Review & Giveaway: A Monumental Love by Susan Alyworth

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

A Monumental Love is FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers!

Synopsis

Roxelle McCann is eager to meet the family of her best friend, so she takes a mini-vacation to the Navajo Nation. Roxelle expects to find out more about Navajo language and customs and to be awed by the beauty of Monument Valley. She does not expect to find love among the monuments. The man she meets offers both a surprising possible future and a tender reminder of the past.

My Review

I appreciated the unusual setting in this novella of a remote Indian reservation. It was interesting and Roxelle was respectful of the heritage and culture of her friend. Roxelle had a rough childhood but it helped her bond with her roommate and they became unlikely best friends. I liked that Roxelle worked hard and has a bright future ahead of her, but she really dwelt on the past and how it shaped her. After a bit of a mix up, she has a wonderful encounter with someone she admired from afar, and I enjoyed seeing them get reacquainted. I would have liked to see more conversations and scenes as their relationship deepened. Even though it looks like they will have to sacrifice their dreams in order to be together, everything works out in the end. A sweet love story!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the author

Susan Aylworth loves books, poems, plays, words in almost all polite forms, and good raspberry 
jam. Her first book, started when she was nine, "was a rip-off of Black Beauty. I wrote eight 
whole pages." For her fifth grade career day, she stated her ambition to become "a rich and famous 
author." Decades later, she is pleased to have achieved the 'author' part of that goal.

A former university professor, she enjoys researching backgrounds and careers for her novels. "It's 
one way to live many lives all at once." Servant to two spoiled cats, she lives in northern California 
with her writer husband, Roger. She wishes the kids would visit more often.

Susan loves "travel, great music, and hearing from readers." Reach her at 
susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com, post on her wall at:
www.facebook.com/Susan.Aylworth.Author or follow her @SusanAylworth. "If you enjoy my 
books, please tell everyone you know: friends, relatives, neighbors, the person who delivers your 
mail, people you meet in line in the grocery store, everyone!" She welcomes ideas for new books 
and characters.

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Tour Schedule

Feb 25: Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Peggy Urry Writer

Feb 26: Mel’s Shelves / Getting Your Read On

Feb 27: Wishful Endings / Bookworm Lisa

Feb 28: Heidi Reads... / The Bibliophile Files

March 1: Literary Time Out / My Book a Day / Books are Sanity / Singing Librarian Books

Review: A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed—loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?

My Review

What stood out to me most about this book was the daydreaming and fantasizing of Daphne! It's something I've done, more at some times in my life than others. It was interesting to see how her fantasies faded as she became more present and invested in a real relationship and her own life beyond her son and the other children. I love the premise of this series, how the characters provide aid to women in desperate circumstances, even raising their children. Their haven came to an end, and it was fun to see them try to keep the secret from William, who kept discovering curiosities about his estate and the people who remained there. I also enjoyed Daphne and William's early perceptions of each other and the way they slowly became more comfortable... until the secrets rising to the surface could no longer be avoided. I was happy with the way the story ended, with a new future and direction for their humanitarian efforts. Looking forward to the next in the Haven Manor series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: This Homeward Journey by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She’s desperate for a new life in the Canadian mountains…He’s the last person she should trust to get her there.

After her husband’s death, Rachel Gray is finally free from the turmoil his addictions caused. She wants nothing more than a new life with her twelve-year-old son. If she can reach her brother in the wilderness of the Canadian territories, they’ll have help to start over in peace. She knows better than to put her life in the hands of another man, but she never expected the Montana mountains to be so treacherous. When two brothers invite her to join their small group traveling to the same area, she refuses. After she and her son narrowly escape a bear attack, she’s forced to admit they need the safety of numbers in this untamed land. If the men prove dangerous, she can always leave with her son and strike out alone again.

Seth Grant has made some bad choices in his life, but God healed him from the addiction that mired him in his sins. Now, he’s determined to live the life God called him to, starting with a journey northward to see the Canadian mountain both his brother and sister have fallen in love with. When he discovers the woman and boy who plan to travel the same mountain trail, he can’t fathom why she refuses to join in the safety of their larger group. Though her decision seems unwise, he has no other choice but to pray God provides her protection.

Despite Rachel’s best efforts, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to Seth—until a secret from his past proves he’s not at all the man she thought. When a new peril threatens her son’s life, she must choose between trusting in what she can control, or the man who her heart says is trustworthy, no matter his previous sins. The path she chooses just may determine whether she can step into the new life God has in store for them all.

My Review

I can always count on this author to take me on an adventure in the wilderness, bringing the dangers and beauty of the vast mountains and forests to life. Rachael is extremely protective of her son and doesn't trust strangers or men after the hardships in her life. I admired her determination and independence in relocating to make a new life for them. I couldn't help but feel for her as she is alternately fierce and vulnerable. Seth is so patient as he proves to her that he and his traveling companions are worthy of her trust as they continue on in a group for safety. Plenty of hair-raising adventure as they forge through the mountains and confront not only the dangers there but also their inner turmoil. I appreciate the subtle message of faith as Rachel and Seth both learn to rely on the Lord for peace and strength.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Hitching the Pitcher by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Sawyer Bennett has a secret. A risky thing, being one of the popular Belltown Six Pack, a group of six guys from the same college baseball team, all of whom got drafted and now play in the Major Leagues. Between the media frenzy over them and his bond with the guys, his secret has to stay carefully hidden if he wants it to stay that way. He needs to focus on his pitching and let everything else fall away.

Running into his former college girlfriend wasn’t supposed to happen. Falling for her again wasn’t supposed to happen. Confessing his secret to her was definitely not supposed to happen. But the harder he falls for Erica Moore, the more important his secret—and she—becomes.

My Review

This was a fun introduction to a new series! Even though the main character is Sawyer, we get to know all the members of the Six Pack, some more than others. I'm looking forward to reading each of their stories! I really liked Erica, but Sawyer was such a head case! He definitely provided the drama and angst with some self-defeating behaviors as he struggles and works through some issues. Erica had the patience of a saint! I was proud of her for giving Sawyer the space he needed and knowing when to leave the ball in his court (or field). :) My husband coaches high school baseball and after reading this book we had an insightful conversation about the mental game that is also played and can prevent a perfectly talented and skilled player from succeeding. Overall, I enjoyed the dynamics of the ball player characters and the chemistry between Erica and Sawyer. Can't wait for the next book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusettes, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

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Review: The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

War Forces a Choice Between Love and Country
 
A trip home from England to Maryland in 1812 finds Emeline Baratt a captive on a British warship and forced to declare her allegiance between the British and Americans. Remaining somewhat politically neutral on a ship where her nursing skills are desperately needed is fairly easy—until she starts to have feelings for the first lieutenant who becomes her protector. However, when the captain sends her and Lieutenant Owen Masters on land to spy, she must choose between her love for him or her love for her country.

My Review

I enjoyed the early American setting on both land and sea and the theme of patriotism that runs throughout the book. There is plenty of action and I appreciated the historical details that brought authenticity and made me grateful I live now instead of then! The swift pace of the plot made it hard to put the book down and even though I didn't quite connect with the main characters' emotions, I found the story captivating with twists and turns that made me wonder how on earth there would be a happily ever after. I loved the premise that Emeline and Owen are both spying for the same side, yet don't know that about each other and hold the perceived loyalties of the other against them. I would have thought that they'd realize it sooner, but I understand the risk involved if they happened to be mistaken. They were both likeable characters that grew in their faith and learned important life lessons.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: On the Shores of Tregalwen by Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Clean, Regency Romance Novella

When her estranged mother beckons her to London, Hannah Summerfield has no choice but to answer her call. Forced to leave behind her peaceful life in Cornwall, she bids farewell to the seaside, her grandparents—and her childhood sweetheart, Thomas. She becomes subdued at once by Society’s rigid rules and her mother’s censure, and when Thomas’s letters unexplainedly stop, she is left to wonder if she ought to embrace her new life in Town after all. But when her mother pressures her to accept an unwanted proposal, Hannah cannot help but flee to the one place she has ever called home—to the only boy she has ever loved.

After three years apart, Thomas Causey has all but given up hope of Hannah ever returning to Cornwall, fearing she has fallen in love with another. But when she appears on his doorstep, soaked through with rain and covered in mud, he allows himself to long once more for a future with the woman he still loves.

However, Thomas quickly realizes that Hannah is not who she was before. She has left London for a reason—a reason he cannot uncover. He longs for the truth they once so easily shared, but Hannah must first find the courage to rediscover herself—and what her heart truly desires.

My Review

This is a sweet romance without much conflict, but it was still a pleasure to read as Hannah follows her impetuous desire to visit Cornwall and leaves her manipulative mother and London society behind. Thomas and Hannah's renewed friendship turned to romance rather quickly, and I would have enjoyed more of them getting to know each other again. It works well as a novella though, and inspired me add Cornwall to my travel bucket list!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: The Flight of a Butterfly by Rachel Ward

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lucy Simpson just survived the worst day of her life. Rather than stick around to deal with the fallout of losing her accounting job and the betrayal of her longtime boyfriend, she makes a split-second decision to pull up roots and move to Hawaii.
 
She arrives with a suitcase, a reservation at a cheap hotel, and a whole lot of hope. Relieved to be an ocean away from her overbearing father, Lucy creates a list of experiences to help her explore what she really wants from life. Her new friends from the singles ward become her cheerleaders and help her cross items off the list one by one. As she does, she learns a little bit more about herself, about life and about love. But when a family emergency calls her home, will she be forced to choose between her old life and a new love?

My Review

I love Hawaii for the setting in a book, and this one was unique in that it showed the non-touristy part and some gritty situations that can be found in all parts of the world. It takes a lot of guts to up and move at a moment's notice, with no plans at the other end for housing or employment... either that or desperation. It's so out of character for Lucy, yet she perseveres and follows through with her new circumstances, even though it would be easier to run home. I liked learning about all the friends she made along the way, and thought it was interesting who she chose to be judgemental about; some cases were surprising. Her friendship that eventually developed into romance with Ben was my favorite part of the book, he was so patient with her. *Awesome first kiss* I appreciated that the main characters are members of the church I belong to, but was disappointed that there was little to no faith mentioned. I think it's too bad when authors avoid opportunities to share the faith of their characters which misrepresents how integral prayer and worship are in the real lives of the members of the church, as well as how we feel about God. In this book Lucy completely relied on herself instead of trusting God, and her interactions with the church were purely social. I could understand if there was a progression in her spiritual growth, but there really wasn't any, she just continued to struggle and basically ignore God. The main lesson she learned was to stop running from her problems and face her emotions.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Rachel grew up reading every book she could get her hands on and spending time with her cat. At least, that was the report in every annual Christmas letter. The humiliation was enough to spur her into action, and she began writing and she never stopped. Rachel studied English at Brigham Young University-Idaho and then wrote and blogged in between the births of her six children. She currently lives in West Jordan with her family, and while she no longer has a cat, she still reads every book she can get her hands on.

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Review: Healing Hearts by Sarah M. Eden

 
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Wyoming Territory, 1876

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara's message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.

But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.

My Review

It was wonderful to return to the setting of the isolated Western town of Savage Wells! I quickly grew to love Miriam and Gideon, and enjoyed how they worked so well together as doctor and nurse. Miriam has major trust issues because of her past rejection from her family and the doctors that took advantage of her vulnerable circumstances. It was eye-opening to learn some of the history of asylums and made me thankful for the brave individuals who sacrificed and risked to expose the abuse. Gideon has been unlucky in love, but proves himself throughout the book that he is reliable and worthy of Miram's trust and affection. There are still several obstacles for them to overcome, especially when Miriam's secret come to light and an unwelcome visitor comes to town. I loved the loyalty the town had to Miriam and they way her new friends supported her during her trials. It was fun to have Paisley, Cade, and Hawk from the first book play significant roles in this second book, and I'm looking forward to more! (Fingers crossed) :)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Don't miss the first book in the Savage Wells series . . .

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

He's the most fearsome sheriff in the West. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend.

So is she. . . . May the best sheriff win.

Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.

Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.

Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe.