Can't Wait Wednesday: A Stranger at Fellsworth by Sarah E. Ladd

I'm looking forward to Sarah E. Ladd's upcoming book, A Stranger at Fellsworth, releasing in May of this year!

Synopsis

Could losing everything be the best thing to happen to Annabelle Thorley?

In the fallout of her deceased father’s financial ruin, Annabelle’s prospects are looking bleak. Her fiancé has called off their betrothal, and now she remains at the mercy of her controlling and often cruel brother. Annabelle soon faces the fact that her only hope for a better life is to do the unthinkable and run away to Fellsworth, the home of her long-estranged aunt and uncle, where a teaching position awaits her. Working for a wage for the first time in her life forces Annabelle to adapt to often unpleasant situations as friendships and roles she’s taken for granted are called into question.

Owen Locke is unswerving in his commitments. As a widower and father, he is fiercely protective of his only daughter. As an industrious gamekeeper, he is intent on keeping poachers at bay even though his ambition has always been to eventually purchase land that he can call his own. When a chance encounter introduces him to the lovely Annabelle Thorley, his steady life is shaken. For the first time since his wife’s tragic death, Owen begins to dream of a second chance at love.

As Owen and Annabelle grow closer, ominous forces threaten the peace they thought they’d found. Poachers, mysterious strangers, and murderers converge at Fellsworth, forcing Annabelle and Owen to a test of fortitude and bravery to stop the shadow of the past from ruining their hopes for the future.

Review: A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke--men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide. When his guide appears, Sion balks. He certainly didn't expect a woman. But it is not long before he must admit that Tempe's skill in the wilderness rivals his own. Still, the tenuous tie they are forming is put to the test as they encounter danger after danger and must rely on each other.
 
With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons readers to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

My Review

What an amazing reading experience! I was completely transported to the historical setting and the story which never felt rushed, but never felt slow either. Since my parents took my sisters and I camping and backpacking often, I've loved the outdoors and exploring the mountains. The descriptions of the wilderness and how Sion and the surveying team worked to establish accurate maps and guides was fascinating. I loved that Tempe was an explorer of the country too, and that she appreciated the little wondrous details of nature. The author did a great job of depicting the grim realities of the harsh frontier, including violent encounters with Native Americans, without being disturbingly graphic. Tempe and Sion are both weighed down by grief that hasn't passed by, but their developing relationship begins the healing process, and amidst the chaos of warring Indians on the move and the unforgiving wilderness, there is an undercurrent of peace and blossoming romance. The personalities of Tempe's family and Sion's team are vividly portrayed and provide opportunities for conflict, growth, and compassion. Highly recommend!!!

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

Review: In Tune With Love by Amy Matayo

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

April is willing to do anything for her sister’s wedding—until she comes face to face with a guy from her past.

April Quinn is thrilled to be her sister’s maid of honor, until the wedding coordinator quits and the responsibilities get dumped on her. It’s April’s worst nightmare—especially since her sister has more objections and opinions than a lawyer presenting a high-profile court case. When the wedding singer walks out at the last-minute, her sister hires a replacement. When April finds out who the replacement is, she’s ready to call it quits as well.
Because there’s only one person in April’s past that she never wanted to see again, and her sister just handed him a front row seat to the wedding.

Jack Vaughn finally has the career he’s always wanted. After playing in bars and singing in weddings as a struggling musician for half a decade, he’s just released his second album and sales are skyrocketing. But while visiting his parent’s Nashville home the weekend before his first headline tour, he runs into an old friend. When she asks him for a last-minute favor, he can’t bring himself to say no. Even though saying yes means he has to come face to face with April Quinn—the girl who hasn’t spoken to him in years.

And rightly so, since he stole something from her that he’ll never be able to repay.

My Review

I love this author's style of writing! I was immersed right in April's drama with her bridezilla sister (I would not have lasted as long as she did!) and the disappointments with her music career. Jack's attempts to make things right with their past were lame at first and I was glad she gave him what-for. Their chemistry was sizzling though and throughout the ups and downs of learning to trust each other and their own feelings, they develop a sincere friendship and relationship. A fun novella with just the right amount of angst and romance!

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

Review: Saints at Devil's Gate: Landscapes Along the Mormon Trail by Laura Allred Hurtado, Bryon C. Andreasen, John Burton, Josh Clare, Bryan Mark Taylor

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

*UPDATE* Now available at Amazon!
 This book was published to accompany an exhibition of the same name at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. Therefore, distribution of the book has been limited. Copies are available at the museum gift store, at store.lds.org, and at some independent bookstores in Utah.

Synopsis

A beautiful art book from the Church Historian's Press, publisher of The Joseph Smith Papers.

From 1846 to 1869, some 70,000 Mormon pioneers traveled the Mormon Trail, the 1,300-mile route from Illinois and Iowa to Salt Lake City. In 2011, three award-winning Mormon painters decided to visit sites all along the historic route and capture the landscapes in oil. This full-color art book, featuring 52 landscape paintings, presents the fruit of their five-year project. Each painting is paired with journal entries or reminiscences from pioneers who made the journey. Essays by the authors and an artist interview illuminate both the art and the history of the trail.

The book gives written and visual context to the pioneers’ experience of the trail, bears witness to the land as it exists today, and links the experience of pioneers to the challenges of today.

My Review

I loved this art book, not just because of the gorgeous paintings, but also the history and real accounts from trail journals and reminiscences of pioneers. Their words truly enhanced the viewing experience and I'm sure the exhibit in the Church History Museum is amazing! The paintings allowed me to try and see the landscapes from the pioneers' perspective, and the wide range of experiences shared showed the trials and joys of men, women, and children of all ages. I was surprised to recognize one of the modern scenes- the road leading to the Winter Quarters Temple. I've driven on that road a few times while in Nebraska for family events. The pioneer cemetery next to the temple site is unforgettable, especially when visited during an icy winter since it brings to life the harsh conditions they endured. I liked that the book showcased the work of three artists, providing both variety and continuity. There are sidebars of information on the majority of pages that provide historical context for the painting subject and pioneer accounts that provided enlightenment. The size of the book is large but not overly so, it fit inside my church tote. The pages are high quality paper and will withstand multiple viewings over time. It is a well-produced book of beautiful art and I encourage you to visit the exhibit and/or purchase a copy for yourself!

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Extras

View the online exhibit of artwork, maps, and quotes from pioneers

Learn more about the artwork and exhibit from the artists and curators

Accounts from journals of pioneers who traveled through Devil's Gate

Review: How to Get Over Your Ex in Ninety Days by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

How to Get Over Your Ex in Ninety Days

• Break off all contact for ninety days.
• Stay away from social media.
• Remember all the things you liked to do when you were single and revisit those activities.
• Think carefully about starting any new romantic attachments.
• Wine, lots of wine. No, don’t. It could end badly.
• Be mindful of anxiety and feelings of hopelessness.
• Remind yourself it takes ninety days for your mind to switch gears and picture your life in a new direction.

Presley Benson thinks she found the perfect plan to get over her ex-boyfriend, Jackson Montgomery. All she needs is ninety days. There’s a problem, though. Jackson Montgomery is the newly appointed vice principal of Riverton High School where she teaches drama.

And oh yeah, he wants her back.

So what’s a girl to do? Stick with the plan of course.

My Review

Talk about being pulled in different directions! Presley is head-over-heels in love with Jackson, but he blindsides her when she is unceremoniously dumped. It's brutal, and she takes it hard. The first person perspective lends itself well to all the angst that ensues. Fortunately, the witty humor keeps it from being depressing, and the plan gives Presley a goal to stick to as she struggles with the aftermath of a once-in-a-lifetime relationship. Her close girlfriend lends support as well as her teaching mentor at the school and Jackson's grandmother. Jackson initially comes off as a real jerk, but of course we learn throughout the book how great their romance was with some flashbacks and reminiscing. Like a guy, Jackson wants to have his cake and eat it too when he tries to stay friends with Presley... which makes getting over him even harder! Throw in a couple of handsome guys to get Jackson jealous and she has her hands full. Jackson grew on me when it became apparent that he realized he made a massive mistake and starts sincerely trying to fix things. I loved that Presley sure gave him a run for his money! There's more than meets the eye with Jackson and the issues he's dealing with though, and I appreciated that Presley's compassion prevented her from becoming truly bitter and unforgiving in the end. Lots of great romantic tension and an ending to make all the drama worth it ;)

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

"8 is Great" Baptism-themed Giveaway from Jessica B. Ellingson!

FOLLOW Author Jessica B. Ellingson and LIKE & COMMENT on this Facebook post to be entered to win! And because we like to share, if you tag someone in your comment who you know would like this, THEY WIN TOO! Both of you will be sent the following prizes:

• I Want to be Baptized by Annalisa Hall (Get on Amazon)
• The Sacrament is for Me by Jessica B. Ellingson (Get here or on Amazon)
• Color Your Way to Baptism Pamphlet by Kinsey Becket (Get on Amazon)
• CTR Shield and Number 8 Cookie Cutters by Pioneer Plus (Get on Amazon)

The giveaway starts on January 20, 2017 and ends at midnight (MDT) on January 31, 2017. The winner will be announced February 1, 2017.

Review: The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Mary Buchanan has bigger worries than the radical journalist moving in next door who’s spoiling her father’s digestion: unrequited love for a footman, a fractious aunt, patiently awaiting her destiny…

Already she’s nearly eighteen. No sign of destiny yet, but Mary’s certain he’ll be handsome.

Then she meets the reformer, this Mr. Samuel Brown. Destiny is closer at hand than Mary has supposed—if she can just get Mr. Brown to realize it.

My Review

Another favorite from the Power of the Matchmaker series, and a new-to-me author discovered! I really enjoyed the writing style, the way the author protrayed the mundane and repressed life of Mary without it being boring, and her transformation into somewhat of a rebel. Mary's one passion she is allowed to have is drawing, and the descriptions of the caricatures she draws of those around her reveal a wry and cynical part of her personality, which make some of her later choices understandable. She develops a romantic obsession with Samuel, a man she hardly knows but finds herself attracted to, which brings with it an association with Samuel's good friend and protector, Niall. He isn't pleasant to her in an effort to scare her off his friend, but it backfires by helping her find her spine and he becomes an outlet for her before-hidden sassiness. I loved their interactions!!! Poor Niall finds himself shifting from defender of Samuel to self-appointed protector of Mary, and the twists in the plot were angst-inducing. I enjoyed the historical setting and learning more about the reform movement in England, which also provided some action when the riots start. The matchmaker's role in the story as Mary's neighbor Mrs. Chin is an integral one which I liked since it didn't make her seem random. Her love for gardening, long talks with Niall, and appreciation of Mary's drawing skills are endearing and I felt like she was more well-rounded in this story than in some of the others. I'm looking forward to reading the other books written by this author!

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Rescue Me by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Deputy Sam Brooks commits to something, nothing can sway him--not just on the job as liaison between the Mercy Falls sheriff's department and PEAK Rescue, but in his private life. He's the one who stuck around to take care of his mother after his father's accidental death. And he's the one--perhaps the only one--who believes Sierra Rose is the perfect girl for him. Safe, practical, and organized, she's nothing like her hippie, impulsive, bleeding heart sister, Willow.

Willow, however, has been in love with Sam Brooks for as long as she can remember. But she wants her sister to have a happy ending. Besides, Willow has other things to focus on--namely, nabbing the job as youth pastor for her small-town church. Best thing for her to do is to purge Sam from her heart.

Neither can predict the events that will bring them together in a fight for their lives in the forbidding wilderness of Glacier National Park. Stranded, injured, and with the winter weather closing in, Sam and Willow will have to work together to save a crew of terrified teenagers. As they fight to survive, they might just discover a new hope for love.

My Review

I can hardly believe it, but I just might have loved this second book in the Montana Rescue series even more than the first!!! (And that's saying a lot...) The action is way ramped up throughout the entire book, and I was literally biting my fingernails at times. (It was like watching a movie in my head!) I love the author's method of including two romances in the story- the main one between Sam and Willow, and also one between team members Jess and Pete, Sam's younger brother. The characters are strong, yet flawed, and all their journeys- physical and emotional- are compelling and human. I think that's why I connected with this story- each character has some major hang-ups, but it made them easier to relate to as they struggled and tried their best to do what they felt was right. The romances were both very "will they/won't they" and kept me turning pages and invested in the outcome. I'm loving this series and just can't wait for the third book!!! Highly recommend!

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

Cover Reveal! My Dearest Love by Sarah M. Eden

From the USA Today Bestselling author of the Longing for Home series, a new romance set in the beloved world of Hope Springs: MY DEAREST LOVE, coming July 2017!

Add it to your Goodreads list!

Synopsis

Alone in the world and far from home, Biddy holds out little hope of lasting happiness. Ian, loving her silently from afar, dreams of one day capturing her heart.
 

From the author's Facebook post:

Return with the O'Connor family back to their early years in New York, working in a textile factory, struggling from day to day, and hoping for something better to come, back when Ian O'Connor first met his beloved Biddy. We had a tiny glimpse into their tender courtship in the Longing for Home series, and it comes to life in this brand new story.

As an added bonus, you get to see Tavish O'Connor as a mischievous teenager and dear Finbarr as a sweet little boy. It was incredibly fun to revisit these characters, and I think you'll enjoy it as well.

Didn't read the Longing for Home series?? Never fear!! This story stands entirely on its own two feet and you'll love it!

Best of 2016 Giveaway Hop!

Happy New Year! I read some amazing books last year (see my Favorites of 2016 posts: historical, contemporary, novellas and series) and one of the ones that stood out to me is A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay. (Read my review here) I have an extra copy from the publisher to give away, just enter below in the Giveaway Tools widget!

Synopsis

Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .

Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.

But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.

Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.

Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?

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