Review: Hearts Entwined: A Historical Romance Novella Collection by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The path to love is filled with twists and turns in these stories of entangled romance with a touch of humor from four top historical romance novelists! Includes Karen Witemeyer's The Love Knot, Mary Connealy's The Tangled Ties That Bind, Regina Jennings's Bound and Determined, and Melissa Jagears's Tied and True.

My Review

I always look forward to the next novella collection from these four authors! Hearts Entwined is especially fun because the main characters in each story are connected in some way to a full-length novel. I love seeing secondary characters get a happy ending, like in Karen Witemeyer's story, the last of her Ladies of Harper's Station series. Claire is reconnected with a sweetheart from her past that she doesn't quite know how to handle and another surprise bundle of joy.

In Mary Connealy's story, it is two of the children from her Kincaid and Stone families that are reunited as adults and quickly fall back in love. Connor follows Maggie to the city as she follows her dreams of becoming a doctor. I loved seeing them work together in the doctor's office and the crazy action they encountered there. I am definitely grateful for the advances that have been made in medicine!

Regina Jennings's story was full of humor and action as camels are transported from Kansas to Texas in the midst of brutal heat and an even more brutal outlaw gang. The sweet romance that developed between cavalry soldier Bradley and officer's daughter Ambrosia was full of sparks and it was fun to read their interactions.

The story by Melissa Jagears had an entitled socialite in love with a mere secretary and going to work in a factory to prove that she could live the life he could provide. I admired her determination in new and difficult circumstances, and the compassion she had for those in poverty she connected with. He fought so much against the relationship that she came across as desperate and I missed the romance until the end.

Overall I enjoyed each of the stories with the fascinating history and sweet romance, although it wasn't as toe-curling as some of the previous collections.

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

Review: A Love So True by Melissa Jagears

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Evelyn Wisely has a heart for the orphans of Teaville and works at a local mansion that rescues children out of the town's red-light district and gives them a place to live. But her desire to help isn't limited to orphans. The owner of the mansion, Nicholas Lowe, is willing to help her try to get the women working in prostitution out of the district as well--if she can gain the cooperation and support of local businessmen to go against the rest of the community. 

David Kingsman has recently arrived in Teaville from Kansas City to help with one of his father's companies in town. While he plans on staying only long enough to prove his business merit to his father, he's shown interest in Evelyn's work and is intrigued enough by her to lend his support to her cause. 

They begin with the best of intentions, but soon the complications pile up and Evelyn and David's dreams look more unattainable every day. When the revelation of a long-held secret creates a seemingly insurmountable rift between them, can they trust God still has a good plan for them despite all that is stacked against them?

My Review

I appreciated the focus of this book on the importance of not only helping orphans, but also their mothers escape lives of prostitution and poverty. Evelyn is single-minded in her mission to provide safety and security for those who will reach out and accept support, even sacrificing her reputation and hopes for a future family. For much of the book I didn't understand her hang-ups about men and her fear of romance, but eventually the secret is revealed. David admires her in spite of her brusque attitude toward him, and his cheerfulness and sincerity build the foundation of their developing friendship. Lydia and Nicholas from the previous book are close friends of Evelyn's and help her when they can, despite not understanding her reasons for shunning men. They fully appreciate her help running their orphanage and her goal of starting a women's home. Various mishaps happen throughout the story that give David and Evelyn opportunities to grow closer together, and through the ultimate test they face, they learn to trust in God's timing and plans, even when it's difficult.

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

Don't miss the other books in the Teaville Moral Society series!

(Prequel novella; also published in With This Ring? novella collection)

Synopsis

Ever since Charlotte Andrews bested four-eyed Harrison Gray in a shooting competition when they were teenagers, he decided a tough, show-off girl like Charlie didn't need him to look after her. Now a teacher at the local school, Harrison learns Charlie intends to marry a neighbor who comes from a long line of no-good troublemakers and, for some inexplicable reason, it falls to him to talk some sense into her...if she has any under that tomboy exterior.

Their heated confrontation unfortunately takes place right as a bad storm is coming on and, in the melee of arguing and taking shelter, Harrison's glasses are knocked off his face and broken when Charlie's horse crushes them under a hoof. Harrison and Charlie may have their differences, but she can see from his panic that the loss of his glasses is a blow to him. She volunteers to help him at school until his new pair of special order glasses arrive despite knowing the one place she can't best Harrison is in the classroom.

Synopsis

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway Hop!

Don't you just love being stuck in a good book? One that I read recently is A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears! It has a great sense of the historical time period and strong characters. Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below for a chance to win a copy of the book...

Synopsis

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

Entry-Form

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 6

Day 6

I didn't get any reading done on Saturday, but I did get the review written for A Heart Most Certain, did some sewing at my grandma's house, helped my daughter pick out a birthday gift for her friend, photographed a family, and edited images from another photo session. I plan to start Newton and Polly bright and early Sunday morning in my comfy bed before my girls wake up!

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 1225
Total Books Finished: 4

Review: A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

My Review

I really appreciated the compassion of the main characters in this book. Both Lydia and Nicholas have strong ideas of the most effective way to improve society and the circumstances of the poor, and their differences complement each other as they compromise a little and teach each other a lot. The problem of prostitution is addressed head-on, and many attitudes about it are represented in the various community members. I appreciated that Lydia and Nicholas learned from each other's unique way of solving problems while still sharing a common goal of helping those in need. The first half of the book was a bit slow paced for me, but the author did an excellent job of providing a foundation for the events that came later in the plot where there was much more happening and the suspense is heightened. I loved that Lydia is a voracious reader! She uses her love of books to connect not only with Nicholas but other women from different walks of life. Nicholas definitely reminded me of Mr. Thorton from North and South (but more more philanthropic)- a hard, unyielding exterior but a heart of gold inside, just trying his best in the way he knows how. The feelings between Lydia and Nicholas are a slow simmer through most of the book but when they finally express their feelings it is full heat! Their special moment is descriptive with emotion, words, and action, and it made the book for me since I'm one who reads for the romance ;)

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 5

 Join the Read-a-thon! It's not too late!

Day 5

I finished A Heart Most Certain late last night so I still need to write my review, which I plan to do before starting the next book on my list, Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund.

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 1225
Total Books Finished: 4

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 4

 Join the Read-a-thon!

Day 4

I got 184 pages into A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears. Was hoping to get more read but I dislocated my shoulder for the third time, just by folding laundry! Now I have a great excuse when I don't feel like doing that chore ;) I miraculously was able to maneuver it back in place without going to the hospital, although it really freaked me out!

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 1,009
Total Books Finished: 3

Review: With This Ring? by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives.

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.

My Review

I absolutely loved all these stories! They were each so interesting and unique with the angle of the plot, and all the stories have vibrant characters and settings. We get to revisit great characters from other books by Karen Witemeyer and Mary Connealy, but they are perfect as stand alone stories too. There is a fantastic element of humor throughout which kept me smiling as I read the predicaments the couples found themselves in. And the romance? So wonderful! I enjoyed all the novellas equally and highly recommend this collection!

(Thank you to Karen Witemeyer and Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears and a $100 Memory-Making Giveaway!

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony-until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

My Review

Kate and Silas are both strong, admirable characters, but have realistic flaws that show how they struggle with their past and the effect it has on their present and future. The chemistry is definitely there (my favorite parts!), they just have to overcome major trust issues and learn to discern and rely on God's will. Anthony is also a realistic portrayal of a young boy caught in the middle of two futures he wants nothing to do with. He is sweet and playful one moment, scared and taciturn the next. Much of the story involves Kate and Silas frantically searching for Anthony since his M.O. is to run away, which created a sense of urgency to the pacing of the novel. There are appearances of characters from the earlier books in the series which was fun, but A Bride at Last can definitely be read as a stand alone.

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

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Can Silas and Kate overcome their rocky start and experience healing—and possibly love? Discover the answer in Melissa Jagears' new book, A Bride at Last. Neither Kate nor Silas is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light as they attempt to prove nine-year-old Anthony's paternity to the court. Can their wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa's August 4th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 gift card to Netflix (for a family movie night), Shutterfly (to create a family memory book), or TablePlayGames (for a family game night)
• One copy of A Bride at Last

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa's 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!