I didn't get all 11 of my books read- a little ambitious for life with a toddler ;) but I was happy to get the following read during the read-a-thon...
Monday, September 28, 2015
Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon Wrap-up
I didn't get all 11 of my books read- a little ambitious for life with a toddler ;) but I was happy to get the following read during the read-a-thon...
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Review: Love's Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Victoria Donnelly is, as always, a failure. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, Victoria's determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed's enemy.
Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen's sons don't marry shipping barons' daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks.
He knows how to save drowning sailors, but how is he to save a woman from the biggest mistake of her life—without destroying both their hearts in the process?
My Review
This is one of those rare occasions where I loved the second book in a series more than the first! What stood out to me the most was how much action was depicted with the scenes of Elijah and his crew rescuing sailors and passengers from boats that hit rocks or sandbars during frigid storms on Lake Superior. I loved Elijah's passion for saving lives that otherwise would have been needlessly lost. His love for Victoria seems hopeless, but they continue to encounter each other and their restrained affection creates a palpable romantic tension. Every character in the story is flawed (some more than others) but all came to life because of their determination through the struggles each faced. I was sad for the emotional abuse Victoria endures from her family and Gilbert and how each attempt at expressing herself was met with contempt and manipulation. Thankfully she forms an unlikely bond with Elijah's defiant sister Rebekah and through her example learns of the true source of strength and confidence- relying on the Lord. Elijah and Victoria each focus on certain scripture verses for help as they struggle to follow their hearts amid pressure and conflict from family and the community.
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
E-book sale: $1.99 for Tried and True by Mary Connealy
Only $1.99 for the e-book of the first book in Mary Connealy's current series Wild at Heart. I loved the first two books Tried & True and Now & Forever, rating them both 5 stars. (Read my review for Tried & True here and Now & Forever here). The third and final book, Fire & Ice will be released on October 6th.
(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)
Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!
Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister—and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk—they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”—but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.
Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?
Friday, September 25, 2015
Review: Love's Unfading Light by Naomi Rawlings
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Tressa Danell is finished with men—from the wastrel who left her a widow, to the smelly trapper who keeps proposing, to the banker who wants to repossess her bakery. Every hour is spent working to pay off her late husband’s debt and keep a roof over her son’s head, though it’s doubtful she can do both for very long. But one thing’s certain—she’ll never be beholden to a man again.
Tired of living in a small town that blames him for actions his father committed ten years ago, Mac Oakton is scheduled to leave Eagle Harbor. So why does the pretty widow at the bakery keep tugging at his heart? He can’t get involved in her predicament when he’ll only be around for two more weeks.
But when Tressa’s burdens overwhelm her, they both face a decision. Can Mac set his own plans aside to help? And can Tressa accept his support if that means giving up her independence . . . and being obligated to a man again?
My Review
In the setting of the Great Lakes and a lighthouse community is a story of triumph over trials by seeking God's unwavering love during tribulation. There is an overall feeling of tension and despondency as Tressa is struggling just to keep her head above water. I just couldn't see how things were going to work out, but I was rooting for her and Mac the whole time and trusting that a happy ending would come. I enjoyed the few occasions of playful teasing between them which was a surprise and contrasted sharply with the mood of the book. It was difficult to bond with the community since both Mac and Tressa were victims of blatant hostility, gossip and prejudice for the sins of his father and her husband, they each only had one family of friends to turn to. I'm looking forward to reading the newly released second book in the series since this first book introduces the main characters that follow. I would recommend Love's Unfading Light to fans of Jody Hedlund's Beacons of Hope series.
(I purchased a copy of this book; this is my honest review)
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Review: A Match for Addy by Emma Miller
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Spinster Addy Coblentz fears she'll never marry. So her parents hire the new matchmaker who's moved to their Amish community of Seven Poplars. But Addy doesn't just want a match. She wants love. While some of her potential suitors are perfectly fine, only one man catches her eye. Gideon Esch is everything Addy's looking for: strong, kind—and handsome. But he's only a poor hired hand who can never give her family the stability they want. With her future happiness at stake, will Addy follow the rules…or follow her heart?
My Review
I liked the twists in this book. While Addy wants her own family, she is horrified that her parents hired the matchmaker to help her, especially when she is attracted to newcomer Gideon. She has lots of people giving her advice and trying to refine her rougher edges. I had a hard time with her mother who is sharp and seems to be acting in self-interest when she insists Addy marry for wealth so they will be taken care of in their old age. Gideon's thoughts are funny as he doesn't think he's ready to settle down or find a bride... until Addy slowly gets under his skin. They are sweet and fun together, even in their hard moments. A well-rounded story with a nice ending.
(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Monday, September 21, 2015
Review & Giveaway: Heart's Journey by Kristen McKendry
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Adventure is in her blood, so when wealthy eighteen-year-old Rachel Hamilton’s treasure hunting father disappears in the wilderness of British Columbia, she considers only one course of action: she will embark on a quest to find him. But for a well bred woman with little understanding of the world beyond her upper class existence, the harsh realities of the trail quickly become apparent. Woefully unprepared for the hardships of crossing a wild and unsettled continent, Rachel is hungry, lost, and distraught when handsome frontiersman Peter finds her in the middle of nowhere. Taking pity on the downtrodden young woman, Peter promises to escort her to the safety of civilization. Little does he realize he’s taking on a naïve and foolishly brave girl who will test the limits of his patience. But he also discovers the same naïve girl will blossom into a strong, competent, and captivating woman as they undertake an epic journey that will forever alter both their lives.
My Review
Heart's Journey is a wonderful book with characters that come alive and a well-paced adventure through the wilds of Canada. There are some harrowing moments, but what I loved was how Rachel slowly grew as she is exposed to a whole new world and the people in it, both good and bad. Peter is essential in helping her on this journey, not only physically but mentally as she learns to see things from a new perspective and reconsiders the quick judgements she makes based on her limited upbringing. The families they interact and bond with are endearing and create an excellent cast of secondary characters. The various terrains they travel across are easy to visualize and appreciate in their wild beauty, even through their desperate circumstances. I loved how Rachel came to prefer the freedom of the great outdoors after her body grew acclimated to the tough conditions. The book has the vibe of an epic pioneer trek but with a more unique setting and a variety of interesting subplots. The romance was perfect and enhanced the tale of Rachel's journey rather than becoming the focus of the book. There are great moments between she and Peter as their relationship also undergoes a journey of its own. Highly recommend!
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Blog Tour Schedule
September 22nd
September 23rd
September 24th
September 25th
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September 21st
September 22nd
September 23rd
September 24th
September 25th
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Review: Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
It is 1814 and the British have taken hold of Mackinac Island and its fort, forcing American residents to swear an oath of loyalty to the British crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a voyageur--a fur trader who left his family home to find freedom and adventure. He's been gone five years and when he returns, his family's farm is at the mercy of the British invaders.
Torn between the life he's grown used to and guilt over leaving his brother and mother, he's drawn back into the loyalist fight against the British--and into a relationship with Angelique Mackenzie, a beautiful local girl who's been befriended by the daughter of the British commander. As tensions mount and the threat of violence increases, both Angelique and Pierre must decide where their loyalties rest, how far they will go to find freedom, and how much they will risk to find love.
My Review
This novel is set in an amazing place and time. I felt like I learned so much about a part of the country and a period in history that was glossed over in my education (I had a horrible history teacher- so tragic!) The characters in this book made it come alive and it was so easy to envision every aspect. My attention was held throughout and didn't feel as though the story was predictable. Because the island is somewhat isolated and caught between two sides in a war, there is a feeling of tension and loneliness and apprehension. Angelique lives in circumstances that elicit pity, yet she is strong, brave, and compassionate. I admired her sacrifice as she kept the mother of Pierre alive through the harsh winter in depraved conditions. Pierre was a bit too cocky for me yet he is undergoing a humbling change as he turns from the ways of his past and moves towards God. Even though the future is uncertain and full of danger, Pierre and Angelique have a camaraderie and banter that make falling in love easy, even though they fight against it for various complicated reasons.
(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Review: Her Christmas Guardian by Shirlee McCoy
My rating: 3 stars / I liked it
Former army ranger Boone Anderson immediately senses danger when he spots Scout Cramer and her precious little girl while holiday shopping. Then two cars suddenly give chase in the parking lot—kidnapping the child. His worst suspicions are confirmed, and professional instincts propel him into action. Having lost his own infant daughter years before, Boone is determined to reunite the beautiful single mother and her missing child. But when a secret from Scout's past finally catches up to her, she must work with her self-appointed guardian to save her daughter. Before the kidnappers cancel Christmas for all of them… permanently.
My Review
There was definitely a feeling of desperation in this suspense novel of kidnapping and hostage rescue. I liked the characters and the team that Boone worked with. The sense of connection between Scout and Boone helped make the light romantic feelings between them believable in the midst of a crisis. There were some plot points that felt muddled and didn't quite come together, as well as some decisions made by the police and hostage team that didn't seem realistic.
(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Monday, September 14, 2015
Giveaway! The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall in print format!
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
I loved The Everstone Chronicles series by Dawn Crandall! They were previously available in e-book only but because they are so popular, the publisher is making them available in print. Enter below to win one of five print copies of The Hesitant Heiress that Dawn is giving away!
After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, Washington, disappearing before her very eyes. Now, the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: Marry within the year to inherit the immense fortune of her estranged grandmother. Amaryllis reluctantly moves in to her aunt's Boston home and rubs shoulders with fashionable society. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother's tragic death. However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems...and everything she never knew she wanted. But can she ever really trust an Everstone man?
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Review & Giveaway: Simply Anna by Jennifer Moore
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Suffering from a cruel heartbreak, Lord Philip Hamilton has been driven to seek refuge from the painful memories haunting London, and his father’s Jamaican sugar cane plantation provides just the escape he needs. Philip finds solace in his hard work and takes comfort in the fact that his distance from society ensures that his heart will be protected from future entanglements. Protected, that is, until the unexpected appearance of a mysterious woman with no memory of her past. The only clue to her identity is a necklace inscribed with a name: Anna. In a matter of weeks, this gentle, intelligent, and impossibly beautiful stranger turns Philip’s world upside down. But as the bond between the pair grows, the threat of Philip losing his heart once more is only the beginning of the dangers that await. Island renegades and a ruthless band of pirates clash in a swashbuckling battle, and it soon becomes clear that these villains may be the key to unlocking Anna’s past...
My Review
A little slow to start but what an adventure! I was glad that the story began with a bit about Anna from before she lost her memory so I felt like I knew her even though she didn't know herself. The author did a wonderful job of revealing further attributes of her character through the situations and difficulties she faced on Jamaica. Phillip did not make a good first impression on me but he also had some refining experiences at the plantation which made the strength and goodness of his personality shine. The setting is one that is unique in my reading experience and I felt that I learned some history of the time, how plantations were run, the sad reality of slave labor and the perceptions held by society in Jamaica during the period. There are several friends that Anna and Phillip make which give great dimension to the story. Ezekiel, the young black boy who serves in the household is my favorite, he is just one to make you smile :) The danger and action that takes place in the latter part of the novel is well placed and makes the ending an exciting one. The romance between Phillip and Anna lacked tension but was sweet, especially as they came to rely on each other. I especially enjoyed when Phillip would surprise Anna by asking her opinion on a weighty matter and value the perspective she offered.
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
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Blog Tour Schedule
Sept 16th
Getting Your Read On
Katie's Clean Book Collection
I Love to Read and Review Books
Why Not? Because I Said So
LDS Women's Book Review
My Book a Day
Getting Your Read On
Katie's Clean Book Collection
I Love to Read and Review Books
Why Not? Because I Said So
LDS Women's Book Review
My Book a Day
Sept 18th
Fire and Ice Reads
Bookworm Lisa
Little Light Design Collective
Bloggin' 'Bout Books
Books Are Sanity
Fire and Ice Reads
Bookworm Lisa
Little Light Design Collective
Bloggin' 'Bout Books
Books Are Sanity
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