Free e-book! The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

Download The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander on e-book for free!

(The sale runs through March 1st, but be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

An unexpected inheritance. An unknown future. An unending love.

Determined to tame her younger brother's rebellious streak, McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin's invitation to move west, and to begin again. But she quickly discovers that life in Copper Creek, Colorado, is far from what she expected. Shouldering burdens beyond her years, McKenna tries to be the parent Robert needs, instead of the older sister he resents. But an "untimely inheritance" challenges her resolve at every turn, while also offering a second chance to restore her sense of trust--and perhaps even her heart.

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have taken their toll. When his path intersects with that of McKenna, he comes face-to-face with a past he never wanted to relive--and the one woman who can help him find the future he's been longing for.

As McKenna struggles to let go of her independence and Wyatt considers opening his heart again, they discover an inheritance beyond imagination. But it will come at a price.

Review: Working It Out by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A chance encounter . . .
Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . .
Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery, he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love.

My Review

What I like most about this author's books are the honest emotions the characters experience. Even though Grace is confident and accomplished, she is affected by and attracted to Seth despite their initial encounter, and struggles with the vulnerability those feelings bring. She also harbors guilt over her brother Alec's paralyzing accident and learns to let go as Seth and his friend Lanna inspire Alec to embrace life. Seth is genuinely charismatic and fun-loving which doesn't change when his life goals and priorities shift as his relationship with Grace develops. An easy read with enjoyable characters.

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

Review: The Homestead Brides Collection by Mary Connealy, Darlene Franklin, Carla Olson Gade, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, DiAnn Mills, Erica Vetsch, Becca Whitham, Kathleen Y'Barbo

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Through nine historical romance adventures, readers will journey along with individuals who are ready to stake a claim and plant their dreams on a piece of the great American plains. While fighting land disputes, helping neighbors, and tackling the challenges of nature the homesteaders are placed in the path of other dreamers with whom romance sparks. And God has His hand in orchestrating each unique meeting.

My Review

This is an enjoyable collection of stories about pioneers homesteading and falling in love :) I learned A LOT about sod houses since almost every story featured one and a few even described the building process which is far more extensive than I had previously assumed. The romances are sweet and each story line is unique. I thought most of them were 4 stars, with a few 3 stars mixed in. My favorites were the ones by Mary Connealy, Darlene Franklin, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, and Erica Vetsch. They incorporated themes of grief and hardship as well as strength, hope, and family loyalty.

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

Review and e-book sale! Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Download the e-book of Prelude for a Lord for only $1.99! 

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart?

Bath, England—1810

At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician.

In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul.

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the flawed yet endearing characters that worked their way into my heart! Alethea and Dommick are both prejudiced against the other due to an unfortunate meeting in their younger days, but as they work together to solve the mystery they are alternately attracted and frustrated by their strong personalities which eventually learn to play in harmony. The mystery wasn't an easy one to solve since there weren't many clues to work from and I felt Dommick's helplessness as he came up against one dead end after another. I admired Alethea's independence and resolution to not give up her passion for the violin even in the face of harsh social criticism. The friendships she forges with Dommick's close-knit group of musical peers is enjoyable and I hope the author will continue writing novels for those characters :) This is a book I'll definitely be re-reading in the future.

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

E-book sale: 99 cents for The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Only 99 cents for one of Julie Klassen's early novels, The Apothecary's Daughter!

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are only for a limited time)

Synopsis

LILLY HASWELL REMEMBERS EVERYTHING --- WHETHER SHE WANTS TO, OR NOT ...

As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond --- of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for --- the truth of the past and a love for the future?

E-book sale: $1.99 for The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

Download The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson for only $1.99!

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha---one of the few who speaks his language---understands the wild story. Margaretha finds herself unable to pass Colin's message along to her father, the duke, and convinces herself 'Lord Colin' is just an addled stranger. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy---not only is she unable to keep anything secret, she's sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook's wicked plot.

Review: Daily Painting: Paint Small and Often To Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Artist by Carol Marine

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A unique system for jump-starting artistic creativity, encouraging experimentation and growth, and increasing sales for artists of all levels, from novices to professionals.

Too many artists find themselves in a frustrating rut: unable to sell paintings hanging in galleries, bogged down by projects they can't finish "or "abandon, and using any excuse to avoid working in the studio. Author Carol Marine was herself suffering from painter's block--until she discovered "daily painting." The idea is simple: do art (usually small) often (how often is up to the individual) and, if you desire, post it and sell it online. Today Marine is among the best and most celebrated daily painters, and the curator of the popular online gallery dailypaintworks.com. In her debut, "Daily Painting," Marine reveals the tips and tricks that helped her and other daily painters pick up the paintbrush and start creating beautiful, bountiful, marketable work.

My Review

I have always loved painting, but I haven't found myself doing it consistently since college. It seems that I need a project or assignment to motivate me or else life gets in the way. This book is great for providing inspiration and instruction to create a daily (or more often than occasionally) habit of painting and improving skills. The images in the book are excellent, with several full-page pictures as well as smaller ones interspersed with the body text. I appreciated that she included work from other artists as well as her own work which gave a nice variety. The narrative is personable and informative. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to paint on a regular basis and/or improve skills.

(Thank you to Blogging For Books and Watson-Guptill Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: An Amish Family Christmas by Marta Perry and Patricia Davids

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Heart of Christmas by Marta Perry

Amish teacher Susannah Miller suddenly has two new students: the children of her former love. Widowed father Toby Unger broke Susannah's heart ten years ago, but now the handsome Amish man desperately needs help with his troubled little ones. Can the joy of the season reunite two lonely hearts in time for Christmas?

A Plain Holiday by Patricia Davids

Outspoken nanny Sally Yoder left her Amish community for her rumspringa. Though her heart is back home, the Amish man she loves, Ben Lapp, will never love a bold woman like her. But when a snowstorm strands her, her young charges and Ben on a remote farm at Christmastime, they both might discover that love is the true holiday spirit.

My Review

These two stories are perfect for a quick winter read. In "Heart of Christmas" by Marta Perry, Susannah is strong and compassionate, making her new students a priority over her own comfort as she advises their father Toby with thoughtful insight as to how he can connect with his grieving children. I loved the sweet moment between Toby and his son when they are finally able to communicate.

The main character Sally in "A Plain Holiday" by Patricia Davids was confusing at first since some important aspects of her thoughts and situation are revealed later and I had to reassess my assumptions about her. However, once they are stranded in the snowstorm the story picks up and she and Ben are finally able to sort through their conflicts and figure out what they really want.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: The Cowboy's Forever Family by Deb Kastner

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Widowed and pregnant, Laney Beckett wants nothing to do with stubborn rodeo cowboy Slade McKenna. But avoiding her late husband's best friend is nearly impossible now that Slade thinks Laney and her baby need his protection. Though Slade figures he's too rough a man to settle down, his thrill-seeking ways have already cost him his childhood pal. Looking out for the man's wife and child is the least he can do, especially when headstrong Laney doesn't know the first thing about running the family's ranch. For the sake of baby Beckett, Laney and Slade give friendship a chance... but could they become a true family?

My Review

I enjoyed reading this sweet book about forgiveness and second chances. Although the grudges Laney and Slade had for each other dissolved rather quickly and their new-found friendship moved rapidly to romance after that, the strength of the characters in the aftermath of grief and mourning is admirable. I especially enjoyed the setting of the ranch.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Free e-book! A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston

Download A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston for free! I have read the second book in this series and really liked it- read my review here.

(Be sure to check the price before ordering since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

In A Hopeful Heart, the first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after her unexpected tragedy. Wealthy businessman Trey Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as they journey through their grief. Joshua Glick wants nothing more than to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is he her late husband's brother and business partner, he has always been in love with Hannah. A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing love for an outsider.