by admin | May 16, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed books by Mary Connealy. Her quirky sense of humor always brightens my day. In “The Accidental Guardian”, the first book in the author’s latest series, the humor is still there but has taken a more subtle tone in my opinion. I sense a change of direction in her writing that includes characters with even more depth than before.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Trace and learning how his experiences and loss as a young teen shaped him into the man he had become – a man full of compassion and a determination to protect others from the heartache he had suffered. I also liked Deborah who was the perfect match for Trace. It was fun watching their relationship develop as Trace learned how to cope with both women and children for the first time.
Steady plot with enough action, danger, humor, and romance to hold my attention. As always the author has managed to blend in a message of faith and encouragement for her readers. I highly recommend “The Accidental Guardian” and look forward to “The Reluctant Warrior” to learn what happens next in the lives of these characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: The Accidental Guardian
Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 1
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance / Western
+To Read: Goodreads
She’s the Only Witness to a Wagon Train Attack. Keeping Her Safe, Though, Means His World Is about to be Turned Upside Down.
When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he’s finally carved out a home and started a herd–while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He’d hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing.
Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter–but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.
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The next book in the series, THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
- The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
- The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)
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by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Michelle Griep quickly became one of my favorite authors after I read “Brentwood’s Ward”. Since that time, I have read several others and my admiration of her writing continues to grow. I am somewhat tardy in posting my review of “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” but it is not because of any deficiency in the book. My own life produced a few complications that for one reason or another prevented me from sitting down at my keyboard and recording my thoughts.
As much as I loved “Brentwood’s Ward” I may love “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” even more. This novel contains such an eclectic variety of characters that added to my reading enjoyment. I am not sure a single one of them could possibly be omitted without damaging the story. Somehow the author manages to write a story that is suspenseful yet also contains both humorous and romantic scenes, all of which are tied together with an inspirational thread of faith. Of course a strong hero and heroine are essential to a good story and both Alexander Moore and Johanna more than meet those requirements. The story is also filled with many wonderful quotes that I wish I had taken the time to write down.
There is little else I can say without giving away a spoiler or two. I do highly recommend this book and any other novel by Michelle Griep. They all hold space on my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown
Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.
All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s 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
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The second book in Jennifer Delamere’s London Beginnings series, “The Heart’s Appeal” features sister Julia Bernay, a nurse determined to go to medical school and become a doctor. On scene at an accident, Julia saves the life of a young barrister and later seeks his help with Latin so she can pass entrance exams. Theirs is an unusual relationship for many reasons including what could be a huge conflict of interest that could destroy Michael’s career. Both Julia and Michael are focused on achieving their dreams but will love get in their way?
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Heart’s Appeal”. For several chapters I was convinced I preferred the first book of the series “The Captain’s Daughter” but after reading the entire book, I decided it was equally as good. I certainly look forward to the third installment and hope it will be released soon.
The characters were well rounded and included several strong supporting ones. I enjoyed reading about the obstacles faced by Julia and Daniel and the ways they managed to overcome them. It was also inspiring to see a change of heart in some of the characters and in one case, reconciliation.
“The Heart’s Appeal” is an excellent read and I recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
London, 1881
He Never Expected to See Her Again. Then She Appeared with a Most Unexpected Request. . . .
Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What a fun novel! Everything about Nolan Price’s life changes when he learns that he is not the stable hand he had always thought but the son of his employer – especially his plans to marry sweet Hannah Burnham, a kitchen maid on the estate. Now Nolan is suddenly forbidden to have anything to do with her because she is deemed to be beneath his station. And that is where the fun begins.
The author has created a romantic tale filled with surprises and unexpected twists as well as several wonderful characters in addition to the hero and heroine. One character especially seemed to step onto center stage several times and I was delighted by her bold and often humorous approach to life. I was never quite certain how everything would turn out for Nolan and Hannah. Even when it looked like things might go their way, they tended to get in the way themselves.
“A Most Noble Heir” is a wonderful tale filled with faith, humor, love, and reconciliation. You won’t want to miss this one!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will Gaining the World Cost Him Everything He Holds Most Dear?
When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl’s heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.
Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope–believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father’s demanding expectations.
Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away. With Nolan’s new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. Also a member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.com.
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Refuge Assured” is a fine example of why I love historical fiction. I have always been interested in all aspects of history but dry facts in a textbook never answered my many questions. Authors such as Jocelyn Green bring that history to life in the pages of their novels and help me to experience history through the lives of those who may have been there. Most of my favorite authors obviously research their subject matter well before writing their novels and I appreciate that I can usually trust their stories to be at least based on the truth. I am also frequently inspired to do further research because my interest has been stimulated.
From the streets of the French Revolution to the French Quarter of Philadelphia, Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard has seen things young women should not be forced to witness. After barely escaping with her life from France, she hopes for refuge in America but soon finds herself in danger because of a young boy placed in her care. Liam Delaney finds himself a reluctant part of her life yet the two are also strongly drawn to each other. Can they work together to overcome the obstacles facing them?
“A Refuge Assured” is beautifully written with a well-developed plot and strong characters. There is ample action to hold the attention of most readers as well as plenty of interesting historical facts. I enjoyed reading about the Whiskey Rebellion, particularly the way the newly established government resorted to taxing their own citizens in the same manner that brought them to fight for their freedom from England. I don’t remember that from my history lessons but it is so typical that I have no problem believing it. The story is also filled with danger, suspense, and of course romance along with some surprises along the way.
I heartily recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of Peace
Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia, but danger lurks in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement Asylum offer permanent refuge?
Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Catchlight Imaging
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
by admin | Apr 12, 2018 | Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
Although “Red Sky Over America” was not what I expected, it offered quite an interesting look into plantation life during the era preceding the civil war. Its unique perspective that pits an abolitionist daughter against her slaveowner father was one I have not encountered previously.
Although I believe the story was well researched and is most likely an accurate account based on true events, details are at times brutal and may not be appropriate for all readers, especially young ones. However, this is a period in our history that should not be glossed over and I applaud the author for her attempt to expose the truth.
“Red Sky Over America” is a story not only of courage but it is also one of reconciliation and changed hearts.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. When America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves, America’s classmate, William, tags along to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. Soon, though, America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation. Will they make it back to Ohio . . . or even live through the struggle?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has been a children’s pastor for more than 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.
