by admin | Aug 15, 2016 | Books, Historical, Mexico, Romance, Western, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
With its World War 2 era setting in Mexico, “Twice Redeemed” is a more modern than usual tale that still has the feel of the old west. The heroine of this story is Mercedes, a saloon girl who is essentially a slave to the obviously evil owner of the establishment. Because she helped another of his “girls” escape (in Book 1 of the Jericho Resistance series), Mercedes is punished in various ways, including physical abuse. If only the American cowboy who offered to take her with him would come back Mercedes would not refuse his offer again. Fortunately for Mercedes, John Durbin did return to take her to the United States with him but doing so would be easier said than done.
Overall, I enjoyed “Twice Redeemed”. The characters were well developed and I could easily relate to their difficulties. I particularly liked reading about the old woman who helped Mercedes and John and would have liked to learn more about her. I was also intrigued by the group who called themselves the Jericho Resistance and felt like there is a story there that I would love to know more about. The plot contained enough action, danger, and suspense to keep me reading and included a few twists that surprised me which is always fun. The story was resolved well at the end although there were a few questions left in the air that I hope will be answered in Book 3.
Although the second book in a series, “Twice Redeemed” easily stood alone but it did leave me with enough curiosity about the first book that I will probably go back and read it also when I find the time.
A digital copy of this book was provided by Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Who will save her from herself?
After helping another girl escape, Mercedes Nobles suffers unspeakable abuse at Jericho. So when an American cowboy rides into town, she jumps at the opportunity to start a new life… even though she carries a secret that could destroy any chance of happiness for either of them.
John Durbin may have turned in his badge, but he still believes in living by a code of honor. That includes returning to a seedy Mexican saloon and rescuing a woman who helped his friends escape. However, the tables turn and he finds himself married in name only.
Struggling with cultural differences, they question if their marriage will survive. Will John sacrifice his faith to make his new bride happy? How will Mercedes redeem herself when John learns of the secret she’s hiding?
To purchase your own copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mimi Milan spent two decades scribbling away in notebooks before realizing that her life’s calling was to write. So she returned from Mexico and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Film. She currently resides in the suburbs of Charlotte, making time for God, family and imaginary friends.
BLOG STOPS:
August 9: Blossoms and Blessings
August 10: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
August 11: Books,Dreams,Life
August 12: History, Mystery & Faith
August 13: A Greater Yes
August 13: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
August 14: The Wits About
August 15: Daysong Reflections
August 16: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 17: Bibliophile Reviews
August 18: God is Love
August 19: A Baker’s Perspective
August 20: cherylbbookblog
August 21: Karen’s Krayons
August 22: Bigreadersite
August 22: Debbie Dusty Deliberations
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by admin | Aug 2, 2016 | Books, Historical, Key West, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Honor Redeemed” was one of those books that made me wonder continuously how everything would eventually be resolved. For most of the story, it certainly looked like Prosperity might choose the doctor although her heart was still tender toward her former fiance. Then it would look favorable for David for awhile and change yet again. My goodness, I was second-guessing that girl through the entire book!
Christine Johnson’s writing is superb! I could literally feel the intense heat and heavy, humid air of the Florida Keys and hear the crashing waves and sea birds. Her characters were deftly drawn with both good and not-so-good characteristic that made them all the more believable. David’s mistakes were unfortunate and made me think of warnings to young men from the book of Proverbs. Surprisingly, I found David easier to relate to than Prosperity (great name, by the way!) but was never certain quite why that was.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “Honor Redeemed” and my return visit through its pages to the Florida Keys. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life.
But when Prosperity arrives penniless in the South, she is dismayed to find David has not been eagerly awaiting their reunion. In fact, he is married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, Prosperity gains the friendship–and the affection–of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?
With a deft hand, Christine Johnson fills the senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of Key West in this heartwarming story of honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.
Read an excerpt from “Honor Redeemed” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
© E.A. Creative Photography 2013
Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.
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by admin | Jul 29, 2016 | Books, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I found “An Elegant Façade” to be a thoroughly enjoyable read although I sometimes have difficulty understanding all the societal dictates of that era. Although some readers have complained about repetition, especially for the first few chapters, it was helpful for me to refresh my memory from “A Noble Masquerade” and to also see the same events through Georgina’s viewpoint.
Georgina was a piece of work! Her determination to garner attention by her unique style was just a subterfuge to distract from her low self-esteem due to a secret she hid from even her own family. She hoped that if she could marry well, her husband would protect her and her secret from ever becoming public. Her desperation for the right husband led to the brink of disaster on more than one occasion.
I was well into the book before Georgina’s secret was revealed and I was certainly surprised by it. I had actually imagined something more shameful but the revelation brought understanding about some of her actions even though her reasoning was pretty skewed. I was so happy when a close call and a good friend’s intervention helped her to see the truth.
I was rooting for Colin from the very start even if he technically was not qualified as a match to Georgina. He was the perfect hero and most importantly, a true friend to Georgina despite his frustration with her actions.
“An Elegant Façade” was the perfect follow-up to “A Noble Masquerade”. I loved both books and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. Kristi Ann Hunter has earned her place on my favorite authors list!
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author and Bethany House.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Georgina Hawthorne has always known she must marry well. After years of tirelessly planning every detail of her debut season, she is poised to be a smashing success and have her choice of eligible gentlemen.
With money and powerful business connections but no title, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. He intends to marry someday, but when he does it will not be to a shallow woman like Lady Georgina, whose only concerns appear to be status and appearance.
But beneath her flawless exterior, Georgina’s social aspirations stem from a shameful secret she is desperately trying to keep hidden–and that Colin is too close to discovering. Drawn to each other despite their mutual intent to avoid association, is the realization of their dreams worth the sacrifices they’ll be forced to make?
Read an excerpt from An Elegant Façade Here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
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by admin | Jul 23, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am not ashamed to admit that I love Mary Connealy’s novels! I grew up watching TV westerns with my Dad and have had a weakness for the west and cowboys ever since. I thoroughly enjoy escaping to the Old West through Mary’s novels for a few hours and especially love her strong female characters. “No Way Up” is her latest novel and the first of the new Cimarron Legacy series.
I learned quickly that Chance Boden, owner of the Cimarron Ranch had three children but only the one of them interested in the ranch was Justin who helped his dad run it. Older son Cole lived in town and ran the family mine business from there. Daughter Sadie also lived in town and was committed to helping at the orphanage. When Chance was severely injured in a rock slide, he demanded that Cole and Sadie immediately move back home or they would all lose the ranch at his death. That is where the fun and drama began.
I loved, loved, loved the fact that Heath Kincaid is all grown up and the hero of “No Way Up” and he grew up into a fine young man. (what else would you expect?) Heath was definitely the perfect match for Sadie who had a mind of her own and wasn’t afraid to jump right in there with the menfolk with chores and refused to be left behind on dangerous missions – even climbing cliffs.
The story is full of Mary’s trademark humor, plenty of drama, action, mystery, and suspense as well as romance and kissing – lots of kissing. What is not to like about “No Way Up”? A fun story about family loyalty and faith, this novel left me eagerly waiting for the next installment of The Cimarron Legacy. Hope I don’t have to wait too long!
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Fight for the Cimarron Ranch Has Just Begun!
When Cimarron Ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, only the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Before leaving by train to receive treatment to save his leg–and possibly his life–Chance demands that Heath read the patriarch’s will and see its conditions enforced immediately. If Chance’s three bickering adult children, Justin, Sadie, and Cole, don’t live and work at the ranch for an entire year, ownership of the ranch will pass to a despised distant relative.
Before long, however, Heath discovers that the avalanche may have been intentionally set–and that more danger lurks ominously. Finding his own future–and a desired future with Sadie–locked up in saving the Cimarron Ranch, Heath and the Boden siblings must work together against outside forces that threaten them all.
Read an excerpt from “No Way Up” HERE.
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. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
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by admin | Jul 23, 2016 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance, Suspense, Western
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy reading Tracie Peterson’s books because I know I will find a well-written historical romance with compelling characters and just the right blend of drama, danger, and suspense to keep those pages turning. It also doesn’t hurt that her research is excellent and I always learn something new with each one of her novels.
The second book in the Sapphire Brides series, “A Beauty Refined” features Phoebe, a young woman visiting Montana with her father, a German count. An unlikely friendship forms between Phoebe and Ian, a local lapidary but a chance encounter with a familiar woman reveals secrets from the past that place them all in eminent danger.
Once again, I stayed up much too late reading because I HAD to know what would happen next. How could one man be so selfish, heartless, and downright evil that even his own family were just pawns in his quest for wealth and power? There just didn’t seem to be any way that the innocent could come out on top this time so although I knew they would prevail, the suspense kept me on edge until the final resolution of the situation.
“A Beauty Refined” is the second book of the series but it easily stands alone. The story also revolves around Montana sapphires but features entirely different characters and situations. I would suggest also reading “A Treasure Concealed” – for the sheer pleasure of doing so and for the background history of the sapphire discovery. Tracie Peterson’s books never disappoint and I highly recommend any of them.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?
Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.
Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.
Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
Read an excerpt from A Beauty Refined HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
Find out more about Tracie at http://www.traciepeterson.com.
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by admin | Jul 8, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
After I read my first Karen Witemeyer novel, the author moved into the top of my must-read list. Her books are among those I will definitely purchase if I am not offered a review copy. This time I preordered a copy of “No Other Will Do” and also accepted a review copy from Bethany. I remembered my preorder the day it arrived so I ended up with two copies. Still debating about who will be blessed with my extra copy. With two copies in hand, I had high hopes that this book would live up to my expectations. I can happily verify that it even exceeded my expectations.
As always, the plot moved along at just the right rate and included the perfect blend of action, adventure, danger, humor, faith, and of course romance. Emma Chandler’s portrayal as a strong, intelligent woman was tempered with a touch of vulnerability and compassion that helped keep her a likeable heroine. Malachi Shaw was a hero to swoon over. Not only was he a strong, handsome man, but his humility, his loyalty to Emma and dedication to justice made him a man most women could love.
I could tell more about the trials and tribulations of the women of Harper Station as they fought valiantly to hold on to their homes but it would be difficult to do so without spoilers. Believe me when I say I cannot wait to visit Harper Station again and am in hopes that my wait will not be too long.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Ladies of Harper Station Novel
She Trusts Him for the Job,
But Can She Trust Him With Her Heart?
Men are optional. That was the credo Emma Chandler’s suffragette aunts taught her and why she established Harper’s Station, a women’s colony that offers a fresh start to females in need. But when a dangerous and shadowy assailant tries repeatedly to drive the women out, Emma is forced to admit they might need a man after all. One who can fight. And there is only one man she trusts enough to ask.
Malachi Shaw has finally earned the respect he’s always craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma’s telegram arrives, he rushes back to Texas to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she’s not a girl any longer. She’s a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn’t deserve.
As the danger intensifies, Emma, Mal, and the ladies of Harper’s Station must choose safety or whether to risk everything to fight for their future.
Read an excerpt from “No Other Will Do” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
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