Review: The Invention of Sarah Cummings by Olivia Newport

My rating: 2 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Sarah Cummings has one goal in life--to break into Chicago's high society. Desperate to stop serving dinner and to start eating at society tables, Sarah alters cast-off gowns from the wealthy Banning women to create lustrous, flattering dresses of her own. On a whim at a chance meeting, she presents herself as Serena Cuthbert, weaving a fictitious past to go with her fictitious name. But as she gets closer to Simon Tewell, the director of St. Andrew's Orphanage, Sarah finds that she must choose between the life she has and the life she dreams of. Will she sacrifice love to continue her pretense? Or can Simon show her that sometimes you don't have to pretend for dreams to come true?

My Review

The main character Sarah was materialistic, self-absorbed, deceptive, judgmental, and thoughtless. I'm sure we all can be at times, but it didn't make her much of a heroine, since I was rooting the whole time for her to be discovered and wanted to warn Simon away from her. Her change of heart would have been more redemptive had it not happened after her other options ran out. Too little, too late.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: Swept Up by the Sea by Tracy & Laura Hickman

My rating: 2 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Determined to seek his fortune, Percival Taylor leaves behind his sleepy hometown and sets out to become a legendary pirate. The only problem is, no one at the rough-and-tumble seaport of Blackshore will allow him anywhere near a ship!

Percival must find other means to win the heart of the beautiful Tuppence Magrathia-Paddock, who has mistaken him for a pirate rogue out of one of her romantic books. She is entirely willing to swoon into his arms if he can prove his buccaneer soul—and she will even arrange her own kidnapping to prove it.

Percival eventually find himself captain of a broken-down ship, complete with a crew of reluctant pirates, a jilted fiancee, a reclusive master shipwright, and an old professor with a magical secret that could kill them all. Join the strangest assortment of characters you'll ever meet on the Nine Seas as they set sail for treasure and romance!

My Review

This book would be probably be enjoyed by fans of The Princess Bride. For me, the descriptions were overwhelmingly wordy and trying so hard to be charming and clever, it detracted from the story and I didn't feel any connection to the characters. It was a struggle to maintain interest.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

My rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life. 

My Review

The beginning of this book is very compelling- giving the last scene from Mercy's now-forgotten memory. Waiting for the moment she would remember her past kept me in suspense. I didn't feel there was much chemistry between her and Rand, although they were supposed to be in love. It was interesting to see her try to adjust and make a new life for herself. Her actions in the last part of the book I thought were totally out of character for her new identity, but it sure did give the story a much-needed adrenaline shot. I thought the ending was fabulous- except for the fact that it was just when the story got good! I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series, but I think one year between publishing dates is too long to ask readers to wait or maintain interest. Since it's supposed to be a trilogy I hope there won't be as long of a wait for the third book.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

My rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

It is the spring of 1943. With a wedding and a cross-country move, Millie’s world is about to change forever.  If only her past could change with it. Soon after the break of day, Bump will become Millie’s husband. And then, if all goes as planned, they will leave the rain-soaked fields of Mississippi and head for the wilds of the Colorado Rockies. As Millie tries to forget a dark secret, she hasn’t yet realized how drastically those past experiences will impact the coming days. For most of Millie’s life, being free felt about as unlikely as the mountains moving. But she’s about to discover that sometimes in life, we are given second chances, and that the only thing bigger than her past … is her future.

My Review

This is the sequel to Into the Free, but I decided not to read that book first since it sounded pretty heavy. I read several reviews about it so I could feel that I knew enough of the storyline to start with the second book. The author did a great job of incorporating important details from the first book in a subtle way that was natural to the characters' thoughts. Some of the themes in this book are unpleasant and gave Millie hard things to overcome which enabled intense character growth. The setting sounded amazing- in the wilderness of the Colorado mountains. I appreciated that Millie and Bump are such strong yet vulnerable people and choose each other to have this adventure with. The writing is so evocative, the story and words stayed with me for a few days after. Without giving anything away, I thought the resolution for the villain was awesome.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Hospitality consultant Andrea Sullivan has one last chance to snag a high-profile client or she'll have to kiss her dreams of promotion good-bye. When she's sent to meet Scottish celebrity chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye, she just wants to finish her work as efficiently as possible. Yet her client is not the opportunistic womanizer he portrays himself to be, and her attraction to him soon dredges up memories she'd rather leave buried. For James, renovating the family hotel is a fulfillment of his late father's dreams. When his hired consultant turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and completely unimpressed by his public persona, he makes it his mission to win her over. He just never expects to fall under her spell.

Soon, both Andrea and James must face the reality that God may have a far different purpose for their lives—and that five days in Skye will forever change their outlook on life and love.

My Review

I felt like I was on vacation in Scotland while reading this book! The setting was very much a main character. I didn't have a great first impression of Andrea or James, but as their true natures and emotions were revealed and they opened up to each other they became easy to connect with. I don't know if I could trust such a whirlwind start to a relationship, but it was sure fun to read about :) The romantic chemistry was wonderful, especially with the tension of holding themselves back. Sweet ending.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

My Review

Once I was able to get into this book it was a pleasure. There are several points of view that the narration switches between, but once I was able to keep it all straight I enjoyed the multiple perspectives. Each character is so different and their personalities, thoughts, and struggles were portrayed with such individual voices and had a depth of feeling. The plot moves along somewhat leisurely, which is why I think switching between perspectives helps rather than hinders the storytelling. It was interesting how each life was intertwined and the ending was wonderful and sweet.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

My rating: 3 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

The red warning light on her car dashboard drove Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico. But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie’s comfort-especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.
Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?

My Review

This book has a great supporting cast. I enjoyed the townspeople and their personalities. The author struck a good balance between quirky and realistic. The main character seemed disconnected to me, like she held herself aloof, which was part of her personality, but it affected my ability to connect or relate to her. Her emotions were withheld not only from the other characters but from the reader as well. The relationship she had with Ray seemed a matter of convenience- their reasons for being together or caring for each other were not developed or communicated. There was some character growth, but it was very subtle. The ending was too abrupt for me, and the epilogue didn't make up for the lack of resolution.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: A Match Made in Texas by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Carol Cox

My rating: 5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

In Dry Gulch, Texas, 1893, a young woman with a tender heart that longs to help those in need takes it upon herself to meddle in the affairs of three acquaintances who are in dire straits. Wanting to stay anonymous, she relies on unusual methods to hire men and women of good character who she thinks can solve the problems facing her “targets.” How was she to know that her meddling would turn into a cupid’s arrow? And what will she do when her friends turn the tables on her with a matchmaking scheme of their own?
Four novellas in one volume.

My Review

I loved the first story by Karen Witemeyer! I was anxious read about Neill Archer, the youngest brother from her book Short-Straw Bride (which was wonderful). A sweet relationship developed quickly between Neill and the strong Clara, and the action from the plot was non-stop. There was a nice balance between moments of character development and romance, and the excitement really moved the story forward.

The second story by Regina Jennings turned out to be my favorite. The unusual premise was so interesting and the main characters so vivid. Again, several sweet moments between them as their relationship developed, and the personality clashes kept things lively. Great romantic tension and chemistry!

The third story by Carol Cox was okay, but the characters were not developed enough for me to feel an emotional connection to their story. There didn't seem to be any reason for the main characters to fall in love other than that they were there and convenient. The attraction was stated, and then all the focus was on the mystery. A three star rating for me on this one, but the other stories were strong enough to carry the five star rating overall :)

The last by Mary Connealy was a story of unrequited love full of emotion and tempered with a huge dose of humor, as usual. It was fun to read the story of the matchmaker and how the town conspired to make her match.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

My Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Leaving London, dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire--but is stunned to discover that dancing is prohibited! He finds an unlikely ally in Miss Julia Midwinter, but her questions about his past are becoming harder to evade. Together, can they bring new life to this quiet village--and heal long-kept-secret scars?

My Review

I had high hopes for this novel and perhaps high expectations. I enjoyed the plot and there was some mystery involving the ban on dancing that was revealed in bits and pieces throughout. I had a hard time relating to Julia, and I found myself wanting to know more about several of the secondary characters who had the potential to be more interesting than the main characters- their friends and peers who seemed to be there for convenience, but not developed. I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between Alec and Julia- they made better friends in my opinion.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker

My Rating: 2 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.

My Review

I couldn't get into these stories. The main characters came across self-centered and shallow. The plotlines seemed contrived and hokey. The emotion and angst the girls were supposed to be feeling was explained, but never felt. I usually enjoy Christmas novellas but these weren't my cup of tea.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)