Braced For Love by Mary Connealy

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western

MY REVIEW:

I have been a long-time fan of Mary Connealy’s books and her unique sense of humor. Although I have always loved her books I have noticed that each new series has lost a bit more of the slapstick humor and moved toward even greater character and plot development. I honestly appreciate the direction she has taken. There is still plenty of humor yet greater depth to her stories.

Braced For Love is the first book in the author’s latest series Brothers in Arms. Kansas farmer Kevin Hunt has left his struggling farm to take over his share of an inherited ranch in Wyoming. Turns out he has a brother he never knew existed and he also learns a few choice facts about his late father that he has believed dead for years. It is also evident that someone is determined to keep him from reaching the ranch.

There is more than enough drama, conflict, action, and danger to go around in Braced For Love, A hearty dose of romance is thrown in for good measure along with several surprises. It took me a few chapters to get all the characters straight in my mind but each of them has unique traits that quickly set them apart. Knowing that the novel is the first of a trilogy, I soon found myself pairing each of the Hunt brothers with one of the young women. Only time will tell if I am correct. I eagerly wait for book two.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When entering the rough new land, does he go to meet his greatest enemy, or his greatest ally?

Kevin Hunt was at peace with the grueling but honest labor of Kansas farm life, until he received the news that he had inherited part of a successful Wyoming ranch. The only catch is it’s to be shared with a half brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin’s supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life, and the townsfolk are quick to spurn Kevin and his siblings for it.

But trouble seems to follow Kevin on the way, and he wonders if his half brother Wyatt is behind the attacks. Once at the ranch, everyone is at each other’s throats, and the only person willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, the local schoolmarm and a wealthy rancher’s daughter.

Despite being a longtime friend to Wyatt, Winona can’t help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin, and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody’s dangerous plot. With every reason to despise each other, can the Hunt brothers put aside their differences long enough to protect the ones they love?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, 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 Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Books, Graphics & Web Design, Historical

MY REVIEW:

The Prince of Spies is exactly the kind of book I love to spend a few hours with. The author has a masterful touch when it comes to weaving sometimes obscure historical facts into an engrossing tale that comes to life on the pages. Both this book and the first book of the Hope and Glory series, The Spice King, contained a multitude of facts about safety (or the lack of) in the food industry as well as efforts that were made to ensure its safety. I found the details about the Poison Squad to be of particular interest.

It was fun getting to know Luke Delacroix even better as he was an intriguing character in the previous novels. His determination to do his part in making food safer for customers was only overshadowed by his love of family and his new devotion to Marianne McGruder, daughter of the Delacroix family’s greatest rival.

The bad blood between the two families and the romance between Luke and Marianne had a slight resemblance to the story of Romeo and Juliet but thankfully did not go in the same direction. I thought Luke was the perfect hero and mostly liked Marianne as well. Her devotion to her family was admirable despite their unscrupulous actions – after all they were family. I did admire how her eyes were gradually opened to the truth and managed to make the proper decisions.  

I do so hate to see this series end but I am confident that the author has even more delightful books in store for her readers. Loved, loved, loved The Prince of Spies as well as the other two books and I encourage everyone to pick up copies of all three books.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Luke Delacroix has long had a reputation of being an impulsive adventurer, the wild son of one of Gilded Age Washington’s most prominent families. In reality, he has been secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission: to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s only daughter. Luke is fascinated by the vibrant Marianne and her daring work as a government photographer, leading them into a forbidden romance. Now they must embark on a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing feelings with Luke’s driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

Pay the Price by Carol J. Post

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have come to expect a suspense-filled page-turner each time I open a book by Carol J. Post. Pay the Price did not disappoint. From the very beginning it was evident that Jessica Parker had walked right into danger when she returned to Harmony Grove to take care of things after her sister’s sudden death. All signs pointed to murder rather than suicide as reported and Jessica had a bad girl reputation to live down and fat chance of that happening with a sheriff and judge who remembered her well.

Lately I have been hearing the term “meet cute” used to describe a popular romance novel trope. Jessica’s first meeting with undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton could not be described as cute by any means. Despite their somewhat explosive first encounter, Shane quickly surmised that Jessica was probably also in danger and made it a point to spend as much time as possible making sure she was protected.

With plenty of action, danger, and suspense, Pay the Price was one of those one session books that I couldn’t put down until I reached the end. The suspense grew with each chapter and although I had my suspicions about the guilty parties, I was never one hundred percent certain until it was actually revealed. I appreciated the subtle Christian message that was woven throughout the story and found the characters to be both realistic and likeable.

I have enjoyed the previous books in the Harmony Grove series and look forward to reading Survive the Night when it releases in May. I recommend the entire series as well as other books by this excellent author.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sometimes homecomings can be deadly…

Jessica Parker left Harmony Grove with bad memories and a vow to never return – until she is called back eight years later to deal with her sister’s suicide. When all the evidence points instead to murder, she is determined to find the killer and bring him to justice. Her handsome new neighbor is eager to help, but she is sure he’s hiding something.

Undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton is in Harmony Grove investigating the crash of a plane full of cocaine and gets more than he bargained for when he runs into Jessica. He’s not sure whether she’s involved or is just going to get in his way. Soon it becomes obvious that someone wants Jessica gone from Harmony Grove. As the threats intensify, Shane finds himself in a race against time to solve both cases. The closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to making them his next victims.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.

Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

To learn more about Carol, you may visit her web site at http://www.caroljpost.com.

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

by | Mar 4, 2021 | Books, Chicago World's Fair, Historical

MY REVIEW:

Shadows of the White City was another lovely tale from author Jocelyn Green. Her vivid descriptions of the Chicago World’s Fair made me wish I had been there to see it for myself. It still baffles me how such a huge undertaking could mostly disappear with no trace to be seen today. Green’s characters come to life within the pages and began to feel like good friends by the end.

Featuring sister Sylvie Townsend who first made her appearance in book one of the Windy City Saga, Veiled in Smoke, this book can easily stand on its own merits but is oh, so much better after having read the first one. I loved Sylvie’s character who had so much love to give and poured her life into taking care of her father and Rose, an orphaned child she had taken in as her own. Sylvie’s tenant Kristof Bartok was a long-time friend who had quietly made it his goal to help and protect Sylvie as much as possible while he hoped and waited for her to recognize his love for her. I was not so fond of Rose who came across as spoiled and ungrateful for the sacrifices Sylvie had made for her.

A story of love, sacrifice, and family loyalty, Shadows of the White City had its share of drama and mystery as Sylvie frantically searched for Rose after her disappearance. It was a touching tale filled with myriad emotions from grief to hope to joy. I would recommend it to everyone.

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:

She promised a dying father she would keep his daughter safe.
She can’t fail now.

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she would never have–a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears–until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World’s Fair, and Sylvie’s life unravels.

With nowhere else to turn, Sylvie seeks help from her boarder and Rose’s violin instructor, Kristof Bartok. Fluent in several languages, his skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant and international communities where their investigation leads.

From the glittering architecture of the Fair to the dark houses of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, they’re taken on a search that points to Rose’s long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

Read an excerpt Here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green (www.jocelyngreen.com) 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 BA in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.