Review: The Promise of Home by Michele Paige Holmes

Book Three in the Hearthfire Romance: Scottish Historical series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

As Katie and Collin MacDonald prepare to embark on the most perilous journey of their lives— crossing the Atlantic to Nova Scotia— an ocean away Collin’s brother Ian is seeing the coast of Virginia for the first time.

After a voyage that would have cost Ian his life, except for the courage and timely aid of Elizabeth Campbell, Ian plans to risk the same returning to Scotland as soon as possible, even if that means stowing away. But as Eliza and Ian form an unlikely friendship, Ian realizes he cannot simply abandon Eliza and their fellow passengers to the cruel fates that await them. At the risk of his own freedom, he decides he must do what he can to help.

After a narrow escape in London, Katie and Collin cross the ocean swiftly, with the smaller ship Cleopatra making good time until she encounters a fierce storm near Sable Island. The tempest threatens both the ship and Katie’s fragile health, and their arrival in Halifax brings little relief, but further proof that the dangers of this new continent will equal or surpass the old.

My Review

I have really loved this series with its twists and turns, amazing setting, and vibrant characters. I was satisfied at the conclusion of book two, but thrilled that we would continue the story with the journey to America. This third book was different in that we get not only Katie's perspective, but also Ian's. I loved seeing the changes that Ian made as he turned back to the teachings of his father and influence of his brother Colin, but I felt like it happened so fast, including his feelings for Eliza. I wish there had been more development there like there was for Katie and Colin in the first book. Katie has a pretty rough time on the ship but there are also sweet moments between her and Colin that demonstrate the depth of their love and devotion. Katie's brother Timothy is a fun addition to the cast, as well as Eliza and the coopers that Ian works with. Katie's gift of sight comes into play and helps prepare them for their future home. Mistaken identity between Ian and Colin create a conflict that draws them into desperate circumstances, and the climax is full of tension and suspense as the Campbells and MacDonalds work together to save their laird. I loved the new unity that blossoms between the two rival clans as they make their way in the New World.

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

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Don't miss the first two books in the Hearthfire Romance: Scottish Historical series

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761

Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother.

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Scottish Highlands, 1700s:

Barely two weeks have passed since Laird Collin MacDonald first darkened Katherine Mercer’s doorstep and married her. Marriage has hardly been what she expected, given their grueling and adventurous days of travel to the Scottish Highlands. Along with the discovery that Collin’s twin Ian would like to see her dead, Katie must now face her own clan, whose chief wants to kill Collin and take her to wife himself. All because Katie possesses the Campbell gift of sight, passed down through centuries of her ancestors.

With little more than faith in her grandfather’s vision and her unique bond with Collin to guide her, Katie steps bravely into an unknown future, where the glimpses afforded her may bring more danger than direction. When the misuse of her gift takes Collin from her side, she is left alone and vulnerable. Help arrives in the most unexpected form as Ian MacDonald makes good on his threat to attack the Campbells and Katie learns that the bond between brothers and love knows no bounds.

 

Review: Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Book One in the Blackbird Mountain series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love.

Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood.

My Review

This is the first book I've read by the author, and now I'm ready to go binge-read all her other books! I felt like my heart was being tugged on as I read the story of Aven and Thor, their thoughts, struggles, triumphs, and joys. The writing is absolutely beautiful and I just sank into it, not wanting to miss one word. Aven is such a thoughtful, compassionate person, having endured harsh circumstances and heartache, and blossoms in the supportive household of the Norgaard brothers. I loved her perspective as she quickly bonds with the brothers and the others that live on the property, embracing them as family. The sweet romance that develops between her and Thor after a rough beginning is amazing with lovely special moments that are quiet and intense. Thor is an unforgettable character, not just because of how he has succeeded despite his disability, but how he goes through the lowest of lows in order to overcome his weakness and be worthy of Aven. His gentle nature contrasts with his powerful strength and confidence, intriguing Aven and strengthening their connection. The family goes through ups and downs with violent neighbors, sibling rivalries, a new bride for the oldest brother, and a need to innovate their livelihood to save the farm. I was completely immersed from the first page to the last, and highly recommend this book!

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

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Looking forward to the next book in the Blackbird Mountain series, coming Spring 2019!

Synopsis

Two brothers were raised to know that Viking blood runs in their veins. But when it comes to passion and rivalry, they’re desperate to discover if God’s peace can dwell in their hearts.

Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia, once led a secluded life in the shadows of his charismatic brother, Haakon. Now married to the woman whose hand they both sought, Thor is honored to be the keeper of Aven’s heart. With his brother and longtime rival half a world away on the Norwegian ice trade, the Norgaard farm has become a haven—until a decades-old feud with the neighboring farm wrenches the family toward the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Lives are threatened and homes are at stake—especially for Thor, who shows signs of a grave illness brought to him at the first prick of warfare.

When Haakon finally allows the winds to bear him home after four years at sea, he finds the family on the brink of tragedy. Without hesitation, he rises to the challenge of protecting those he loves, but when it comes to his blood-deep rival and the woman he once loved, Haakon must draw lines not so easily marked—ones that shape a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know not only the healing peace of surrender but also the boundless gift of forgiveness.

Review: Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

Book Four in the Chesapeake Valor series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Private Investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving Luke Gallagher after he disappeared. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal while on the brink of a biological disaster that will shake America to its core. Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next target?

My Review

This is a fast-paced, gripping, and intense book, the conclusion of the Chesapeake Valor series that follows a group of friends that serve in various fields of criminal justice. I was so excited to read Kate and Luke's story, especially since he's been such a mystery from the beginning. This is a series that I think is best read in order, but honestly you could still read Dead Drift on its own and be fine. I appreciate that the author catches the reader up with the characters and their relationships without info-dumping the plots of the previous books, so even if you read this book first, you can still go back and enjoy the stories of the other friends in the previous three books (which are all excellent!)

I loved learning more about Luke and Kate's relationship from when they were together before his prolonged absence courtesy of the CIA. It showed why they never gave up on each other and made their reunion that much sweeter- after Kate gave him heck to pay, of course ;) The highly dangerous cases they are working on solving and attacks they are trying to prevent bring them closer together, and also heighten the fears they have of losing each other again. They have issues to work out and also get to know each other again as the changes people they have become- although the important things haven't changed. They have amazing chemistry, and I also loved the deeper ways they connect, through their faith and supporting each other.

Besides the terrorist case Luke is leading, Griffin and Finley are following up clues from his sister Jenna's murder, and the two plots woven together create a nice balance and kept the pace cracking along, making the book impossible to put down. With twists and turns along the way and dramatic, nail-biting climaxes, the story wraps up with satisfying conclusions for this group of friends that have become tight-knit and stalwart once again. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!

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

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Don't miss the previous books in the Chesapeake Valor series . . .

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

 Book Three

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.

Review: Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone… but is it what he really wants?

Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself?

My Review

The gentle pace of this story took me a bit to get into, but I enjoyed Ursula's story of those in her life whom she loves and supports. She and Mac are an older couple which generally isn't my preferred age for the romance books I read, but I appreciated their perspective on life, their wisdom and sacrifices. Ursula is active with running the inn and cross-country skiing, and brings joy to many, including the young girl she is raising and her friends and family in the community. I loved how she and various business owners quickly work together to throw a reporter off the scent of Mac's trail. 

Mac is one tormented character, and the persistence of Ursula's genuine compassion and acts of kindness draw him out of the darkness where he can feel hope and experience a respite from his inner pain. As their friendship deepens, Mac is able to provide support to Ursula as well, and though they have their share of bumps in the road, the romance blossomed naturally. The setting of Alaska in the winter was perfect and I loved the little details that brought it to life, especially the reindeer run which sounds like a riot! Alaskan Hideaway is a nice follow up to the previous books in the series, and I look forward to more from the author.

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