Review: A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Keeping company with a reputed pirate is one thing, but falling in love with him could ruin the eccentric Crestwood family for good...

Sophie Crestwood is never going to catch a husband. Her father is a gossip, her mother has her nose in a book, and little Jack has shamefully been dismissed from boarding school. Worst of all, a pirate moves next door into Pembroke Hall.

When Sophie's sent to a matchmaking party at a neighboring estate, the pirate from Pembroke arrives and distracts everyone from the summer festivities. Unguarded, her feelings about the mysterious Captain Murdock bloom into a trusted friendship that Sophie fears may come to mean more than anyone would ever suspect.

My Review

My experience reading this book was varied. I was excited for the story from reading an excerpt during its promotional blog tour, but once I got into it, I discovered that overall the author's writing style isn't my cup of tea, as well as being annoyed by the main character Sophie. She seems likable enough, but also behaves in a shallow manner, at times immature, condescending, judgmental. Fortunately she improves over the course of the book, but later when she is called on her earlier behavior, she denies it, or at least never comes to a full understanding, which made me not feel sorry for the consequences she faces. I think telling part of the story from Captain Murdock's perspective might have balanced out Sophie's voice. There are some twists that brought action and interest to the plot, but much of the story was slowed by mundane details (which more serious lovers of history or the Regency era might appreciate more than me).

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

Review: My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey by Amanda Barratt

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where...
She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love.  When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

My Review

Adele is a bit of a hot mess. She puts on a good façade, but her desperate circumstances lead her to desperate measures, and even more desperate choices. I appreciated the setting and learning a little history of Niagara Falls, but there was something about the story that prevented me from fully enjoying it. Perhaps it was Adele's duplicity and hypocrisy- taking the moral high ground over the tightrope walkers "exploiting" the Falls, while she pursues Mr. Conway for his wealth even though she can't stand him. I liked Drew and his devotion to his invalid sister and her care, but felt like there was a lack of chemistry between him and Adele, even thought they kept coming across each other coincidentally in order to bring two people from separate classes together. Drew's sister Hope was sweet and I would have liked to see more of her in the book. I was curious to see how the author would bring these two star-crossed lovers together in the end, and it was a bumpy ride- Adele's choices getting worse and worse until her final attempt to redeem the consequences of her betrayal. There was a spiritual message of trusting God but even though Adele went through the thought process, her actions proved that she still relied on herself and herself alone. While the ending included an epilogue, there were several loose threads that never got tied up, leaving me feeling dissatisfied.

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

More from the My Heart Belongs series...

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss: Priscilla's Reveille by Erica Vetsch
My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmella's Quandary by Susan Page Davis
My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca's Plight by Susanne Dietze 
My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels
My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar
My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice by Angie Dicken 
My Heart Belongs in San Fransisco, California: Abby's Prospects by Janice Thompson (March 2018)
My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Millie's Resolve by Rebecca Jepson (May 2018)
My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search by Kathleen Y'Barbo (July 2018)

 

Review: Saving Sycamore Bay by Cami Checketts

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

A football hero. A southern belle in need. Can they rescue her home together? 

Harrison Jackson graduated from Auburn University with his master's in accounting and thought he was leaving the world of college football and adoring fans to crunch numbers and make money. Little did he know his boss has other plans for him--a beautiful southern belle and her family's mansion that are both in need of rescue and more than a little TLC.
 
Grace Addison lost her mother and daddy within a year of each other, she is not going to lose the only home her family has known. Her ex-boyfriend and lawyer are trying to talk her into selling and she has no money to fight anyone, but she has her determination and her pride. When the most handsome and strong-looking man she's ever seen shows up on her doorstep, claiming he's been sent to help her, she thinks he's salvation and an angel combined. When she finds out he's an accountant, she laughs in his face.
 
Someone is determined to take or burn Grace's home no matter how hard she and Harrison fight. Can she trust Harrison to protect her or should she give up her dreams?

My Review

This story has a promising premise, but I just could not get through it easily. I liked Harrison's character and the way he is such a gentleman, but Grace was such a spaz, and not in a cute way. The romance happened way too fast and I didn't feel any real connection between them. I thought it was irrational that Grace was sad and upset that Harrison came because his boss asked him to, but since they were complete strangers, why else would he be there? Her childhood friend that keeps coming on too strong was over the top and made me want to roll my eyes. I guess I'm a fan of more subtlety in villains. There was also a lot of repetition of why Grace's situation was so impossible and I found myself skimming to get to the parts where the plot moved forward.

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

The Destined for Love Mansions series:

Kiss Me in the Rain by Lindzee Armstrong
Roping His Heart by Jaclyn Hardy
The Princess and The Pizza Man by Cassie Mae
Mending Fences by Lorin Grace
Love Me at Sunset by Lucinda Whitney
Saving Sycamore Bay by Cami Checketts

Review: Kiss Me in the Rain by Lindzee Armstrong

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Will she risk the home she treasures for the man she loves?

Cypress Grove has always been a treasured constant in Layla's perfect life. Now the mansion will be sold to the highest bidder if she doesn’t date an investor's son. The problem? The man she really wants just rolled into town.

Tyler is done being responsible and never going after what he wants. Layla's finally given him the courage to quit grad school and use his student loans to flip houses. And he's decided to move near Cypress Grove to do it.

When Layla happens upon suspicious ledgers at the mansion, her family's financial woes take a sinister turn. As Tyler and Layla work together to find the culprit, the attraction between them threatens to burst into flames. But admitting their feelings could spell disaster for Cypress Grove.

My Review

This story did not capture my interest as I read. I think it began with not being able to connect with Layla and Tyler due to a lack of character development. It might have been different if I had read the previous book they were introduced in. I felt like I started the story halfway through. Things just started happening and I was reading what was going on, but felt removed from it all. Layla came across as snobbish in some ways (judging others as "gauche"), yet didn't understand why Tyler thought she wouldn't be okay dating someone who didn't fit her standard of living. The fake engagement plot felt a little over the top, and I agreed with Tyler when he called it a "crazy alternate reality." I thought it was cool that he wanted to restore old properties and flip the houses, but didn't think that using his student loan money was an honest way to get started. Shouldn't he have gotten a personal loan or business loan for that? It felt like the story jumped back and forth between Tyler's project and Layla's project instead of being more cohesive. Even though I thought this book was just okay, some of my other reviewer friends enjoyed it so you still might want to give it a chance, especially if you read Kiss Me in the Moonlight by the same author.

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

Part of the Destined for Love Mansions series:

Kiss Me in the Rain by Lindzee Armstrong
Roping His Heart by Jaclyn Hardy
The Princess and The Pizza Man by Cassie Mae
Mending Faces by Lorin Grace
Love Me at Sunset by Lucinda Whitney
Saving Her Plantation by Cami Checketts

Review: Starting Over at Steeple Ridge by Liz Isaacson

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Tucker Jenkins has had enough of tall buildings, traffic, and business meetings to determine the next app that will change the world. He's sold his technology firm for billions and traded it for Steeple Ridge Horse Farm in rural Vermont.

Missy Marino has worked at the boarding stable and farm since she was a teen, and she's always dreamed of owning it. But her ex-husband left her with a truckload of debt, making her fantasies of owning the farm unfulfilled.

When she meets Tucker, she starts having a new kind of fantasy—one where they work with the horses together. Tucker didn't come to the country to find a new wife, but he supposes a woman could help him start over in Steeple Ridge. Will Tucker and Missy be able to navigate the shaky ground between them to find a new beginning?

My Review

This story had a good premise, but I didn't quite connect with the characters. I wish there had been more development before they jumped into a relationship- it felt kind of surface level. Missy is getting her feet back under her after a messy divorce, and Tucker hasn't dated since he left his pessimistic wife. Missy resents that he bought the horse farm, but his handsome looks and physique make her forget that for a while, until later in the story when some conflict is needed. Tucker quickly falls in love with the country life and appreciates Missy's no frills beauty. There didn't seem to be much substance to their friendship beyond working together and kissing- I would have liked to see more depth in their interactions. I was let down when Tucker turns out to be a pushover for Missy's drama, and found myself skimming through the last quarter of the book to make it to the predictable ending.

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

Review: Her Rancher Bodyguard by Brenda Minton

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Bodyguard Boone Wilder isn't keen on his latest mission: watching over a pretty politician's daughter. Boone is from quiet Texas Hill Country, and Kayla is a showy city gal. But once safely settled at the Wilder Ranch, Boone watches Kayla enjoy cooking with his family, caring for his relatives and bottle-feeding calves. There's more to her than he ever knew. Still, the former soldier's wounds are way too deep to let Kayla close. But when he discovers that someone wants to hurt Kayla, Boone must risk his heart to protect what he cares about most.

My Review

I normally love reading books by this author, but I had a hard time getting into this one. I didn't feel a connection to the characters at all, it was like the story jumped right into the plot without any introduction to who they are. Because of that, it was hard to hold my interest. I noticed that this book is part of a series, I wonder if there is any initial character development in the previous books. Perhaps if I had started from the beginning and read them in order it might have helped.

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

Review & Giveaway: Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way ...

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After his failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

My Review

Starving Hearts was more suspenseful than I anticipated, and I had an overall feeling of trepidation as I read the novel. The villain was despicable and his evil plans were made apparent from the beginning. Annette and Peter were likeable enough, but I wished more character development in the beginning had been balanced with the details of the events occurring. The dialogue was formal and felt historically accurate, yet sometimes made it hard to follow or maintain interest. I was relieved when Annette's repetitive bemoaning of the lack of intelligent people to converse with tapered off. A large part of the book focuses on the African slave trade, with both Annette and Peter supporting its abolition. I didn't feel a great connection to the story or characters, rather more removed as an observer. I think fans of historical fiction might appreciate the setting and topic, but since I tend to enjoy books of a more romantic nature, I didn't find that this one was for me.

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Starving Hearts
• A bottle of essential oils
• An essential oils diffuser necklace
• A chiffon scarf
• A shoulder handbag
• A copy of Jane Austen's World

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.

Review: A Gentleman's Kiss Romance Collection: 9 Modern Romances with an Old-Fashioned Quality by Ginny Aiken, Kristin Billerbeck, Lynn A. Coleman, Peggy Darty, Nancy J. Farrier, Rebecca Germany, Bev Huston, Yvonne Lehman , Gail Sattler, Pamela Kaye Tracy

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Are you ready for some good old-fashioned romance in a contemporary setting? Then you’ll enjoy these nine stories of modern women who are forced to slow down and take a new look at dating and romance when new men enter their lives. For some it will take vacation time, others will discover through music, while some need the gentle nudges from both God and Grandma. Delight in discovering how chivalry is not dead despite the stresses of today’s world.

My Review

I struggled through this collection of novellas. While the premise of each story was somewhat interesting, I found the dialogue to be either cheesy, stilted, preachy, immature, or unrealistic. Some were so slow paced they lost my interest, while others moved the plot forward in ways that seemed contrived. I loved the cover of the book and thought it gave the impression that the stories would be more romantic than I found them to be.

(Thank you to Barbour Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: A Healing Spirit by Melissa A. Hanson

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

A freak ski accident brings nineteen-year old Mia Kinney within minutes of death. Hurt and scared, Mia is calmed by the southern drawl and clear green eyes of her rescuer.

Twenty-one year old Dylan Blackburn is one of the first Ski Patrol members on the scene. As his patient is airlifted to the local trauma center, he can’t shake her from his thoughts.

As Mia fights for her life, Dylan, is haunted by the blond hair beauty, and knows he needs to make sure she’s going to be okay.

With a troubled past Dylan has vowed never to completely open himself up to another girl, but Mia continues to knock down every wall he’s constructed. When his past arrives at his front door and threatens once again someone that he loves, will Dylan be able to save Mia yet again? Or will he be too late this time?

A story of love, friendship, and the determination to turn a horrible experience into something worthwhile.

My Review

The first third of the book is Mia's ski accident told from multiple perspectives- it was jumping around in brief vignettes so much that the flow was choppy and hard to hold interest; I ended up scanning much of it. The early character development was lacking, but the action moved things forward. The dialogue and narrative is not as stilted as the previous book in the series but could still use more depth. I don't think this is an author whose style is my cup of tea.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: A Healing Heart by Melissa A. Hanson

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

On a bitter cold winter night Bailey Walsh’s family was killed in a traffic accident. Two years later as she lives with her aunt and uncle in Southern California, Bailey is still plagued by the nightmares of that terrible night. Everywhere around her are reminders of what she lost. Even her aunt, in a cruel twist of fate, is not just her mom’s sister, but her identical twin. Babysitting Riley, a spunky two-year old, is a sweet distraction and one constant light in her life. One day as she takes Riley to the park she meets Collin McKenna, a senior at her high school and her life is changed forever as he helps her find herself and realize her life is worth living. As the romance between them grows her broken heart begins to heal. However, still nagging in the back of her conscious is the fear that her new found happiness could come crashing down and she could lose everything she loves, yet again. Outside forces begin to tear them apart and Bailey must learn to trust in herself and realize that she is worthy of happiness. That sometimes love and healing comes in unexpected forms.

My Review

This book has a great premise, but the writing fell flat for me. It started out fine as Bailey is relating her situation to the reader, but as she encounters Collin the narrative turns into a play-by-play of the day and unimportant actions, the dialogue is stilted, including polite greetings and clichés, and the inner thoughts have no depth. It's written in first person from three different perspectives- Bailey, Collin, and Savannah (Colin's childhood friend and Bailey's new competition). I didn't think Savannah's perspective was necessary- it was always short and could have been portrayed through Bailey's observations. I was disappointed the story felt rather two-dimensional, but the themes of grief and finding happiness in the wake of tragedy are ones I relate to. This is a story that I would recommend to young teenage readers.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)