Review: Happily Ever After on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Sensible and cautious, Naomi Coblenz lives to help everyone else be happy—particularly when it comes to her twin sister, Ruth. So Omi certainly can’t admit she’s always loved handsome Bo Helmuth, since he and Ruth have begun courting. To look out for her sometimes-thoughtless sister, Omi even poses as Ruth on a ride home alone with Bo. But it doesn’t take Bo long to see the truth—and really notice Omi for the first surprising, hopelessly-wonderful time . . . 
 
Bo thought he was in love with the vivacious Ruth. But he can’t stop thinking about Omi’s kindness and understanding, especially since she refuses to hurt her sister. And he can’t figure out a way to tell Ruth they aren’t really suited for each other. His only hope is that his ever-resourceful Dawdi and Mammi can help faith guide the way—and at last claim a happy ending for all.

My Review

I can always count on Jennifer Beckstrand's Amish romances for a few laugh out loud moments as well as low-key drama and angst. Naturally a story with twins will have an identity swap, but I admired that Omi didn't want to do it and felt bad about deceiving Bo. She has loyalty to her sister, although it was frustrating that she didn't recognize that Ruth didn't have the same devotion to her. It felt easy as a reader to think what she should have done instead, but Omi has a strong desire to keep a good relationship with her twin. Forbidden romance blended with family dynamics brought the conflict, and only Bo's meddling grandparents Anna and Felty had hope for straightening it all out. I just love those two!


Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Don't miss the amazing books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . . 

 

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Joseph, Where Are You? by Sandra Meaders

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Discover early Church history with prominent members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like Joseph Smith, Jane Elizabeth Manning, and Brigham Young. This inspiring book will help children develop a love for Church history.

My Review

With the church-wide study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I think this is a wonderful book to help young readers visualize some of the historical figures we will learn about. Not only leaders of the restoration of Christ's church, but regular members who made an impact through their faith and example. The illustrations are colorful and delightful, and the information shared is perfect for both junior and senior Primary-aged children. Even as an adult I learned some new things about our church history!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Giveaway

 

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Book Tour & Review: Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .

Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

 

"Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights.

My Review

I was curious to see how a blend of two different fairy tales would work, and the author totally pulled it off! For me it was because she took elements from each story and worked them into the new setting, and didn't try to closely retell either story. That way it is fun when you notice a subtle nod to the fairy tales or see how a plot line relates to one or both stories. Letty has been isolated with her grandmother and "pet" wolf, but it has strengthened her and prepared her for the fight to reunite with her mother. Philip admires her from their first meeting, and his regard grows as they get to know one another in tension-filled circumstances. I enjoyed the pace of the suspenseful story as they journey towards Letty's future but also the danger that threatens her, with various roadblocks that must be overcome with their combined skills and faith.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Texas Ever After series

 

 

About the Author

 

 

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.

Book Tour & Review: The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a "respectable female partner" in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he's hiding and if he's any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review

The tragedy and scandal of Claire was revealed bit by bit in the first two books, and now we have the chance to know her and her experiences. After paying penance at her borderline-abusive aunt's house, Claire has returned to Sidmouth on her own terms of employment, close enough to the family for a reunion, but waiting for them to meet when they are comfortable. Each sister had been affected differently by Claire's choice, but it was heartwarming to see them open and forgiving, even though it might have been hard for some. Their mother, however, is torn between her love for her daughter and her late husband's wishes of disownment. The pace of the story is much slower than I'm used to, but it matches the pace of life in Sidmouth, exploring the variety of characters and the lovely setting, building upon the story with each day that passes. The gentle romance is achingly slow to come about, and the focus on at least the first half of the book is Claire acclimating to her new life as manager of the boardinghouse as well as the company of those she works with there and her estranged family. I was relieved when her relationships began to develop more fully, and a bit of intrigue was introduced as Mr. Hammond's former line of work as a diplomat brings an element of mystery to Claire's days in Sidmouth.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

On Devonshire Shores series

 

 

About the Author

 

 

 

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit JulieKlassen.com.

Review: What Dreams May Come by Dana LeCheminant

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

In a bid to escape the incessant attentions of a man she does not love, governess Lucy Hayes embarks on a journey to begin a new post. But when she’s stranded in a storm, her plans go shockingly awry. Desperate times call for desperate measures: against her better judgment, she agrees to a foolhardy scheme presented by a handsome stranger, known to her as only William. But when her mysterious benefactor falls ill, she finds herself unwittingly drawn into his family home in a case of mistaken identity: they believe she is William’s betrothed. Though she realizes she should admit the truth, the family’s warmth and welcome make it all too easy to play along, just for a while. Until she meets Baron Lord Simon Calloway, William’s older brother.

Simon is suspicious of his lovely future sister-in-law, a woman who seems completely unsuited to his self-important brother. As they wait for William to awake, Simon and Lucy are drawn ever closer together. But danger draws closer too, in the form of her unwanted suitor. Lucy knows that when Simon discovers the truth, he will despise her. Now she must find a way to keep herself safe . . . and avoid falling hopelessly in love with a man she can never have.

My Review

What a mess Lucy is in! She is kept safe with the family of William, but she knows it is temporary. For Simon it's a case of forbidden love as he thinks that Lucy is his brother's fiancee. It's all very While You Were Sleeping, and the author even slipped in some well-known quotes from the movie as well as similar characters and scenes. It was interesting to see the modern story applied to Regency times, with the differences in the way society worked and the roles of women and men. Lucy struggles with the deception, but self-preservation ultimately keeps her from confiding in Simon, even after they develop a friendship and attraction. It was an entertaining read, but I don't think the nods to the original story were subtle enough for me. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series which is a Regency take on You've Got Mail.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the next book in the Calloway series . . .

 

 

Review: The Quit List by Katie Bailey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He quit believing in love a long time ago. She won't quit until she finds The One... and he's everything she's NOT looking for.

Holly Greene is on a mission to find her happily ever after. And her journey to love does not include a detour to Bad Boy Bartenderville, population Jax Grainger.

Jax may be witty, smart-mouthed, and handsome, but he’s the kind of guy who views love as a four-letter word… and the last thing Holly needs is to waste any more time.

She’s in her seeking Prince Charming era, not her playboy villain era.

But after he saves her from the world’s worst date, Holly sees an opportunity: Jax may not check any of the boxes on her list, but he’s the perfect person to help her find a man who does.

All she has to do is stick to the plan—and stay out of the sexy bartender’s arms.

Easy peasy lemon sque... Oops.

My Review

I love this author's books, especially her dynamic characters and the chemistry between them. Holly and Jax both have some growing to do, and they helped each other in unexpected ways to overcome struggles and discover important things about themselves. They had great banter and I loved their friendship that developed into more with their undeniable attraction and the way their goals for the future shifted and aligned. I don't mind a bit of mild swearing but this one had it more frequently than I care for.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.