fighting for. My Thoughts: Oh, this book! Actually this series! This has become one of my all time most beloved series! We met Haakon as a headstrong, overconfident young man in Sons of Blackbird Mountain who unfortunately made many mistakes causing devastation within the family. He returns in this book as a broken, humbled man who's gained some wisdom from his wandering. I have to say the scene when he returns home and first faces the family had me heartbroken. He was so shattered, vulnerable, and afraid. He became even more endeared to me! I appreciate Bischof's realistic portrayal of the family's reaction and struggle at Haakon's return, too. It wasn't a bed of roses as much healing and forgiveness had to take place. One of this series's strengths is the relationships. We are privy again to the tender love shared by Thor and Aven, the deep brotherly bond that can't be severed even after walking through deep pain and regret, and even the power of a budding love that transcends social expectations with Peter and Tess. I have loved reading every word of this novel, and I am so happy to have been introduced to this phenomenal group of characters! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Joanne Bischof is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com, Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof, Instagram: @JoanneBischof.  About the Book:
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady Cornish Coast, 1815 When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret? The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!) Dakota Territory, 1862 Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins. A House of Secrets St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890 Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam. My Thoughts: This collection of novellas has something for everyone! The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady was a fun story for me! Isaac and Helen seem so opposite, yet make the perfect match. Although they go from "hello" to "I love you" in sixty seconds flat, their chemistry is catching. A hero who is super protective of his lady always warms my heart, and Isaac definitely excels in this area! The Doctor's Woman was my least favorite of the three. There wasn't much action and the romance was flat in my opinion. It is expected with a novella for things to move quickly and so it is excusable when there isn't much time to delve into the development of a romance. However, this story was set over the course of several months, so I felt that more could have been offered by way of the developing story of the romance developing between the two main characters. Instead, I felt it was slow and uneventful. I would give this specific novella 2.5-3 stars. A House of Secrets was my favorite of the three. Joseph charmed me from the beginning. He's a little bit vulnerable, contains a whole lot of strength of character and integrity, and adds a little smoldering sauciness to his interactions with his beloved, Amanda. This novella has it all- danger, action, and a beautiful love story! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions. Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.  About the Book:
As a radio show host, Debra spends her mornings as Miss Lonely Heart on air, empathizing with all the broken hearts in the Denver metro area. She spends her evenings watching old musicals and trying not to think about the guy who broke up with her and subsequently fell in love with one of her best friends. Alone in a new city, Debra questions where she belongs and who she is now. When she stumbles into the indie music scene, Debra meets singer Ben Price. Rock star appeal, with a day job as a worship pastor, Ben is everything Debra wants to avoid. But he’s determined to be her friend, and it so happens she could really use one. Because try as she might, nothing seems to erase the anger and betrayal she feels. It’s time for a new dream. But how does she start over when she doesn’t even know what she wants anymore? My Thoughts: This story is about learning to breathe again after a crushing blow to the heart, learning to take one step at a time and re-learning how to trust that God's goodness- and His plans- are best. I empathized with Debra's pain, loneliness, and anger as she trudges through her not-asked-for "new" life. And then along came Ben! Ben made this story for me. His easygoing temperament and almost child-like playfulness makes him easy to like right from the start. I appreciated his genuineness and his giving nature with both Christian and non-Christian friends alike. It took some time, but his gentle yet persistent pursuit of Debra opens the door to a whole smattering of blessings and introduces her to a love beyond her wildest dreams. Readers of The Last Summer are sure to join me in cheering for Debra as she finally finds the happily ever after she deserves! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions. Brandy Bruce is the author of Looks Like Love and the Romano foodie series. She's worked in book publishing for more than ten years--editing, writing, reading, and making good use of online dictionaries. She's a graduate of Liberty University and currently works as a freelance book editor. She and her husband make their home in Colorado with their three children. When Brandy isn't editing manuscripts or writing novels, she loves spending time with her family, baking any kind of cheesecake, watching movies based on Jane Austen novels, or curling up with a favorite book. You can contact her through her blog at brandybruce.blogspot.com. Find her on Twitter at @BrandyBruce.  About the Book:
War Forces a Choice Between Love and Country A trip home from England to Maryland in 1812 finds Emeline Baratt a captive on a British warship and forced to declare her allegiance between the British and Americans. Remaining somewhat politically neutral on a ship where her nursing skills are desperately needed is fairly easy—until she starts to have feelings for the first lieutenant who becomes her protector. However, when the captain sends her and Lieutenant Owen Masters on land to spy, she must choose between her love for him and her love for her country. My Thoughts: Three words to describe this book- adventure, adventure, adventure! From the onset of the story readers are whisked away and captured with Emeline onboard an enemy British ship. Aspiring artist, brave captor, and devoted American, Emeline uses her wits to outsmart the enemy by posing as a British loyalist stalling until she can concoct an escape plan for herself and fellow Americans taken captive. This tactic, however, causes tension to build between her and her handsome self-appointed protector, Lieutenant Owen Masters, who despite himself and his rogue ways finds himself falling for her. Through bouts of aiding the "enemy", weathering a sea storm, and acting as spies Emeline and Owen find at the end of their perilous journey to love that they aren't so different after all. Exciting from Chapter 1 to the last page! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions. MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award finalist and bestselling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series, is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people’s eyes to their God-given potential. MaryLu is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. To learn more about her writing, visit https://www.marylutyndall.com/.  About the Book:
Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850's New York is her only option. Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life. Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he's in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help? My Thoughts: This is actually the first book I've read in this series and I can't say enough how eager I am to read the first two books! Based on real events, Hedlund brings to the forefront the plight of orphans and the orphan train phenomenon through Sophie's story. I admit that I had never heard of the orphan trains and was immediately entranced in learning more about their stories. Sophie reminded me so much of humanity in general- how we mess up and instead of giving our messes over to God, we feel that our messes are ours to clean up- which usually results in an even bigger mess when we resort to our own devices. Her story brought to light in a very real way Isaiah 55:8-9 and Romans 8:28 showing that God's ways are greater than our ways and He brings everything together in perfect harmony according to His will. This was also evident with Reinhold's decisions as he tried to decide what was best for Sophie creating a rift between them and almost losing the love of his life. In addition, Reinhold was a beautiful example of how God can fashion and shape us into something beautiful and worthy despite our faults, past failures and family history. One last observation- there is only one word for the attraction between Sophie and Reinhold- sizzling! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions. Winner of 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate. For more information, visit her webpage at http://jodyhedlund.com/.  About the Book:
In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness to farm untouched land, Kate is eager to live out her own story of adventure like he did during the War for Independence and to see untamed lands. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas’s job is to get settlers safely across the Kentucky Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naïve Kate’s inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict. Is there more to Thomas’s story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster? My Thoughts: Enjoyed reading this story and seeing Kate and Thomas's love for each other grow slow and steady as they traversed the dangerous wilderness road. While I could chuckle at Thomas's exasperation at Kate's constant attempts to get to know him, when he finally opened his heart to her- wow, what a romantic he was! I was also intrigued by the insights into the Shawnee lifestyle. I've lived in the Carolinas and Tennessee where this story takes place and have always been interested in the Native Americans that graced those lands in frontier times. Captivating story filled with danger, unique characters, and a sweet romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions. Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. A Midwestern farm girl who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, for more than two decades before being transplanted to North Dakota, she's a military wife, mother of 8, and a member of ACFW and RWA. When not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. To learn more about her books, visit http://www.shannonmcnear.com/.  About the Book:
London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn. William is a gentleman’s son, a charming but penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his scheming cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit. William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man breaks both their hearts. When the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost. My Thoughts: What started as an innocent venture soon turns into a twisted, complicated mess of hearts and half-truths. Mina agrees to be Williams "wife" secretly dreaming that her handsome prince will be convinced that she truly is the girl for him. What she discovers in the process is that her prince- while handsome- is most certainly not perfect. William on the other hand is relieved that sweet Mina has agreed to his scheme and will be happy when life returns to normal after he is named heir. Much to his surprise however, his quiet observations of her begin to open his heart to a much different path as they each play their parts. When they both drop the act they find the truth produces much happier results- for both their futures and their hearts. Sweet Christmas time romance! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions. Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.  About the Book:
Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn't turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn't know where—or if he's ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they'll forgive her. Especially now that she might be carrying a baby from her brief marriage. My Thoughts: This book could have appropriately been titled "The Making of Mrs. Hale and Major Hale." Readers become privy to the behind the scenes details of Julia and Thomas's hasty elopement and first few months of marriage and quickly learn that circumstances are not as they seem. Both Julia and Thomas experience enormous trials that test their love and commitment to one another causing deep reflection on both their parts as to what grace and true forgiveness means. Beautiful ending! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. She is married, with four gorgeous children, who all love to read (and write!) as she does (except not in the Regency genre - funny, that!). She write stories that are fun and witty, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges we all face at different times. To learn more, visit https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/.  About the Book:
When Caroline Whitney receives word that the brother she thought was dead is in fact a prisoner of war, she is frantic to rescue him. On the way to find help, she hides from the Redcoats, but is quickly discovered by a rugged British soldier who claims she must go with him, or be tried for espionage. The world would tell her this man is the enemy, but the veiled secrets in her captor’s eyes reveal he is more than he seems. If she fails to trust, more could be endangered than her life—her heart is bound to be broken a second time. As a double agent in the service of Washington, British Captain James Higley must keep his true convictions a secret or face being killed as a traitor. On his newest mission, he discovers a courageous woman hiding in a barn, and is forced to capture her, or both their lives will be in jeopardy. When she offers her compliance in exchange for help in finding her brother, he accepts, despite his inner warnings. He must keep his distance from this alluring Patriot, or risk revealing not only his identity, but the true feelings of his heart. My Thoughts: Finally! We hear Higley's story! Higley has proven himself a true hero in other books from this series, but in So Bright a Hope he risks his life more than once to protect the woman he's admittedly grown to love. From their first meeting the fire between these two is evident! The romantic tension between them alongside the ever-present danger as they run to evade capture creates scene after scene of intense action mixed with tender moments. Enjoyed revisiting favorite characters from other stories, as well as, meeting new friends of The Great Cause (I would love to know Edmond's story!). I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary containing my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history--the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website, www.amberlynnperry.com or through her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/amberperrywrites.  About the Book:
Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward. EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness--with murderous intent. Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme--and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving. My Thoughts: Epic. Pulse-pounding. Over-the-edge exciting. None of these descriptions give Wait for Me justice! I have waited all year for this book to be released, and I wasn't disappointed as Pete and Jess finally have their story told. Pete has by far been my favorite character throughout the series. He is courageous and daring ready to face danger without a second thought. But when Jess doesn't come back for him as he thought she would, he is completely broken and lost without her. Oh how my heart hurt for him! Pete does everything full throttle- from rescuing people in danger, to facing his own demons, to giving his heart fully to the woman he loves. Something that surprised me in this book was how incredibly romantic Pete was! And yet Jess was still confused and struggled with which man to choose! I have to say that I had some sympathy for Jess as she felt trapped by the expectations of her family and her former life, but at times I also felt she just needed to grow up and make adult decisions for herself instead of letting everyone else dictate how her life "should be." As in all of the previous Montana Rescue novels, Warren thrilled the reader with edge-of-your-seat excitement, suspense, and many unexpected twists and turns! Ned and Shae's budding romance was a nice bonus! I hope that we will see more of them in future novels. While I hate to see this series end, I can't think of a better way for it to conclude than with the amazing story found between the pages of Wait for Me! What a fantastic and satisfying ending to the Montana Rescue series! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than 1 million books sold, including Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me, and A Matter of Trust. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She can be found online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at Susan May Warren Fiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.  About the Book:
2th century England: Two men vie for the throne: King Stephen the usurper and young Duke Henry the rightful heir. Amid civil and private wars, alliances are forged, loyalties are betrayed, families are divided, and marriages are made. For four years, Lady Annyn Bretanne has trained at arms with one end in mind—to avenge her brother’s murder as God has not deemed it worthy to do. Disguised as a squire, she sets off to exact revenge on a man known only by his surname, Wulfrith. But when she holds his fate in her hands, her will wavers and her heart whispers that her enemy may not be an enemy after all. Baron Wulfrith, renowned trainer of knights, allows no women within his walls for the distraction they breed. What he never expects is that the impetuous young man sent to train under him is a woman who seeks his death—nor that her unveiling will test his faith and distract the warrior from his purpose. My Thoughts: Knights, heroes, love, war- The Unveiling has it all! The element that hooked me into this story right away was the characters. Annyn tops my list of favorite heroines. She is intelligent, has street sense, is brave and bold- all traits that I admire. However, she is also vulnerable and self-conscience in a way that softens her and connects her with readers. Then there's Wulfrith- brave warrior, headstrong, confident and unwilling to see the value of women as anything other than a distraction- until Annyn enters his life. Despite his valiant attempts at resisting her, Annyn finally breaks through the layers of protection he has placed around his heart. The result is a soul-deep love connection (which I think the cover portrays beautifully)! Truly, I couldn't see any woman except Annyn being the perfect fit for Wulfrith. One thing I have to mention that bothered me, though, was a few instances when Wulfrith mentions his occasional need (and desire) to "ease his loins" with a woman. While there were no untoward scenes in the book between Wulfrith and Annyn, I was disappointed with this character flaw. I will also note that Wulfrith was adamant about protecting Annyn's virtue because she was a noble woman. But his casual view of sex outside of marriage with a prostitute as a reason to fulfill his "needs" bothered me considerably since he was regarded as a man of faith. Other than this disappointment, I loved the story and can't wait to read the rest of the series! This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I have received no compensation from the publisher or author. When not in the middle of being a wife and mother, Tamara dips her writer’s pen in ink and nose in a good book. She lives near Nashville with her husband, a Doberman who bares his teeth not only to threaten the UPS man but to smile, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints. Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter, and email tamaraleightenn@gmail.com.  About the Book:
The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan—even their very lives—in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone. Eighty years later, Callie Randall is mostly content with her quiet life, running a bookstore with her sister and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story . . . and maybe to the long-buried story of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she’s built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even new love. My Thoughts: Wow, this book! I cried buckets at the ending to this story! So many unexpected turns filled with both sorrow and joy! This multi-layered story of lost love and found treasure unites families over generations and reveals some of the harsh tragedies that occurred to those who experienced World War II. This beautiful novel brings honor to those who sacrificed their lives or who were abused by the Nazis and shines a light on how devastating and personal war is. Callie's plot line served as the vehicle that tied past events from Annika, Max, and Luzia's story together pushing the reader on to dig deeper into the mystery of what happened after the war to both the people and the treasure. One of the most compelling scenes to me was the decisions Annika and Hermann made one fateful night in Max's family's castle that affected them all. Annika's choice was one of utmost selflessness, while Hermann made the ultimate selfish decision when you realize what Annika, Max, and Luzia truly lost because of his decision. Bottom line, this novel is a must read that will leave you pondering the events and asking yourself what you would have done in the same situation these characters faced. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of sixteen historical romance, suspense, and time-slip novels including Catching the Wind, Beneath a Golden Veil, and The Silent Order. Chateau of Secrets received a Carol Award for historical fiction, Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana, and The Black Cloister was ForeWord's Book of the Year for Religious Fiction. Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobson family has finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, dancing, and reading stories with her girls. More information about Melanie and her books is available at www.melaniedobson.com or www.facebook.com/MelanieDobsonFiction/.  About the Book:
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan. Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past. As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love? My Thoughts: Cossette consistently delivers intriguing characters and entertaining plots including this sophomore book in the Cities of Refuge Series. We were first introduced to Eitan as a little boy in the first book, A Light on the Hill. It was great to see what has happened with Eitan, Moriyah, and Darek. Sofea was especially interesting to me as her culture was so completely different from the Hebrews'. Moriyah's gentle ways of demonstrating her faith and Eitan's commitment to his Nazirite vows were such beautiful examples of how consistently living out our faith can change the hearts of those around us. The rivalry between Eitan and Nadir offered many tense moments foreshadowing a deeper conflict to come. Although Sofea's conversion and her and Eitan's blooming romance was the central plot, my favorite part of the story was actually the healing that occurred in Eitan and Darek's relationship as Darek demonstrated unconditional love and the true heart of a father willing to do anything to protect his child. While this story did not captivate me the way A Light on the Hill did, it was still a great read! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. Connilyn Cossette is the CBA bestselling author of the Out from Egypt series. Her debut novel, Counted with the Stars, was a finalist for the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the Christian Retailing's Best Award. She lives in North Carolina with her husband of over twenty years and a son and a daughter who fill her days with joy, inspiration, and laughter. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.  About the Book:
Seven years ago, Moriyah was taken captive in Jericho and branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods. Now the Israelites are experiencing peace in their new land, but Moriyah has yet to find her own peace. Because of the shameful mark on her face, she hides behind her veil at all times and the disdain of the townspeople keeps her from socializing. And marriage prospects were out of the question . . . until now. Her father has found someone to marry her, and she hopes to use her love of cooking to impress the man and his motherless sons. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee. Seeking safety at one of the newly-established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face, and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way. My Thoughts: Cossette has very quickly become one of my favorite authors of Biblical fiction! Can I just first say that this cover is absolutely gorgeous! Moriyah's story captivated me from the beginning, and I ached for her plight. She has the purest, most beautiful heart but lives in utter isolation with the exception of family because of her terrifying capture as told in Wings of the Wind. Her loneliness and desperation escalate when she thinks she has unintentionally met the man her father intends for her to marry, sparks fly between them, and then her dreams are dashed. After a reckless mistake causes her to flee her family, Cossette keeps the reader turning pages as danger chases her and her escorts throughout their journey many times just barely escaping with their lives. Of course, my favorite part was the romance between Moriyah and Darek. From the first time they met, the attraction between these two is strong. Romantic tension is prevalent throughout their interactions on their way to the city of refuge, especially as Darek struggles to reconcile his growing feelings for Moriyah with his sense of justice. The tenderness, mercy, and sacrifice laced throughout coupled with memorable characters has made A Light on the Hill a novel I will surely read again and again! This review contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. I have not been compensated in any way by the author or publisher. Connilyn Cossette is the Christy Award Nominated and CBA-Bestselling author of the Out from Egypt Series from Bethany House Publishers. There's not much she enjoys more than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com.  About the Book:
Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving. Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can't ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her. Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage--for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she's found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah's fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she's come to love? My Thoughts: There are a few things I love about this story. First, I'm a sucker for a good "arranged marriage" romance. Tobiah's immediate draw to Alanah on the battlefield develops into deep roots of love and commitment to her and their marriage even though her devotion to the relationship isn't quite as stout at first. Second, I like that Alanah is a strong heroine. Her bravery, quick wit, and fierce protection of Moriyah gained my indelible respect. Lastly, I was fascinated at how Cossette seamlessly wove the mysteries of God into the daily lives of the Hebrew people. It really drew me into the context and setting of the story breathing life into the Old Testament stories I've known since childhood! This review contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. I have not been compensated in any way by the author or publisher. Connilyn Cossette is the Christy Award Nominated and CBA-Bestselling author of the Out from Egypt Series from Bethany House Publishers. There's not much she enjoys more than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Connect with her at ConnilynCossette.com.  About the Book:
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. She, along with everyone else, is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife. Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide’s childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim’s past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend—the woman he’s quietly loved for years—kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can’t press Adelaide too hard . . . he’s keeping secrets of his own. Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose? My Thoughts: Caroll offers readers a double-dose of excitement- a suspense-filled murder mystery and an intriguing love triangle. The murder mystery was thick with questions about who the killer was, and I have to say I was caught completely off guard when the person responsible confessed! As far as the romance element, Adelaide finds herself as one lucky girl- she has not one but two handsome, charming heroes vying for her heart! I will be interested to see in future novels in this series which one she will choose! Honestly, I'm not sure which one I'm rooting for because I like them both! Decisions, decisions! Lastly, I was delighted to learn more about New Orleans! Although I have never visited the city (shame on me!), the authentic details the author infused throughout the story made me feel that I was right smack dab in the middle of The Big Easy! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. The best-selling author of dozens of novels, Robin Caroll writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense with a hint of romance. Her books have been widely recognized, including honors from the Carol Awards, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards. To find out more about Robin, visit www.robincaroll.com. |
Hello, and welcome to my book blog! My name is Crystal Smith. Some say I have a reading addiction... read more
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