Review: A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

Book One in the Ozark Mountain Romance series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A Marriage of Convenience Turns Most Inconvenient in this Historical Charmer

Having fled a difficult home life, Civil War nurse Abigail Stuart feels like her only friend in the world is sweet but gravely wounded patient Jeremiah Calhoun. Fearing he won't survive, the Confederate soldier's last wish is that Abigail look after his sickly sister at home. Marry him, return to his horse farm, and it'll be hers.

Left with few choices, Abigail takes him up on his offer and moves to Missouri after his death, but just as the family learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears--puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his life back to how it was before the war, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Still not fully convinced Abigail isn't duping him, he's left with no choice but to let the woman stay and help--not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his entire family needs.

My Review

The unusual plot made this story one that was hard to put down! Abigail and Jeremiah are both determined and stubborn, and it was fun to see their personalities clash before they began to work together for his family and the farm. There are complicated family dynamics with Jeremiah's grown sister who is dying and making everyone miserable with her, a sweet-hearted mother who is devoted to both Jeremiah and Abigail, and a community still dealing with the dangerous aftermath of war. Balancing out the entertaining banter are the themes of loss, grief, and forgiveness, which bring depth and purpose to the day to day efforts of the characters. A bright spot in the story is the mischievous neighbor children, Josiah and Betsy, who each have their own tales later in the series. There is some suspense and action as Josiah and Abigail defend their land against those who would take advantage.

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

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Check out the other books in the Ozark Mountain Romance series . . .

Book Two

Synopsis

After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the furious family, her grandfather tracks it to the Missouri Ozarks and makes an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house if they promise not to sell anything until he arrives.

Upon their arrival, however, they discover their new business doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its manager, ruggedly handsome Wyatt Ballentine, is frustrated to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and salvage a bad situation getting worse.

Book 2.5 (From the With This Ring? novella collection)

Synopsis

1870s Missouri

Heavy rain means trouble for Katie Ellen. With her parents away, she's left to take care of the mountaintop farm alone until Josiah Huckabee happens to check on her. She used to think him charming--used to--but before she can run Josiah off, a stranger appears. The bridge has washed out, stranding a weathered and threatening man with them. Immediately sensing danger, Josiah steps in and claims the place--and Katie Ellen--as his own. His farm, his wife, and this Silas Ruger character better be respectful. Furious, Katie Ellen is forced to play along. Readers of Regina's Ozark Mountain Romance series will love seeing favorite characters all grown up.

Book Three

Synopsis

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle's newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.
 

Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.

Review & Giveaway: Long Journey Home by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Widowed by war, Maura O’Connor has raised her son alone under the weight of poverty in the unforgiving slums of New York City. That harsh and difficult life has taken a toll on them both. Desperate to save her son from the misery around them, she moves them both to the tiny western town of Hope Springs, where her late husband’s family lives, hoping that the decade of silence between them does not mean she and Aidan will be rejected outright. Her son needs family, and she would endure anything to see him happy.

Ryan Callaghan has worked the land belonging to the late Granny Claire for years, dreaming of one day claiming it as his own. Living in his brother’s home affords him no freedom, no stability, no joy. The arrangement is even harder on his mother, whose health is quickly deteriorating. A risky investment in the land has finally begun to pay off, and he is at last in a position to secure a better future for them both. When use of the home is, without warning, offered to a newly arrived widow and her son, that future is entirely uncertain.

Both Maura and Ryan desperately need the Claire farm, for their own futures as well as those of the loved ones who depend on them. Neither can remain in Hope Springs without the house and land, but only one can claim it in the end.

My Review

Another amazing addition to the series! I think each book just gets better and better as we come to know the O'Connor family and their community in Hope Springs even more. I loved the way the author incorporated the main characters from previous books in meaningful ways, not just appearances for the sake of having their names in the book. Also, without doing a plot rehash of the previous books. These can be read out of order, but meeting them Long Journey Home will definitely make you want to go back and read the stories of the other characters.

It took me a little bit to get a feel for Maura, but I grew to love her and understand her as she allows herself to open up to her O'Connor family and accept their unconditional love and support in the midst of her hardships and theirs. Ryan is someone who is easy to admire with his compassion for his mother, strong work ethic, and service to his community. I loved seeing Maura and Ryan develop a friendship in spite of their conflicting goals, and the way they sacrificed for each other. The sweet romance between them grew slowly and naturally, and their special moments together are even more so because of that wait. Maura's son Aiden was also an important member of this story and I thought he was realistically portrayed and enjoyed seeing him blossom in Hope Springs. There are strong themes of family, service, sacrifice, and community. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this wonderful book!

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

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Connect with author Sarah M. Eden:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | BookBub

 Don't miss the previous books in the Longing for Home Series:

Longing for Home

Hope Springs

My Dearest Love

Love Remains

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Review: Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lord Elliott Mayfield aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his brothers and sisters by requiring his nieces and nephews to choose worthy companions.  If they choose wisely, they will receive their generous share of the family’s inheritance.

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.

My Review

This is a book I finished with a sigh and satisfied smile. Isn't that the best feeling? The premise of the book and series with Lord Elliot's marriage campaign is unique and intriguing, and I'm looking forward to the books that are sure to follow. This first book focused not only on the oldest nephew, Peter, but also explored the history of Lord Elliot's past relationship with Peter's governess's mother. The four-person point of view wasn't overwhelming at all, but seamlessly woven together in a lovely balance as each character worked through their issues. I especially loved Julia and her selfless service for Peter and his children, even though she doesn't have a need for employment. The slowly blossoming romance between her and Peter was oh-so-good and despite the conflicting family dynamics, they are able to find their way to a happily-ever after. Such a wonderful Regency romance with depth and the promise of more to come!

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

Review & Giveaway: The Shipbuilder's Wife by Jennifer Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The day of her parents’ garden party dawns bright as Lydia Prescott eagerly anticipates a marriage proposal from a handsome and wealthy plantation owner. The lovely debutante plans to steal a moment away with her beau, but her plans go terribly awry. Instead of her intended, she is joined by a stranger—the largest man she’s ever laid eyes on. And it is clear Jacob Steele is there for reasons far more sober than the party. With British raids erupting all around them, it is his job to reassure plantation owners of their safety. In reality, however, Jacob is an espionage agent, and the truth is dire: America is on the verge of invasion by the British. Blissfully unaware of the danger surrounding her, Lydia basks in the glow of her recent engagement. But her joy is short-lived—a surprise British attack results in a devastating wound, and her plans for the future are shattered. Lost in her devastation, Lydia could never dream that Jacob, that giant of a man she met so briefly, would prove to be her saving grace. And with a war raging around them, she may be called upon to save him too.

My Review

I loved learning details about the War of 1812 from a more personal perspective, which is one reason I enjoy historical fiction. This author in particular is gifted at exposing me to times, locations, or events that I know little about, and enlarging my perspective of the world and the people in it. The danger, harsh circumstances, and struggles kept me turning the pages, and the gentle romance that grew between Lydia and Jacob tempered the heavier aspects of the plot. Lydia undergoes a definite change from the beginning of the book, and I admired the way her compassion for others grew into a selfless nature. The story is also told from Jacob's perspective, and he was an intriguing character with all the qualities I look for in a hero- strong and brave, yet vulnerable in ways not always seen at first. I loved the feeling of patriotism and devotion to a cause that is larger than themselves. Definitely a book that will be enjoyed and loved by fans of historical fiction and sweet romance.

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

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Review: Little Heroes: Inventors Who Changed the World by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the ranging curiosity of Leonardo da Vinci to the dedication and sacrifice of Marie Curie, Little Heroes: Inventors Who Changed the World is a young child's first introduction to the brilliant people who taught us the meaning of perseverance and innovation. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of nine renowned inventors from around the world: Cai Lun, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Grace Hopper, Mary Sherman Morgan, and Nikola Tesla. Inspire your own little inventor with the words of these inventive heroes who changed the world.

My Review

I love the inspiration the Little Heroes books provide young children! This colorful board book shares the experiences of inventors whose discoveries made a huge impact on society. I learned some new things with the lesser known inventors, and was happy to see ones that I recognized as well. Each spread is devoted to one figure, and I love that it has a blurb about what life was like for that inventor as a child, what he or she did to make a change, and a brief inspirational quote from that person. The illustrations are dynamic and adorable, I love this artist's style! A wonderful book that encourages curiosity, finding solutions, and shares the joy of discovery. Perfect for a wide range of ages.  

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

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Don't miss the first Little Heroes book . . .

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

From the intrepid efforts of Susan B. Anthony to the quiet courage of Rosa Parks, Little Heroes: Courageous People Who Changed the World is a young child's first introduction to the brave people who fought to make the world a better place. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of eight champions of freedom: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Malala Yousafzai, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. A quote from each individual is included on each spread along with colorful, delightful artwork.

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About the Author  

Heidi Poelman received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). Heidi is the author of the Little Heroes series, A is for Abinadi, A is for Adam, I Can Love Like Jesus, The Two-Minute Secret to Staying in Love, and a Mother’s Greatest Gift. She particularly enjoys writing about inspiring people and ways to strengthen families. She seeks inspiration by seeing new places, playing outdoors, and getting lost in a good book. Heidi and her husband Scott live in Utah with their four bright-eyed children. Learn more at www.heidipoelman.com .

About the Publisher

 

Familius is a global trade publishing company that publishes books and other content to help families be happy. We believe that the family is the fundamental unit of society and that happy families are the foundation of a happy life. We recognize that every family looks different, and we passionately believe in helping all families find greater joy. To that end we publish books for children and adults that invite families to live the Familius Nine Habits of Happy Family Life: love together, play together, learn together, work together, talk together, heal together, read together, eat together, and laugh together. Founded in 2012, Familius is located in Sanger, California.

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