Review: An Untamed Heart by Lauriane Snelling

 

I loved this prequel!
Young Ingeborg thinks she is doomed to be an old maid. After losing her love to a tragedy, she accepts life caring for her family in Norway. Her mother, however, sees a future for her in America. While Ingeborg is interested in life in America, she has not money for the voyage. Roald Bjorklund is a young widower who is heading for America, and is willing to marry Ingeborg and take her to America as is wife and new mother to his son. 

Ingeborg must decide if she is content to stay in Norway with few options, or start a new life in a new land with a man she barely knows.

Readers who have read the other books will enjoy this look at young Ingeborg, the events that shaped her life, and even some of the family members that we meet in later books. The traits the make her uniquely her are developed in this book, and she is as easy to relate to as ever. Like most of Snelling's books, this is rich in historical detail and descriptions of daily life in another time. 

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The story moves along at a very nice pace, and isn't too predictable - which seems to often be an issue in prequels.

If you have read any of the other novels, don't worry - start with this one and you will fall in love with Ingeborg too :-)

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

The Heart's Choice

 

Rebecca Whitman witnesses a crime and a grave injustice as a young child. She grows up and becomes a court stenographer with a passion for justice. She leaves home to become the first female court stenographer in Kalispell, Montana, and she's determined that she will not fall in love with the first man that she meets.

The first man that she meets is Mark Andrews. He grew up on a ranch, and though his father is determined that he will take over the ranch along with his sister, Mark has no interest in ranching. His passion is books, and he has his dream job opening the first library in Kalispell.

The Ashburys have helped and guided Mark since he was young, and Mr Ashbury is the district judge. His wife, the interesting wife, Marvella Ashbury. She is determine that Rebecca will meet both God and Mark Andrews. The Ashburys offer apartments in the same building to both Mark and Rebecca.

As the story unfolds we see Rebecca caught in another case of serious injustice, we see her wrestle with faith as she works her way through the Bible, and watch her relationship with Mark blossom. Meanwhile, Mark's father grows mysteriously weak and ill at the ranch, where family tensions are high. His sister has a mysterious new husband who seems quite willing to take over the ranch. Mark doesn't want to break his relationship with his father, but neither does he want to be a rancher. All these things come together as the court case unfolds.

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I genuinely enjoyed this story. The characters are rich and unique, from the delightful Marvella Ashbury to the loathsome Mr Tuttle. The mystery unfolds at just the right pace, and it kept me up reading at night. I always enjoy Christian fiction that has a gospel message in it, which this does. I will definitely be looking for more books by these authors. 

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis

Book Description:

Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.

Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?

My Review:

Sweet Tessie Ann! I just loved her. Such a gentle soul, who despite her one rash decision genuinely wanted to obey her parents and the church.

This is one of my favorite books by Beverly Lewis. I enjoyed the familiar setting of Hickory Hollow, and the look back into the lives of the minor recurring characters. There is a lot of depth to this book. Between the struggles of Tessie and her sister Mandy and a father who, in trying to prevent heartbreak, breaks the heart of his daughters there is much to be learned and appreciated.

As long time readers of Lewis have likely come to expect, there is beautiful look inside both Amish life and Amish faith. With a strong view of the sovereignty of God, I found this book to encourage me in my faith, too.

The story unfolds at just the right pace, and I loved seeing the soft romances unfold.

I would strongly recommend this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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The Last Bride by Bethany House Publishers

Review: Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig

Book Description:

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

*Source

My Review:

This is the third book in the Edge of Freedom series, and I think it is my favorite.

One can't help but love the sweet and humble Tillie McGrath, and seeing her thrust into danger from a foe she does not know makes this book a read-in-a-weekend story. And the tough yet surprising sensitive Morgan makes the perfect hero.

The story moves along at the perfect pace, with the mystery unfolding at just the right times to keep you reading way past bedtime.

Those who have read the previous books will love the look back into the lives of Cara, Amelia, Tillia, Rourke, Eoghan and the rest.

If you haven't read the previous books, I would recommend reading from the beginning of the series. There is a lot of background information that is needed for you to really understand the characters as well as the plot.  

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Tide and Tempest by Bethany House Publishers

Review: Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate

Book Description:

Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father's unfinished destiny. When she's offered a production assistant's job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father's footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream. 

But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region's folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.

 

When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood--including Blake Fulton, Allie's handsome neighbor on the film set--seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn't know whom she can trust. If she can't find the answers in time, history may repeat itself...with the most unthinkable results.

*Source

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this Moses Lake novel by Lisa Wingate. I have read the other three, and would recommend them as well, but this one is my favorite.

This book contains two distinct storylines, one set in the 1860's and one is current day. The author weaves these two storylines together in a most incredible way, making the past "touch" today.

I loved both Allie Kirkland (present day) and Bonnie Rose (from the past). Both were very unique characters in their own way, and the unfolding story of Bonnie Rose touched my heart. 

I believe the author must have done quite extensive research for this book. This historical detail was amazing, and it made the story very believable.

What really made this book stand out for me was the subtle suspense that builds throughout the book as the mystery of Bonnie Rose unfolds. 

I believe this book will appeal to many types of readers. It contain historical fiction, action/suspense, mystery, as well as contemporary fiction.

For those who have read previous Moses Lake novels, you will enjoy appearance from old favorites such as Mart McClendon, Pop Dorsey, and the Frontier Woman. If you haven't read them, this book will read quite well as a stand alone.

This is an all-around great story to read.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.

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Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate free Excerpt by lwingate1

Review: The Dancing Master

Book Description:

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

*Source

My Review:

I enjoyed this Regency-era book by Julie Klassen. She is one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint.

The book begins very slowly, but it is worth reading through. Getting to know the characters and the subtle details early bring the book to life later on. 

I loved the vivid description of the English country dances and the look inside the Manor House life. 

As always, Klassen's character were unique and interesting. 

What I most enjoyed about this book was the beautiful way that Klassen wove together multiple plot lines with characters that each have their own mysteries, which slowly unfold throughout the story.

The strong themes of grace and forgiveness make this book both delightfully entertaining and encouraging.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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The Dancing Master by Bethany House Publishers

Review: An Untamed Heart

Book Description:

Twenty-year-old Ingeborg Strand is certain she is destined to be an old maid. She's had several suitors but none she deemed worthy of spending her life with. That is, until she meets a university student from Oslo, and feelings stronger than friendship begin to develop between them. But tragedy strikes, and the future begins to look bleaker than ever.

Grief settles heavily over Ingeborg, and her mother suggests that she leave Norway and start afresh in America, as so many others have done before her. But how will she accomplish that with little money and no one to accompany her?

It isn't long before she meets Roald Bjorklund, a widower who has been planning to go to America for some time, lured by the promise of free land. He's a good man, a hard-working man--and he has a young son who desperately needs a mother. He's clearly interested in Ingeborg, but is he the answer to her prayers? And what about love? This isn't how she's always imagined it.

Ingeborg Strand has a heartrending decision to make...

Source

My Review:

I loved this prequel! Ingeborg is one of my very favorite fictional characters, and I loved getting a glimpse at the young woman that becomes the woman we all know and love from the Red River of the North series, and subsequent series. The traits the make her uniquely her are developed in this book, and she is as easy to relate to as ever.

The story moves along at a very nice pace, and isn't too predictable - which seems to often be an issue in prequels.

If you have read any of the other novels, don't worry - start with this one and you will fall in love with Ingeborg too :-)

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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An Untamed Heart by Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Secret Keeper

Book Description:

With her love for all things old-fashioned, Jennifer Burns has often been told she's an "old soul," but no one is prepared for the young woman's decision to set aside her modern life in favor of the Old Order Amish world. Yet Jenny does exactly that, adopting Plain dress and settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp while she works as a mother's helper for the bishop's wife--a far cry from her former job as an x-ray technician.

The people of Hickory Hollow are curious about the beautiful young seeker among them, one handsome Amishman in particular. But he is not the only man vying for Jenny's affections, and Jenny faces many challenges in the Proving time the brethren have set for her...challenges of the heart, as well as the spirit.

Will Jenny's secrets keep her from the peace she longs for? Or will they lead the way home?

My Review:

I've really enjoyed Beverly Lewis' Amish fiction for a long time. I've read all of them, and have appreciated her recent Home to Hickory Hollow series, which this book is a part. This one is one of my favorites, if not number 1.

I loved the characters in this book, both the new ones and the familiar faces. I loved the story, with it's unique twist. It's not often that one reads of one seeking to join the Amish. In tackling this more challenging story line, Lewis really brings to life the themes of submission, humility, and obedience in Amish theology and day-to-day life. 

I also enjoyed reading more about Samuel and Rebecca Lapp, who will be familiar to long time Lewis readers. There was a great depth of character in Rebecca, and reading their continuing story with them as primary characters was a real treat. 

If you read The Shunning and the subsequent books in that series, you must read this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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The Secret Keeper by Bethany House Publishers

Review: Blood and Bone

Book Description:

A decade after Serpent of Moses, Jack is married to Espy and back teaching at Evanston University. They have two sons, one of whom has cystic fibrosis. Despite this challenge, life is comfortable. But that all changes when the CIA, while combing through the papers of the late Gordon Reese, uncovers the secret of Elisha's bones. Jack's world is then turned upside down by an urgent call from his old friend Duckey, who's been alerted to the CIA's probing by one of his former contacts. Jack and his family escape from their home just ahead of the CIA, and he decides to do what he should have done long ago: recover the bones and destroy them. Except the bones aren't where he left them.

So now Jack is in a race, for the last time, to find the bones. And he's not the only one. Pitted against both the CIA and an organization that will kill to protect their secrets, Jack and Espy follow hard-to-decipher clues across the globe before arriving in the catacombs of Paris for a final showdown that will either save their family--or tear apart everything they hold dear forever.

My Review:

This book was an absolute wild ride from the very first page. Fast paced and action packed, this book was very hard to put down. The plot is full of twists and turns and it draws the reader along right until the very end.

Great characters and great attention to detail also make this book very special.

If you haven't read Serpent of Moses, don't worry - this will read fine as a stand alone. I have read Serpent of Moses, but it was quite awhile ago and I really didn't remember it too well. The author does a great job of filling in the back story, making it easy to read on it's own.

I would highly recommend this book.
I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Blood and Bone by Bethany House Publishers

Review: Dark Road Home

Book Description:

Ana Kavanagh's only memories of home are of fire and pain. As a girl she was the only survivor of a terrible blaze, and years later she still struggles with her anger at God for letting it happen. 

At a nearby parish she meets and finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who is struggling with his own anger--his sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with one of his enemies. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan longs to rejoin the Fenians, a shadowy organization pushing for change back in Ireland. But gaining their trust requires doing some favors--all of which seem to lead back to Ana. Who is she and who is searching for her? As dark secrets from Ana's past begin to come to light, Eoghan must choose which road to follow--and where to finally place his trust.

My Review:

This book was a great adventure right from the first page. It was fast-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. I love every moment of it.

If you read No Safe Harbor you  must read this book. I would add, though, that this book would not read well as a stand-alone. I would highly recommend reading No Safe Harbor first. I think it would be very difficult to keep track of the characters and understand the complexities of their relationships without the first book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Dark Road Home by Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Miners Lady

     Book Description

When Chantel Panetta's younger sister claims to be in love with Orlando Calarco, Chantel knows there is no hope. The Panettas and Calarcos have been sworn enemies for decades, and young love cannot heal the deep wounds between the two iron-mining families. Yet, unable to resist Isabella's pleas, Chantel agrees to help her sister spend time with Orlando...only to have a run-in with Dante, Orlando's brother. The older, more handsome one.

Chantel can't deny the attraction that flares when she's with Dante. But when a tragedy occurs at the mine, is there any hope that the hatred that has simmered between these two families might be resolved? Or will Chantel's hope for love be buried amidst decades of misunderstanding?

My Review:

This book was an adventure from the first page. I loved the delightfully quirky characters, the "just right" pace of the story, and tale of long-time feuding families.

I also enjoyed the look into the risk-filled lives of mining families. The author did a great job of addressing many of the issues that faced people in that day, and putting the reader in the midst of it.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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The Miner's Lady by Bethany House Publishers

Review: Stealing the Preacher

Book Description:

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

 My Review: 

If you love "Short-Straw Bride" you must read this book! It was so nice to get a peak back in to the lives of the Archer family. 

The characters in this book were absolutely delightful, and I really enjoyed the light humor in the story. I also enjoyed the thread of faith that pulls the whole book together. 

If you haven't read the first book, don't worry this one will read just fine as a stand-alone. 

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Stealing the Preacher by Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

Book Description:

When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.

As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?

My Review:

I very much enjoyed this book. It was all that I have come to expect from Beverly Lewis and more.

I loved the way the seeming tragedy of a missing child (Sarah) brings together these two women, both struggling with grief, each in their own way. Though their lives are so very different, these unusual circumstances bring them together in a very unique friendship.

As always, the reader gets a nice taste of Amish life and theology, as well as visits with old Hickory Hollow friends like the Wise Woman.

Though part of a series, this book could very easily be read as a stand-alone too.

* I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

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The Guardian by Bethany House Publishers

Review: Unrivaled

Book Description:

Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager--a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy’s skin.

Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

My Review:

Siri Mitchell is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I really expected to enjoy this book. While it was a decent story, it wasn't all that I have come to expect from Mitchell. This book lacked the rich detail and vivid descriptions that I've so enjoyed in her other books. Even with elegant balls in historic St Louis, there just wasn't enough detail to bring it to life. 

I also found it a bit difficult to relate to Lucy Kendall. For most of the book I actually found her to be beyond naive and annoying, and overall her character was just not very believable. She did not have the depth of character that I would have expected.

This is a book that had a lot of potential, but it just didn't really come together. That, being said I still won't hesitate to pick up Mitchell's next book.

*I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

 

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Unrivaled by Bethany House Publishers

Book Review: Firefly Island

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2013

Lisa Wingate Is a Top Name in Inspirational Contemporary Romance

At thirty-four, congressional staffer Mallory Hale is about to embark on an adventure completely off the map. After a whirlwind romance, she is hopelessly in love with two men--fortunately, they're related. Daniel Everson and his little boy, Nick, are a package deal, and Mallory suddenly can't imagine her future without them.

Mallory couldn't be more shocked when Daniel asks her to marry him, move to Texas, and form a family with him and motherless Nick. The idea is both thrilling and terrifying.

Mallory takes a leap of faith and begins a sweet, mishap-filled journey into ranch living, Moses Lake society, and a marriage that at times reminds her of the mail-order-bride stories. But despite the wild adventure of her new life, she discovers secrets and questions beneath her rosy new life. Can she find answers on Firefly Island, a little chunk of property just off the lakeshore, where mysterious lights glisten at night?

My Review:

I loved this trip back to Moses Lake. From the light romance, to the funny yet true-to-life hiccups of the newlywed days this book was the perfect blend of humor and mystery.

I really enjoyed following the story of Mallory, as she goes through this season of life where she is stretched and molded while discovering who she truly is.

I also enjoyed the glimpse back into the lives of the other Moses Lake residents that long time readers of Wingate will know - like Len and Birdie, Doc, and the others.

Overall, this was everything I have come to expect from Wingate.

* I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Firefly Island by Bethany House Publishers

Review: The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

 

 

Description

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?   The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her....   When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?
  Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits. 

My Review:

I very much enjoyed this book. As always, Klassen has done an outstanding job bringing the story alive through vivid description, historically accurate detail, and interesting characters. With a thread of mystery winding through the plot, the reader is drawn through book. Unexpected twists in the plot keep it interesting - I could hardly put it down.

What I most liked was the look inside the 19th century English Manor House. From the tensions between the servants and the tutor, and the in between nature of his position (not family, but higher than a servant) to the look at the life of the maids, I found the detail quite interesting. 

I also enjoyed the glimpse of Cornwall history found in this book.

The only thing I didn't like was the  "Jane Eyre" part of the plot. I won't give any spoilers here, but it just seemed to me that one of the major plot lines was quite similar to Bronte's work.

Overall, I found it do be a good piece of historical fiction.

*I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for a honest opinion.

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The Tutors Daughter by Bethany House Publishers

Review: No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

Book Description:

Publication Date: October 1, 2012 | Series: Edge of Freedom (Book 1)
The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.
*Source

My Review: 

This book is packed with suspense, many twists in the plot, intriguing characters, and historical situations. The story was very believable, and I found myself genuinely caring what happened to Cara. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the way the author slowly revealed details of their past throughout the whole book.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the way that the author feeds the reader just a little more information than what the characters have without giving anything away. Doing so made the book that much more of an adventure to read.
I would recommend this book to those who love historical fiction.
*I must mention I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

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No Safe Harbor

Review: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

Book Description:

Publication Date: November 1, 2012
Rollicking Debut from an Exciting New Author

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.


*Source

My Review:

The book is a wild ride right from the first page. It is very fast-paced with unexpected twists in turns in the plot that kept me reading late into the night. There was much to love about this book:

~The characters are witty and full of personality - a combination that made them easy to love. Quirky kids and English aristocracy, quite a combination.

~The author did a nice job of weaving important social issues of the day into the storyline.

~The shifts in the point-of-view were very easy to follow.

My only complaint about the book was that it, at times, didn't flow very well. It seemed a bit choppy with several very abrupt changes. It seemed that slowing down just a bit and filling in some details might have made it just a bit better.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

*I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

A Change Of Fortune

Review: The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

Book Description

Release Date: September 11, 2012 | Series: Home to Hickory Hollow (Book 2)

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

My Review

After my disappointment in The Fiddler, I'm happy to say this book is all we've come to know and love from Beverly Lewis.
The characters were very real, believable, and endearing. There are also appearances from old-time Hickory Hollow favorites, like the Wise Woman, that make this a bit more interesting.
The plot was paced just right and had enough interesting twists to keep the reader interested until the very end.
What I most appreciated about this book was that it was NOT about teens in their "running-around" time. That plot has been done so many times, that it was really refreshing to have one that was completely different.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who love Amish fiction.
*I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

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The Bridesmaid

Review: Whispers in the Wind by Lauraine Snelling

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2012

 

Book Two in Lauraine Snelling's Exciting Wild West Wind Series
After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But Lucas Engstrom decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?

My Review 

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Valley of Dreams. The continuity of plot from the first book was excellent and I enjoyed seeing "what happened next."
The book contained all the rich historical detail that longtime readers will have come to expect from Snelling. The glimpse into the day-to-day lives of people in that region during that time was detail and interesting. The tensions that would naturally arise in such a situation were very believable.
The strong message of faith was refreshing, as was the gentle way that Mavis interacts with Cassie when it comes to things of the Lord.
It was a bit slow, but I would still highly recommend this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Whispers in the Wind