Review: The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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.

My Review

What a great adventure! I felt like the spying was only the first part, and then the journey Margaretha goes on is where the story really picks up. For an easy-going princess who has never been challenged in her priveleged life, she is likeable with characteristics of loyalty and compassion and even her flaws are endearing- very naive with a tendency to chatter (which she receives quite a bit of grief for from various family members). I found it adorable how proud she is of herself with each obstacle she overcomes, almost as if she is surprised at herself, but not really- somehow knowing she was that courageous all along. Colin also undergoes a character arc as his trials put him through a refiner's fire, changing from overly confident and also somewhat naive to humble, realistic, and protective. He never loses his zeal for justice- each beating he receives at the hands of various villains seems to make it stronger. I loved the humor in the story and the sweet slowly-built romance. I can't wait to read the first four books in this series now!

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

The Fairy Tales series by Melanie Dickerson

Free e-book: The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot

Download The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot for free!

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

Synopsis

Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.

Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war—little knowing what that promise will cost him.

As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?

Review: Anna's Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing!

Synopsis

When Anna Konig first meets Bairn, the Scottish ship carpenter of the "Charming Nancy," their encounter is anything but pleasant. Anna is on the ship only to ensure the safe arrival of her loved ones to the New World. Hardened by years of living at sea, Bairn resents toting these naive farmers--dubbed "Peculiars" by deckhands--across the ocean. As delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions afflict crew and passengers alike, Bairn finds himself drawn to Anna's serene nature. For her part, Anna can't seem to stay below deck and far away from the aloof ship's carpenter, despite warnings.
When an act of sacrifice leaves Anna in a perilous situation, Bairn discovers he may not have left his faith as firmly in the past as he thought. But has the revelation come too late?
Amish fiction favorite Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her fans back to the beginning of Amish life in America with this fascinating glimpse into the first ocean crossing as seen through the eyes of a devout young woman and an irreverent man. Blending the worlds of Amish and historical fiction, Fisher is sure to delight her longtime fans even as she attracts new ones with her superb and always surprise-filled writing.

My Review

Love, love, love this book! It's one of those ones you start without much expectation and by the end you are blown away. The setting is vividly depicted without overdrawn descriptions, the characters are just as vivid. There is a feeling of anticipation throughout the novel being on such a harrowing journey with a people used to being discriminated against. Anna is a heroine to admire for sure, humble and yet with an assertive personality. Her compassion for others, even those who persecute her, is something that especially catches Bairn's notice as they begin to interact with each other. Bairn is strong and intelligent, but the misfortune of his past torments him in the quiet hours. His secrets are slowly revealed to the readers as events and circumstances on the ship draw him closer to the God he believes abandoned him. The stories of the characters weave together and the end is so satisfying that I spent the next few days pondering all that I had read. Highly recommend, especially to fans of Amish fiction.

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

Review: Would-Be Wilderness Wife by Regina Scott

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Drew Wallin's youngest brother is determined to see him married--so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Drew doesn't have time for distractions--he's too busy watching over his fatherless siblings. Yet he's drawn to this woman who carries loss and pain equal to his own.

Catherine has traveled West to use her nursing skills to save lives, not to find a husband. She knows if she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk to win the groom she didn't know she wanted!

My Review

The first part of the book wasn't too romantic since the main characters were both adamantly against starting a relationship with anyone, each for their own reasons. There is a bit of a mystery Catherine solves about what made Drew's mom so ill, which deepens into a bigger community conflict. Catherine seems pretty stuffy at first, but her true nature is revealed when her heart softens towards Drew's mother and siblings as they welcome her as one of the family. The matchmaking attempts of his brothers are hilarious- reminding me of the old movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Once Drew and Catherine admit their attraction and realize that a different future than the one they had planned would make them happier, the story was much more romantic. The author did a great job of giving her characters multi-layered personalities, and I especially enjoyed Drew's sister who was sweet and enthusiastic. A romance was hinted at with her and the town sheriff, so hopefully we can see them featured in their own book :)

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

Review, Interview & Giveaway! So True a Love by Amber Lynn Perry

Be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post!

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Kitty Campbell knows that leaving the dangers of Boston behind for a more tranquil life in Sandwich is God's will for her. But not even twenty-four hours after arriving in the small sea-side town, she witnesses a terrible crime and is forced to stay silent or her family will be made to suffer. And yet, as the consequences for remaining quiet threaten more than just her family, Kitty is desperate to unload her burden. When handsome doctor Nathaniel Smith comes to her rescue more than once, she is tempted to risk everything by revealing what she knows, as her hidden attraction to the courageous patriot builds into much more than childish infatuation. When Doctor Nathaniel Smith discovers the town's ammunition stores have been raided, he knows immediately who to blame—the hated Tories. Desperate to keep the remaining powder out of enemy hands, he vows to find the men responsible. Then when Kitty Campbell is brutally assaulted and refuses to name her attacker, he suspects she might know something and keeps a closer watch for her safety, only to discover a fleeting attraction he harbored long ago threatens to grow into something akin to love. Yet, he knows a Tory and a Patriot would make a terrible match.

My Review

I absolutely loved the first book in this series (So Fair a Lady) and have been anxious to read Kitty and Nathaniel's story! She remained as stubborn as ever in her loyalties to the king, but it was enlightening to see things from her perspective. She finds herself caught in some dangerous predicaments as well as experiencing turmoil over her romantic feelings for Nathaniel, a staunch and very vocal patriot. He is such a charming and likeable character, and he has his own inner conflict over falling for Kitty. My favorite parts are when Nathaniel and Kitty were able to put aside their differences and just enjoy each other. Something I noticed is that in the first book, the patriots were a definite minority and quite unpopular, but in the second book things have reversed. It really shows how turbulent the times were approaching the Revolution. I'm looking forward to seeing how the political climate has progressed in the next book, which will feature Henry Donaldson, a British soldier and friend to Kitty and her sister, as the main character.

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

About the Author

Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history--the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website, www.amberlynnperry.com or through her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authoramberlynnperry 




 
Interview with Amber Lynn Perry

What was something new you learned from publishing your second book?

I learned a lot! Historical facts, self-publishing tips and tricks, etc. But I think one of the most important lessons I learned is that haste makes waste! :) For me, writing is a slower process--and I really enjoy that. When I try to push it  and move too quickly, it loses its pleasure and the result is lower-quality writing.

Where do you draw inspiration for your characters' personalities?

Oh, from various people in my own life and from studying different personality types, actually--which I find incredibly fascinating!! But as a personal example--my husband teases me mercilessly--much like Nathaniel teases Kitty. ;) So sometimes I take things from personal experience and that makes it lots of fun. :)

Who is a historical female you admire?

Wow! This is a great question. There are many women in history that I find incredibly amazing and admirable. If we are talking strictly Revolutionary War era, I'm not sure if I could even pick only one, but I think in this moment I would choose Emily Geiger. She was only 16 when she volunteered to take a message to a Revolutionary leader. She was soon captured but memorized and ate the message before it could be discovered. Not long after, she was released, made her way to her destination and relayed the message perfectly. I find that wonderfully brave! Kitty's experience is similar to Emily's--I just couldn't pass up such an amazing piece of history. :)

I understand you've been to the setting of So True a Love, the Cape Cod town of Sandwich, MA. What is memorable about it for you?

Oh dear, that's difficult to put into words. For me, it's more of a feeling than a place or setting or monument. The town is so quaint and so lovely--so rich in history that is seems to surround me with its songs of the past. When I think of Sandwich and the precious little time I have spent there, I think of pink petals floating on the breeze, rays of sun breaking through the clouds, birds singing and the loamy scent of the ocean air. *sigh* I can't wait to go back. :)

I learned in my last interview with you that you are a huge lover of music. Are there songs that you associate with each of your novels?

Fun question!! I LOVED Let Her Go, by Passenger for So Fair a Lady. It really captured what I thought Thomas must have been feeling for Eliza. *sigh* As for So True a Love--I look really hard for a song that I thought would fit and I finally found Unconditionally, by Katy Perry. Both Kitty and Nathaniel are dealing with very deep, very personal things--needing to know they will be accepted by the other--and I was so excited to find that song. Such a fun question, Heidi. :)

Thank you Amber for the interview! It's always a pleasure :)

Amber is generously giving away one print copy and one e-book of So True a Love! Enter below for a chance to win her wonderful book! 

If you haven't read her first book, So Fair a Lady, I highly recommend it, and it's only $2.99 for the e-book, a fabulous deal! (Print copies available to order as well).
 

Entry-Form

Free e-book: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

Download Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz for free!

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

Synopsis

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love? This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

E-book sale: $1.99 for To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Highly recommend! To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer has some of my favorite literary characters. I've read it several times and rate it 5 stars. Get the e-book for only $1.99!!! I have the e-book but the print copy is on my wishlist for my book collection :)

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

Synopsis

Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets...

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

E-book sale: Love on the Mend by Karen Witemeyer!

Yay! I've been waiting for this novella to go on sale! Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read her newest novella based on a character from Full Steam Ahead. Download Love on the Mend for only $1.99! 

(I believe sale runs through Feb 28, but check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

After serving as a doctor during the War Between the States, Jacob Sadler wants nothing more than to establish a quiet country practice in rural Texas. But he knows he'll never find peace until he buries the pain of his past. To that end, he accepts a job in Cold Spring, Texas--the town he's avoided for seventeen years--and discovers his past is definitely still alive and kicking.

When a new doctor arrives in town and saves her brother's leg, Mollie Tate quickly puts him on a hero's pedestal. But then the new doc insults her "Uncle" Curtis. Years ago, Curtis Sadler rescued Mollie when no one else cared. How could he possibly be the villain the new doctor believes him to be?

Jacob doesn't know what to make of the young woman who assists him like a seasoned nurse one minute only to take a strip out of his hide the next. Yet the sparks that fly between them make him feel more alive than he has in a long time. As respect for his young nurse turns into something deeper, can he set aside the pain from his past to embrace this new love, or are some sins too big to be forgiven?

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)