Review: Timeless Western Collection: Calico Ball by Sarah M. Eden, Carla Kelly, Kristin Holt

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes CALICO BALL.

Three brand new Historical Western Romance novellas by Carla Kelly, Sarah M. Eden, and Kristin Holt.

THE KEEPER OF THE WESTERN DOOR by Carla Kelly
When Mary Blue Eye travels to Wyoming Territory with her friend to help her settle into her new married life at Fort Laramie, Mary is treated more like a servant than the friend she thought she was. Thankfully, she finds a new friend in Sergeant Blade, though Mary fears that her Seneca Indian heritage will keep a man like Blade from truly caring for her. Soon Mary is tasked with making fourteen calico dresses in two weeks, and Blade turns out to be the best ally she could ever ask for.

A CONVENIENT ARRANGEMENT by Sarah M. Eden
Patrick Quinn needs a wife. Hiring maids who leave within weeks to marry another fellow in a female-scarce Wyoming town hasn’t been helpful. Quinn needs a woman who will stay. When he writes to a mail-order bride service, and four-foot-eleven Mirabelle Smith shows up, they agree to each attend to their own duties and tasks. Their marriage will be a convenient arrangement for them both. But sometimes the heart has other ideas.

ISABELLA’S CALICO GROOM by Kristin Holt
Dr. Henry Merritt is desperate for dental patients, especially since Dr. Isabella Pattison arrived in the growing town of Evanston in the Wyoming Territory. It seems the female patients want a woman’s touch, and the male patients are quite fond of a pretty dentist. But if Henry doesn’t find a way to put Isabella out of business, his own practice will go under. When Isabella proposes that they team up together, and Henry gets to know her, he discovers the last thing he wants is for Isabella to leave.

My Review

I knew that calico was a popular fabric to use in the Old West for work dresses and such, but I had never heard of a Calico Ball, where the ladies sew a dress from calico to wear to the dance, then donate it afterwards to a group in need. These three stories are so different from each other even with the common theme, and I enjoyed each one. The western setting is a favorite of mine, and I loved the historical details and sweet romance. Carla Kelly's story has a dry humor and wit that enhanced the relationship that blossomed between Mary and Blade. Mary's point of view was interesting as an descendant of an esteemed Eastern Native American, yet endured prejudice and bigotry outside the protection of her family and community. I loved Blade and his frank candor, compassion, and support. Sarah M. Eden's story also has a subtle humor that made me smile, and I always love a good marriage of convenience story! Kristin Holt's story was unique with her two dentists that seem to be at odds, until they realize that they can accomplish so much more working together. A great collection of novellas and I can't wait for more!

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

Review: Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Two in the Nantucket Legacy series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiance. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?
 
Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

My Review

I loved Daphne and her stabilizing influence on the young family who is going through a rough transition. They are all grieving from an unexpected loss, and the long-awaited return of Ren brings secrets to light that have great effects on the islanders. I absolutely loved the historical Nantucket setting and learning more about their way of life. The excerpts from Great Mary's aged journal also show the survival of the first group of settlers to the island, and her unique way of looking at predicaments provide wise counsel to the generations who read her words. There is a strong supporting cast in this story with Patience, the servant who helps Daphne and then Ren with the children, Abraham, the first mate of the Endeavor whose unfailing loyalty to his captain comes back to save him, and even Lillian, Daphne's controlling mother who is a leader among the Quakers but her rigid hypocrisy brings conflict and consequences. This is a compelling story that brings its characters to life. I would have liked a little more romance, but the love triangle was drawn out and part of the conclusion.

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

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Don't miss Book One in the Nantucket Legacy series . . .

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.

In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island.

Review: The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lovely but tough as nails, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's former captivity with the Shawnee Indians, as well as the secret sins of her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. Though she faces the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, and the affection of a Shawnee warrior, Lael draws strength from the rugged land she calls home, and from Ma Horn, a distant relative who shows her the healing ways of herbs and roots found in the hills. But the arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself--and the power of grace and redemption.

This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman. Laura Frantz's debut novel offers a feast for readers of historical fiction and romance lovers alike.

My Review

This is a book that really touched my heart. It's an epic story spanning the years, a time of harsh struggles, where joy is found in simple and lovely things- a close friend, the beauty of nature, the excitement of dancing. Throughout the story as she grows into a young woman, Lael yearns to know and understand her own heart, and find peace. It's gentle, sobering, gritty, and realistic. I appreciated the historical details and I loved learning more about this time period and setting in our country's early history. Such a sweet romance as Lael grows and matures and gains faith to match her strength.

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

Review: Just the Way You Are by Pepper D. Basham

 Pleasant Gap Romance Book 1

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance safely housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her reluctant heart a very different type of discovery.

Wes Harrison has a past he’s ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cynical, he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.

When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?

My Review

I really thought I would enjoy this book more, but even with its quirky Appalachian and swoony British main characters, I had a difficult time connecting to them. I felt thrown into the story and wished for more of a setup to draw my interest to the plot. I was distracted by the alternate gushing and angsting of Eisley over Wes, and even though their kissing scenes were amazing, I felt like there was something missing. I think it would have helped to see more of their friendship developing early on, instead of being told about it. I did appreciate the way they shared their faith and even studied the Bible together. Eisley very much identifies as Appalachian, and the constant references to her personality and the contrast in cultures got old really quick.

The "treasure hunt" for details of a mysterious ancestor was fun, especially with secret passageways and abandoned castles, but even with layers being revealed, the story felt ambiguous. The villainess was rather two dimensional and predictable, and I thought it was a cliche plot device. It was a pleasant story overall, and all my Goodreads friends gave it 4 and 5 stars, so I'm definitely in the minority here. I'm not giving up on the author since I've read other stories of hers that I liked; this one was just a miss for me.

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

Review: The Promise of Home by Michele Paige Holmes

Book Three in the Hearthfire Romance: Scottish Historical series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

As Katie and Collin MacDonald prepare to embark on the most perilous journey of their lives— crossing the Atlantic to Nova Scotia— an ocean away Collin’s brother Ian is seeing the coast of Virginia for the first time.

After a voyage that would have cost Ian his life, except for the courage and timely aid of Elizabeth Campbell, Ian plans to risk the same returning to Scotland as soon as possible, even if that means stowing away. But as Eliza and Ian form an unlikely friendship, Ian realizes he cannot simply abandon Eliza and their fellow passengers to the cruel fates that await them. At the risk of his own freedom, he decides he must do what he can to help.

After a narrow escape in London, Katie and Collin cross the ocean swiftly, with the smaller ship Cleopatra making good time until she encounters a fierce storm near Sable Island. The tempest threatens both the ship and Katie’s fragile health, and their arrival in Halifax brings little relief, but further proof that the dangers of this new continent will equal or surpass the old.

My Review

I have really loved this series with its twists and turns, amazing setting, and vibrant characters. I was satisfied at the conclusion of book two, but thrilled that we would continue the story with the journey to America. This third book was different in that we get not only Katie's perspective, but also Ian's. I loved seeing the changes that Ian made as he turned back to the teachings of his father and influence of his brother Colin, but I felt like it happened so fast, including his feelings for Eliza. I wish there had been more development there like there was for Katie and Colin in the first book. Katie has a pretty rough time on the ship but there are also sweet moments between her and Colin that demonstrate the depth of their love and devotion. Katie's brother Timothy is a fun addition to the cast, as well as Eliza and the coopers that Ian works with. Katie's gift of sight comes into play and helps prepare them for their future home. Mistaken identity between Ian and Colin create a conflict that draws them into desperate circumstances, and the climax is full of tension and suspense as the Campbells and MacDonalds work together to save their laird. I loved the new unity that blossoms between the two rival clans as they make their way in the New World.

(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 two books in the Hearthfire Romance: Scottish Historical series

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761

Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother.

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Scottish Highlands, 1700s:

Barely two weeks have passed since Laird Collin MacDonald first darkened Katherine Mercer’s doorstep and married her. Marriage has hardly been what she expected, given their grueling and adventurous days of travel to the Scottish Highlands. Along with the discovery that Collin’s twin Ian would like to see her dead, Katie must now face her own clan, whose chief wants to kill Collin and take her to wife himself. All because Katie possesses the Campbell gift of sight, passed down through centuries of her ancestors.

With little more than faith in her grandfather’s vision and her unique bond with Collin to guide her, Katie steps bravely into an unknown future, where the glimpses afforded her may bring more danger than direction. When the misuse of her gift takes Collin from her side, she is left alone and vulnerable. Help arrives in the most unexpected form as Ian MacDonald makes good on his threat to attack the Campbells and Katie learns that the bond between brothers and love knows no bounds.

 

Review: Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Book One in the Blackbird Mountain series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love.

Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood.

My Review

This is the first book I've read by the author, and now I'm ready to go binge-read all her other books! I felt like my heart was being tugged on as I read the story of Aven and Thor, their thoughts, struggles, triumphs, and joys. The writing is absolutely beautiful and I just sank into it, not wanting to miss one word. Aven is such a thoughtful, compassionate person, having endured harsh circumstances and heartache, and blossoms in the supportive household of the Norgaard brothers. I loved her perspective as she quickly bonds with the brothers and the others that live on the property, embracing them as family. The sweet romance that develops between her and Thor after a rough beginning is amazing with lovely special moments that are quiet and intense. Thor is an unforgettable character, not just because of how he has succeeded despite his disability, but how he goes through the lowest of lows in order to overcome his weakness and be worthy of Aven. His gentle nature contrasts with his powerful strength and confidence, intriguing Aven and strengthening their connection. The family goes through ups and downs with violent neighbors, sibling rivalries, a new bride for the oldest brother, and a need to innovate their livelihood to save the farm. I was completely immersed from the first page to the last, and highly recommend this book!

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

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Looking forward to the next book in the Blackbird Mountain series, coming Spring 2019!

Synopsis

Two brothers were raised to know that Viking blood runs in their veins. But when it comes to passion and rivalry, they’re desperate to discover if God’s peace can dwell in their hearts.

Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia, once led a secluded life in the shadows of his charismatic brother, Haakon. Now married to the woman whose hand they both sought, Thor is honored to be the keeper of Aven’s heart. With his brother and longtime rival half a world away on the Norwegian ice trade, the Norgaard farm has become a haven—until a decades-old feud with the neighboring farm wrenches the family toward the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Lives are threatened and homes are at stake—especially for Thor, who shows signs of a grave illness brought to him at the first prick of warfare.

When Haakon finally allows the winds to bear him home after four years at sea, he finds the family on the brink of tragedy. Without hesitation, he rises to the challenge of protecting those he loves, but when it comes to his blood-deep rival and the woman he once loved, Haakon must draw lines not so easily marked—ones that shape a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know not only the healing peace of surrender but also the boundless gift of forgiveness.