Review: The Mischief Thief by Johnnie Alexander

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Two wrongs don’t make a right . . . except when they do.

For con artist Chaney Rose, life hasn’t been easy. In desperate need of cash, she readily accepts a gig from an unethical attorney to recover Mischief, a stolen racehorse. Hunting for clues, she breaks into the suspected thief’s home only to be caught—with a few pilfered items in her pockets—by the police detective who’s tailing her.

By-the-book Adam Thorne was fired from his church ministry because of his father’s involvement with the valuable racehorse. He arrives home to find a detective arresting the young woman who broke into his house. In a burst of Les Miserables-inspired charity, he claims he gave Chaney the stolen items.

Adam needs Chaney’s help to find his father who has disappeared along with Mischief. But when Chaney learns that Mischief’s owner intends to kill the horse, she needs Adam’s help to expose the cruel plan before it’s too late.

Can a con artist with a conscience and a minister without a ministry team up to do the wrong thing for the right reason?

My Review

This was an interesting story! I didn't know quite what to expect since I haven't read this author before, and I was pleasantly surprised. The character development was great, and the plot was exciting. The only thing I missed was a romantic thread and a spiritual thread. Adam sees Chaney as a younger sister, but because she's portrayed as only a few years younger than him, I was waiting for a romance to develop, which never did. They had a genuine friendship though, and Adam feels protective of street-smart Chaney who allows her vulnerability to peek through. Adam shows her how compassionate and kindness are not weaknesses but admirable qualities. She feels guilty for her deception as they work together to solve the mystery of the missing horse, but is motivated by more than meets the eye. While about one half to two-thirds of the book is focused on discovering the hiding place of the horse and Adam's father, a big chunk is also about what happens after, with plenty of twists and turns. I was engaged the whole time I read and was satisfied with the ending... even though there was no kissing ;)

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

Review & Giveaway: A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience's elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister's antics - but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother's former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth - and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn't helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated that she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong - even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

My Review

A Proper Charade is full of delightful characters with endearing mannerisms. Patience is a character I can't help but like. She's impulsive and adventurous, but with a good heart that wants to please her brother and I think prove it to herself that she can be more than what society expects of her.  I most enjoyed that Anthony and Patience were genuine, especially with each other. They are sincerely seeking to find their place in the world without compromising their true selves or being forced to change for someone else or society. Their personalities complement each other- she appreciated how he grounded her, and found her  liveliness engaging. I thought it was admirable that she was not fooled by the other charming and frivolous men in higher society, but saw clearly Anthony's superior character. And the first kiss scene is so fun- definitely not the generic kisses that are often found in the genre. I found it inventive and felt that it also demonstrated their personalities in a creative way.

One thing I really appreciated in the story was that Miss Morgan, who plays the role of villainess, wasn’t overdone. She was portrayed with just the right balance of unlikeable while still being believable that Anthony would be pursuing her for so long without suspecting her true motives. The personalities of the family members and their dynamics were complex without being complicated, and added depth to the story and aided in showing more layers of Anthony and Patience. Overall this story was highly entertaining and had such a satisfying resolution and happy ending. One of my favorites of the year and I'll definitely be re-reading it in the future. Highly recommend!!!

(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 book in the series . . .

Connect with Author Esther Hatch

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Review: The Innkeeper's Bride by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Bestselling author Kathleen Fuller returns to the Amish community of Birch Creek, where an inn provides the perfect backdrop for romance.

Levi Stoll moved to Birch Creek with his widowed father, sister, and grandmother to run a much-needed inn in the small town. Within this thriving community Levi has found his purpose and joy in the new inn. It doesn’t hurt that the move also provides him a fresh start, leaving behind some mistakes he’d much rather forget.

Selah Ropp has returned to Birch Creek after trying to outrun her own unhappiness. Genuinely glad to be back with old friends, Selah starts to work at the inn and can’t deny the sparks that fly between her and the handsome innkeeper. He’s like no man she’s ever met.

But Selah has a past, and she knows Levi will reject her if he discovers it. What she doesn’t know is that Levi is overcoming his own past mistakes while trying to ignore his attraction to his employee.

With Kathleen Fuller’s trademark humor and memorable characters, The Innkeeper’s Bride reminds us all that with God’s grace, the past is forgotten and love will reign supreme.

My Review

I was so happy to see Selah get her own happy ending! She was a complicated character in the previous books in the series, so it was nice to learn more about her past and understand her struggle with depression. I enjoyed the cast of characters which included Levi's family, Selah's friends and family, and a non-Amish guest at the inn with secrets of his own. I thought the plot was interesting and added another dimension to the story when it delved into the father-son relationship of Jackson, the guest, and his father who owns a local motel and feels threatened by the new Amish inn. We also see the elderly couple, Cevilla and Richard, hit some rocky spots along their relationship journey. Levi is such a likeable guy, and even though he and Selah have their own ups and downs, their friendship was wonderful and naturally blossomed into more. This has been a delightful series with fun characters and a heart-warming community.

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

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Don't miss the other books in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series . . .

Review & Giveaway: The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

Read an excerpt from Kregel by clicking here!

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My Review

Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes because I love seeing the characters get to know each other in such close circumstances and overcome unique obstacles to become partners in heart. The themes of trust and integrity are explored here as secrets play a big part in the conflict and plot. Evan and Diana both have traumatic experiences they are dealing with- Evan from the war and Diana from her abusive father. I loved the way these two hurting people were able to come together and help each other begin to heal. The romance was perfect and I appreciated the subtle humor that was woven in. This is the first Regency book I've read where the Prince Regent plays such a meddling role! The author hit a perfect balance between development of the characters and their relationship and the suspense and intrigue that kept the pace of the book moving forward toward the climax and satisfying conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! Definitely one that fans of sweet romance won't want to miss!

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

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.  

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Connect with Erica Vetsch and learn more about her books: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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The next book in the Serendipity & Secrets series is available for pre-order!

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Giveaway

Review: The Noble Smuggler by Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Despite living at her father’s inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be.

When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father’s death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharade, Jonas’s life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler’s daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.

My Review

What stood out to me first was the era- late 1700's. The politics of the time come into play along with powdered wigs, but both were used moderately- thank goodness! ;) Elizabeth and Jonas both rescue each other in turn, and their bond forms quickly. They instinctively trust, even before they know the secrets the other is hiding. There is a wonderful sense of anticipation and suspense throughout the entire story as they work together to end the smuggling through more than one avenue, and uncover the mystery behind Jonas's father's death. I especially enjoyed the mother and sister of Jonas and the unpretentious way they accept and embrace Elizabeth into their fold. Elizabeth never aspires to join the upper class, feeling more comfortable with a future as a maid, but her role in undermining the master of the smugglers keeps her uncovering clues with Jonas and his family and friends. All the while the danger mounts from both the smugglers and her unscrupulous father and corrupt magistrate. While I wished for more chemistry and romantic development between Jonas and Elizabeth, the strong plot kept me glued to the pages as I read to the satisfying conclusion.

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

Review: Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore wants only one thing—to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather’s looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own—without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart.

My Review

This book was an absolute delight to read! It had it all for me- conflict, sacrifice, humor, yearning, and interestingly complex dynamics. The relationship between Amelia and Peter started with friction- more antagonistic on her side because of a debacle over a pair of gloves. It was fun to see how their interactions altered over time as she got to know him better and see more layers to his personality. Peter reminds me a bit of Philip from Edenbrooke- charming, loves to laugh, teasing, and full of longing for his secret love, bringing a sense of vulnerability as well. The dynamics of those in the house party kept me on my toes as Amelia struggles to forge a future of security for her and Clara. She has to decide between a guaranteed practicality or a risky choice of love, which she has never believed in due to her parents' example. I loved how everything builds up to the climax and ending where I was satisfied with the resolutions for all my favorite characters.

Highly recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance, especially those who enjoyed Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson.

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