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)

Review: Steal My Heart by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She’s ready to leave Prosper behind, forever. So why did she have to meet him, of all times, and at all places? That was never the plan.

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Prosperity Ranch!

Disaster seems to follow Evie Prosper’s dating life everywhere. A fresh start can only mean leaving Prosper forever, which is what she’s determined to do, until she meets Carson Hunt. He unknowingly saves her from another dating disaster, yet their paths keep crossing. Carson is relocating to Prosper of all places, and if Evie could change that one thing about him, she might rethink their connection.

My Review

LOVED IT!!! Evie starts out seeming a bit fickle, but we quickly get to know her and understand her vulnerabilities and source of naiveté. She is easily likeable which makes it realistic for Carson to fall for her. Carson- he is something else. Almost too good to be true! I appreciated his level of maturity and confidence, his self-awareness of the struggles he faces and acceptance that he is handling his grief in his own way. Despite that, he is open and friendly, and perfect for Evie with his consideration and compassion. His confidence rubs off on her and I loved seeing her recognize her own strength and capabilities. This is the kind of romance that for me is just such a pleasure and even comforting to read, and I needed it at a time like this (for future reference- the COVID-19 quarantine). I enjoyed more of the Prosper family and their dynamics and can't wait for the next book!

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

---

Don't miss the first book in the Prosperity Ranch series . . .

Review: Valley of Dreams by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She's come to build a future. He's running from his past.

Patrick O’Connor has seen far too much of the cruel and unforgiving world. Life has beaten him down relentlessly. Out of hope and out of options, he makes the terrifying and desperate decision to return home to the family he has lied to for years, the family he knows will never forgive him.

Widowed and nearly unable to care for her tiny daughter under the weight of extreme poverty, Eliza Porter jumps at the opportunity to leave behind the slums of New York City for the promise of a new life and a new beginning in the frontier town of Hope Springs.

Fate tosses the two of them together more and more often, while the burden of his tightly-held secrets and the ache of her abandoned dreams pull them further and further apart. Clinging to the whispered possibility of something more than the pain life has offered them thus far will require every bit of hope they can find in this peaceful but precarious valley of dreams.

My Review

I fall more in love with this family with each book! I'm so happy that Patrick turned up alive, especially since we got to know him before the war in My Dearest Love. It's heartbreaking to see what he's gone through and how he's changed. I love that even though he struggles with his family, Eliza and her toddler daughter are able to bring the lighter side of him to the surface with their friendliness and acceptance. The O'Connor and Archer family members from the previous books don't just make an appearance, but their personalities shine through as they interact with Patrick and Eliza. Ian and Patrick especially struggled with their reconciliation, which made it all the sweeter when they finally overcame the hard feelings. There is plenty of teasing banter, especially with Tavish around, and Eliza fits in the family perfectly in that way. She and Patrick share a sense of humor which is a good foundation when their feelings and attraction grows stronger with time. Conflicts and self-doubt make their relationship road a bit bumpy, but it's a wonderful journey of redemption and forgiveness with strong family bonds and sweet romance.

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

---

Don't miss the previous books in the Longing for Home / Hope Springs series . . .

Review: Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean

Book Three in the Sound of Silence series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart. I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.

Until it wasn’t.

He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.

But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.

Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.

I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.

To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.

However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.

The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.

Absolutely nothing.

My Review

This series has ALL THE FEELS! I love the emotion and passion the characters feel and how the author draws me into their world. As soon as I finished Hothouse Flower I went back and re-read the first book in the series, Stone Silence. I gave each book in the series 5 stars and I recommend reading them in order.

I thought I knew what this book would be about, but the author managed to surprise me and incorporated a twist that was completely unexpected and brought a sense of vulnerability and determination. Shay has a difficult past that has given her trust issues, and having Jace back in her life since they are now connected by siblings' marriages has her repressed and unresolved emotions in upheaval. Jace has his own secrets, but I admired how upfront he is with Shay about his feelings for her. There is plenty of tension and angst as they learn to communicate again and the difficult past and secrets come to light, and the chemistry between them is both sweet and strong. It was wonderful to see them come together like puzzle pieces once there is nothing more coming between them, and the way they supported and fought for each other.

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

---

Check out the other books in the Sound of Silence series . . .
(The author recommends reading them in order)

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Review: The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need—a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?

My Review

What a match this was! Arabella is caught between the expectations and standards of her social class and being able to accept truly wonderful relationship with someone who doesn't fit. I was rooting the whole time for her eyes to be opened to the possibilities, freedom, and fulfillment in working for herself and not having to only rely on a husband for security. She has a wonderful character arc as she meets new people from all walks of life who challenge and reform her perspectives. I appreciated and admired her humble and compassionate nature, even though it made it easy for some to take advantage of her kindness.

Peter is a force to be reckoned with! Charming and confident, he sets a seemingly unattainable goal for himself when he decides that Arabella is the one for him. His pursuit of her turns into a humbling experience for him when she proves to be just as hard to catch as he anticipated. I loved the way they develop a friendship while baking together and caring for the native girl Arabella rescues. There's something about a hero who is a baker that is appealing- Peter has a strong work ethic and has made something of himself without the advantages that other men have had. He's not afraid of Drummond even though the officer holds more power in the community, and their personal war with each other has more layers than Arabella can see.

Overall this book has a wonderful balance of character development and spiritual growth, sweet romantic chemistry and tension, and just the right amount of intrigue and drama. This series just keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next book!

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

---

Don't miss the other books in The Bride Ships series . .

Review: Always You by Jennifer Rodewald

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

They made a pact of friendship. Love was not supposed to be part of the deal.

Lauren is desperate to escape the massive shadow of her father’s and sister’s political careers.

Matt is running from the biggest disappointment of his life.

After a messy meeting in a snowbound airport, they launch a new friendship, founded on a mutual love for the Lord and an agreement of respect. They find themselves working together at the Lake Shore Resort, thankful to have each other as they each carve out a fresh start. But as the winter season wears on, and through a few interesting predicaments, one begins to feel more, and the other... well. Maybe neither knows what they really want. Already wounded from the things they’ve left behind, Matt and Lauren wrestle with what comes next. Afraid to move forward. Not wanting to go back.

Each must face a dilemma that only the hand of the Potter can smooth into a hopeful, promising future. Can they surrender past hurts, as well as their future hopes and plans and trust the good intentions of the God they both love?

My Review

What an unforgettable meet-cute! I loved the instant rapport Matt and Lauren have with each other, and friendship looks good on them. They are each at a crossroads in their lives, and the respite they find at the lodge and with each other allows them to step back and reevaluate their lives. The chemistry between them is strong, but with Matt's dysfunctional unrequited love between them, they struggle with moving forward int heir relationship. There is plenty of self-reflection, angst, and spiritual awakening as they each learn to choose the path that God has in store for them. This is a fun story with depth and great dynamics!

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