Review & Giveaway: Always Will by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he's ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker's world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah's problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend's little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will's wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she's willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate.

Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can't help but wonder if it's time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She's ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren't suddenly changing the rules of the game... And how can Hannah move on when Will just won't let her forget?

My Review

I could not put this book down. I started it first thing in the morning thinking I'd read a chapter or two, but six hours later my toddler was still in pajamas (at least she was fed). Hannah is such a conflicted character, full of contrasts. She is an extremely smart, professional, together young woman, but when it comes to her relationship with Will, her emotions are all over the place. It's a fascinating study of unrequited love and the obsession that accompanies it. Balancing out the crazy is Hannah's friend Sophie, who tells it like it is and encourages Hannah in healthy ways. I loved all the mannerisms and quirks of Hannah and Will's friendship, and trying to interpret what Will is thinking since the story is not told from his POV. There are several ups and downs, twists and turns in the plot that kept me glued to the book to see how it would all play out.

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

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Review: The Rancher's Christmas Proposal by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother's guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience.

Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane's isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa's affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many

My Review

This is a heart-warming story of two people sacrificing for those they love. Shane and Tessa work together to provide a loving home for his children, but struggle when it comes to their relationship with each other. Lack of communication, misunderstanding, and hidden secrets come between them. I especially enjoyed Tessa's quick love for the twins and her devotion to their well-being. I can totally relate to her frustrations with getting one dressed, then while dressing the second child, the first one removes their clothes! She is determined to conquer household chores and child care with the help of a book from the mercantile, which also provided some humor :) The danger from the Fulton gang overshadows Tessa's happiness until things finally come to a head and Shane proves himself to be quite the protector and hero.

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

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi S. Kilpack

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lord Fenton is a gambler, a dandy, and a flirt—and he must marry or else he will be disinherited, stripped of his wealth and his position. He chooses Alice Stanbridge for two simple reasons: he once knew her as a young girl, and she is the least objectionable option available to him.

However, Alice has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting ten years ago, and she believes his proposal is real. When she discovers it is not, she is embarrassed and hurt. However, a match with the most-eligible bachelor in London would secure not only her future but that of her family as well.

Determined to protect herself from making a fool of herself a second time, Alice matches Lord Fenton wit for wit and insult for insult as they move toward a marriage of convenience that is anything but a happy union. Only when faced with family secrets that have shaped Fenton’s life does he let down his guard enough to find room in his heart for Alice. But can Alice risk her heart a second time?

My Review

For a book with a dandy for the hero, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! The backstory to Alice and Lord Fenton's connection is seriously sweet, but their reunion leaves much to be desired... Their struggles with each other, family, and society are so real and because we learn the motivations behind their choices, it's easier to understand their characters. The way Alice and Fenton finally bond and let go of antagonizing each other is worth the wait. Their romance is then allowed to flourish amid personal tribulation and surprising revelations. I don't want to give anything away! Really, what made this story come alive for me is how the mannerisms, strength, and compassion of both Alice and Fenton is shown through their actions rather than described in the narrative. Moments of humor and heart touching scenes round out the balance for a highly recommended read!

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

Excerpt

Fenton groaned and put his saucer back on the tray, making an instantaneous decision that eased his mind quite a lot. To look at every woman he met as a potential wife was irritating, and after only two weeks he was quite tired of it. Perhaps the solution was to orchestrate a match that would not lay all aspects of matrimony at his feet all at once. Perhaps treating it as a business arrangement would help it to be exactly that, thereby freeing him from all the discomfiting realities he was not yet prepared to face. "I leave for Fentonview on Tuesday and shan't be back for a week. Courting is such a boring prospect, and you yourself said that to become infatuated with anyone might become a complication." He paused, considered one last time what he was going to say next, and decided he felt as good about it as could be expected. "You like Alice Stanbridge and feel she would make a good wife for me?" Lady Chariton looked confused and perhaps a bit concerned. "I do, but-" "Then that is good enough for me," Fenton said, rising to his feet and smiling broadly at his mother, who stared back at him in surprise. "I do find her appealing and what's more she is not a silly little thing without a practical thought in her head." His mother's eyes widened and her eyebrows rose upon her forehead. Fenton struck a pose of consternation, with his thumb and forefinger on his chin as he looked toward the window a moment, then nodded crisply and turned back to his mother who still looked shocked by his pronouncement. "Yes, I think that Alice Stanbridge is exactly what I should like in a wife, and so I shall see to it before I leave for Hampshire-I see no reason to wait until Michaelmas and might as well get it over with." He leaned in and kissed his mother's hand. "Thank you for your help, Mama. I shall let you know how she responds to my proposal."

 Author Josi Kilpack
Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Sheep's Clothing won the Whitney award for Mystery/Suspense in 207 and Wedding Cake, book twelve in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series won in 2014. Josi was also the Best of State winner in Fiction for 2012. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband, children and super-cute - but not very friendly - cat.

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Review: Marrying Christopher by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea.

My Review

It took me a while to get into this story because of some repetition in thoughts and uninteresting depictions of the steam ship, but about halfway through, things really pick up and get interesting. It's hard to describe the last half of the book since I don't want to spoil the twists and they are not mentioned in the official book synopsis. Suffice it to say that there is action, miscommunications, longing, romance, and a few more villains thrown in. Throughout all the unfortunate circumstances awaiting in America, Christopher and Marsali's love strengthens in the face of adversity and I had to keep quickly reading to see how it would all play out. Christopher's siblings from the first two books make appearances and the outcome of those books is explained, so if you plan on reading them as well I recommend reading them in order. Otherwise, this novel can be read as a stand alone just fine.

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

Review: Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When the Christmas season finds Eden in Summer Harbor, Maine, she's on the run from trouble. Romance is the last thing on her mind.

Riding in a bus in the thickly falling snow, Eden Davis wonders how it ever came to this- fleeing under cover of night with young Micah sleeping fitfully in the seat beside her. When a winter storm strands them in Summer Harbor, Maine, Eden wonders if what might have been the end could be a new beginning.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem-solver. He's recently left his job with the sheriff's department to take over the family Christmas tree farm to save it from insolvency. But he's flummoxed. During the busiest season of the year, he's shorthanded. Then Eden shows up looking for work, and Beau believes he's been rescued. Competent, smart, and beautiful, Eden's also guarded and quiet. He soon figures out she comes with a boatload of secrets. But Beau can't seem to help himself from falling for her.

As Christmas Eve approaches, Beau discovers he'll do anything to keep Eden safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again?

My Review

Such a great story! I seriously don't know how Eden kept it together in her dire circumstances. She is the consummate survivor and mama bear, doing whatever it takes to keep her son safe. Her past is revealed in bits and pieces so there is a feeling of suspense involved. Beau has a lot on his plate with his work, his family, and his love life. Even though it seems like he rescues Eden, she is also rescuing Beau's family during their own crisis. Their relationship is platonic since Beau is her employer and has a girlfriend (that his younger brother is suffering unrequited love for), but as they rely on each other their friendship grows and attraction flares. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this complicated story and seeing how things worked out. Beau and Eden are great together and I also can't wait to read the stories of his brothers since we got to know a little about their past and see the direction of their paths...

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

Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon Wrap-up

I didn't get all 11 of my books read- a little ambitious for life with a toddler ;) but I was happy to get the following read during the read-a-thon...

 

  

Review: Love's Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Victoria Donnelly is, as always, a failure. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, Victoria's determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed's enemy.

Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen's sons don't marry shipping barons' daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks.

He knows how to save drowning sailors, but how is he to save a woman from the biggest mistake of her life—without destroying both their hearts in the process?

My Review

This is one of those rare occasions where I loved the second book in a series more than the first! What stood out to me the most was how much action was depicted with the scenes of Elijah and his crew rescuing sailors and passengers from boats that hit rocks or sandbars during frigid storms on Lake Superior. I loved Elijah's passion for saving lives that otherwise would have been needlessly lost. His love for Victoria seems hopeless, but they continue to encounter each other and their restrained affection creates a palpable romantic tension. Every character in the story is flawed (some more than others) but all came to life because of their determination through the struggles each faced. I was sad for the emotional abuse Victoria endures from her family and Gilbert and how each attempt at expressing herself was met with contempt and manipulation. Thankfully she forms an unlikely bond with Elijah's defiant sister Rebekah and through her example learns of the true source of strength and confidence- relying on the Lord. Elijah and Victoria each focus on certain scripture verses for help as they struggle to follow their hearts amid pressure and conflict from family and the community.

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

E-book sale: $1.99 for Tried and True by Mary Connealy

Only $1.99 for the e-book of the first book in Mary Connealy's current series Wild at Heart. I loved the first two books Tried & True and Now & Forever, rating them both 5 stars. (Read my review for Tried & True here and Now & Forever here). The third and final book, Fire & Ice will be released on October 6th.

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

Synopsis

Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister—and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk—they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”—but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Review: Love's Unfading Light by Naomi Rawlings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Tressa Danell is finished with men—from the wastrel who left her a widow, to the smelly trapper who keeps proposing, to the banker who wants to repossess her bakery. Every hour is spent working to pay off her late husband’s debt and keep a roof over her son’s head, though it’s doubtful she can do both for very long. But one thing’s certain—she’ll never be beholden to a man again.

Tired of living in a small town that blames him for actions his father committed ten years ago, Mac Oakton is scheduled to leave Eagle Harbor. So why does the pretty widow at the bakery keep tugging at his heart? He can’t get involved in her predicament when he’ll only be around for two more weeks.

But when Tressa’s burdens overwhelm her, they both face a decision. Can Mac set his own plans aside to help? And can Tressa accept his support if that means giving up her independence . . . and being obligated to a man again?

My Review

In the setting of the Great Lakes and a lighthouse community is a story of triumph over trials by seeking God's unwavering love during tribulation. There is an overall feeling of tension and despondency as Tressa is struggling just to keep her head above water. I just couldn't see how things were going to work out, but I was rooting for her and Mac the whole time and trusting that a happy ending would come. I enjoyed the few occasions of playful teasing between them which was a surprise and contrasted sharply with the mood of the book. It was difficult to bond with the community since both Mac and Tressa were victims of blatant hostility, gossip and prejudice for the sins of his father and her husband, they each only had one family of friends to turn to. I'm looking forward to reading the newly released second book in the series since this first book introduces the main characters that follow. I would recommend Love's Unfading Light to fans of Jody Hedlund's Beacons of Hope series.

(I purchased a copy of this book; this is my honest review)