by admin | Sep 26, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Kristi Ann Hunter has combined a historical England setting with a spunky heroine, a dashing hero, witty dialogue, lots of humor, and just the right amount of romance and intrigue to produce a perfectly entertaining tale in her debut full-length novel. This tangled tale revolves around a young woman who instead of writing in a journal has spent years writing letters containing her innermost thoughts to her brother’s best friend Marsh but never mailing them. The fun begins when Marsh accidentally gets hold of one of the letters and proceeds to write back to Miranda. Despite her mortification, she continues to write to him and they get to know each other through the letters. Little does she know that she actually knows him better than that!
To be absolutely truthful, I am finding it difficult to write this review without spoilers. I liked the fact that the hero and heroine were not perfect and that their relationship grew over the course of the book rather than being a love-at-first-sight kind of attraction. The inclusion of a strong Christian message was welcome but not overdone in my opinion. I like that Bethany House has not compromised on that facet of their books. Perhaps some of the language used was too modern for the time period as some reviewers have mentioned, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, I was probably too involved in the story to notice. This was such a fun and yet suspenseful book that I hope to find time to read it again soon.
Thank you, Bethany House for taking a chance with another new author. Kristi Ann Hunter is a keeper and I look forward to reading many more novels from her.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she’s never actually met the man she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother’s mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.
Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family’s estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
Read an excerpt from A Noble Masquerade.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.
by admin | Jul 7, 2015 | Books, Giveaways, Historical, Regency, Romance, Shakers, Speculative, Supernatural
MY REVIEW:
Ann Gabhart takes her readers back for another visit to Harmony Hill where they are treated to an intimate glimpse of life in the Shaker village. The peace-loving residents of Harmony Hill are hard-working folks and many go about their business in a loving manner. Others enjoy forcing their strict rules on new residents with a controlling hand. Still others hide secrets that threaten those who discover them.
I enjoyed Carlyn and Luke’s story even though it was sometimes filled with difficulties and seeming roadblocks. The author painted a portrait of the Shakers in a matter-of-fact way that allows readers to make up their own minds about their unorthodox practices. I came away from the story with the realization that many residents of Harmony Hill were possibly there for similar reasons as Carlyn – they had nowhere else to go but did not necessarily buy into the odd theology. Others may have been deceived but were not actually bad people.
I always find historical fiction of interest and usually learn from it. I liked how well Gabhart seems to have researched her subject matter. I also thought she told Carlyn’s story well with plenty of insight into her thoughts plus enough action, suspense, and romance to hold my attention.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She longs for peace–for her land and her heart–but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.
The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?
Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart.
Read an excerpt from THE INNOCENT.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Apr 17, 2015 | Books, England, Gothic Romance, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
In “A Stranger’s Secret” the rugged coast of Cornwall is the perfect backdrop for a story filled with mystery and intrigue. Between the dire deeds of the local wreckers, a mysterious stranger, and multiple attempts on his life, this novel held my attention and wouldn’t let go.
The second novel in Eakes’ Cliffs of Cornwall series, “A Stranger’s Secret” features Morwenna, a young widow who played a minor role in the first novel of the series. Determined to preserve her young son’s heritage by preserving her late husband’s estate, Morwenna refuses to accept help from her grandparents, who she fears will try to control her and her son. When she rescues a nearly dead stranger in the aftermath of a shipwreck on her estate, Morwenna finds herself pulled into a deadly mystery and learns that her life is linked to the life of the stranger in more ways than one.
With well-rounded characters, a perfectly Gothic mood, and a plot with many twists and surprises, “A Stranger’s Secret” was the kind of novel I love to read. Morwenna’s regrets over her past actions and determination to be a good mother were admirable but unforgiveness toward her grandparents and her absent parents prevented her true happiness. The transformation of her attitude was gratifying to watch unfold and I loved how her grandparents turned out to treat her much different than she expected.
All in all, “A Stranger’s Secret” was a very satisfying novel and I look forward to more books by this author.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger
Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a grieving widow, Morwenna only wants to make a life for herself and her young son at her murdered husband’s estate. Until an unconscious man washes up on her shore, entangling her in a web of mysteries that threatens everything she holds dear.
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Morwenna Penvenan fills her days preserving her son’s heritage: the dilapidated estate his father left them. But all attempts at restoration are thwarted when she is accused of deliberately causing ships to crash on her shore in order to steal their cargo. While seeking clues to the true culprits, she finds an unconscious man wearing a medallion with the Penvenan crest enameled upon it.
Upon learning of his father’s death, David pursues answers to the many questions left in his father’s wake: Why was his father in Cornwall when he said he would be in Scotland? Why did he die in possession of a medallion belonging to a prominent Cornwall family? Why did his father take money from the family’s ship-building business? And why did someone kill him? Only after waking up at the Penvenan estate under Morwenna’s care do the pieces start falling together.
As David recovers in Morwenna’s house, they grow to care about one another, while knowing each have reasons to distrust the other. The closer they work together, the more they learn how their lives—and mysteries—are entwined. As the past continues to intrude on their lives, they must learn to ask the Lord and others for help or risk losing each other and maybe even losing their lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Recipient of the National Readers Choice Award, Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of nine books and a novella, with four more books and two novellas scheduled for release. She is a writing teacher and speaker and has her master’s degree in creative writing. She also writes articles on writing, including “Writing from the Heart While Writing for the Market” for The ACFW Journal. Visit her website at Facebook: authorlauriealiceeakes Twitter: @LaurieAEakes
by admin | Feb 15, 2015 | Books, England, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am not certain how I have managed to miss this author but am so thankful that I was invited to review “Brentwood’s Ward” by Michelle Griep. Although I love so many different types of novels, this one has to rank near the top as far as what I really enjoy reading. “Brentwood’s Ward” would be considered a regency novel but it is so much more. That is what I really like about it.
The plot moves along nicely with plenty of conflict, drama, mystery, danger, and romance with just the right touch of humor as a bonus. Nicholas Brentwood and Emily Payne were both strong characters with minds of their own. Emily was used to having everything she wanted and getting her way. Nicholas took on the job as her guardian because no one else would take it and besides he needed the money to take care of his ailing sister. Nicholas was a man of honor and integrity who took his work seriously but Emily offered challenges he didn’t expect.
I find it difficult to describe “Brentwood’s Ward” without spoilers. I can say that I loved everything about the book from its somewhat brooding atmosphere to the unexpected twists and turns of the plot. Its strong theme of dependence upon the Lord was obvious but not preachy. I cannot wait to read more novels by Michelle Griep. I hope you will give “Brentwood’s Ward” a try also.
This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Place an unpolished lawman named Nicholas Brentwood as guardian over a spoiled, pompous beauty named Emily Payne and what do you get? More trouble than Brentwood bargains for. She is determined to find a husband this season. He just wants the large fee her father will pay him to help his ailing sister. After a series of dire mishaps, both their desires are thwarted, but each discovers that no matter what, God is in charge.
There’s none better than NICHOLAS BRENTWOOD at catching the felons who ravage London’s streets, and there’s nothing he loves more than seeing justice carried out—but this time he’s met his match. Beautiful and beguiling EMILY PAYNE is more treacherous than a city full of miscreants and thugs, for she’s a thief of the highest order…she’s stolen his heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep has been writing for most of her life and attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp and spent her time writing in her room while her teen peers threw parties when their parents weren’t home. She lives in Minnesota where she tutors writing and history at a local high school homeschool co-op.
She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. Michelle loves Great Britain, boxers, Science Fiction, and once-a-month cooking. Married for twenty years, she is mother to two sons and two daughters.
by admin | Jan 31, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Back in the days when I was much younger and probably before there was a distinct genre known as Christian Fiction, I loved what was then called Gothic Romance novels. As the general market became filled with more and more content that I found offensive, I began to limit my reading to Christian fiction only and pretty much forgot how much I enjoyed those old Gothic novels. During the past year or so, I have been delighted to find a few authors who are writing books with that Gothic atmosphere but with clean plots and usually even a strong message of faith. “The Secret of Pembrooke Park” is one of those books and it surpassed all my expectations.
When Abigail Foster’s family suffers a financial setback, they are offered the opportunity to move to the manor of a distant family member. Feeling somewhat responsible for the financial loss, Abigail moves in to set things in order while her father takes care of business and her mother and sister remain in London to prepare for the season, hoping her sister will find a well-to-do husband. The mysterious manor has been abandoned for eighteen years and it appears that its residents left it suddenly, however no one in the area will even discuss what might have happened. Rumors of a secret room filled with treasures plus warnings about the former owner reach Abigail but most of her questions remain unanswered.
“The Secret of Pembrooke Park” is filled with mystery, suspense, secrets, a romantic triangle, and several surprises. The abandoned manor was the perfect setting for all the mysterious happenings. Although there were quite a few clues dropped during the course of the narrative, many of them could have pointed to more than one suspect so I was never quite certain who it was – at least until the actual revelation. I loved finding out what the true “treasure” was!
I enthusiastically recommend “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”, especially to those like me who enjoy Gothic romance. Julie Klassen is on my top 10 list and her books like this one have kept her there.
This book was provided for review by the Readers Only Group of the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister.
Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll’s house left mid-play…
The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor’s past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.
This catches Abigail’s attention. Hoping to restore her family’s finances–and her dowry–Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn’t the only one secretly searching the house.
Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past.
As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks…or very real danger?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
JULIE KLASSEN worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards.
She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
by admin | Oct 18, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I first met Kate Ramsey in the pages of the first book of the Edwardian Brides series, The Governess of Highland Hall. At that time, Kate was pretty much a brat who was dedicated to making trouble for her new governess Julia, the heroine of that particular novel. I could not begin to imagine that Kate would become the focus of the next book in the series and that I would like her quite so much. Of course, brats do tend to grow up and usually mature both emotionally and spiritually. Fortunately Kate is one that did.
Turansky paints a vivid picture of Kate’s life in London as she is put through the rigors of her debut in proper society at the hands of her well-meaning but extremely overbearing Aunt Louisa. The author’s descriptions of all the wheeling and dealing involved in securing just the right husband for Kate was quite enlightening. Although primarily about Kate, the plot contained several subplots that when woven together created one captivating and exciting story.
I particularly enjoyed following Kate’s path as she grew from a self-absorbed young woman whose only desire was to marry a handsome and wealthy young man with the proper place in society into a compassionate person who found her true calling in helping others. Her spiritual growth from one who went to church and knew about God to one who became willing to trust Him with her life and future was compelling.
“The Daughter of Highland Hall” is a wonderful followup to The Governess of Highland Hall and I highly recommend both novels. I am looking forward to the next Edwardian Brides installment.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor… what if it isn’t enough?
Book two in Carrie Turansky’s Edwardian Brides Series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, follows 18-year-old Kate Ramsey on a journey of self-discovery as she travels to London to make her societal debut. As Kate begins making the round of balls and garden parties, she attracts the attention of Edward Wellington, who seems to have all the qualifications on her list. Yet, is he the best choice? Will this lifestyle bring her true happiness? Will Kate have the courage to make an unpopular choice and to choose faith or will she give into an overbearing aunt’s expectations?
Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.
When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.
Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy at Carrie’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has written contemporary and historical romances, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and they have five adult children and four grandchildren.
Find out more about Carrie at http://carrieturansky.com.
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at 
