Favorites of 2016: Historical

I've been inspired by several blogs I follow to make a "Best of 2016" post. But I quickly ran into a problem. Of the 197 books I read last year, 74 of them were ones I rated 5 stars! How do you narrow that down?! I bit the bullet and got it down to 37, but that still seemed like too many for one blog post. So I've divided my favorites up by genre and I'll be sharing them in four separate posts: historical, contemporary, novellas, and series. 

Here are the amazing historical novels I read in 2016 in no particular order. I highly recommend all of them and they are all ones I plan to re-read again in the future!

A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly

Amazon - Goodreads

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

The Express Rider's Lady by Stacy Henrie

 Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 The Moses Chronicles: Deliverance by H. B. Moore

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Willowkeep by Julie Daines

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

The Governess by Kristen McKendry

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

What were your favorite historical novels that you read in 2016?

Review: To Warm a Wintered Heart by Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Paperback available for purchase at the author's website

Synopsis

After an uneventful season in Bath, Miss Charlotte Rosebury returns home to Warwickshire, looking forward to a visit from her mother’s friend. Their expected guest, Mrs. Worthington, has promised that her son will be accompanying her, and as Charlotte has only ever heard stories of the gentleman who rarely leaves his Yorkshire estate, she is most pleased to meet him. However, when her warm welcome is returned with a fierce frown from the handsome man, she cannot help but long to be free of him and his blue-eyed glare.

Despite his mother’s protests, Mr. Gabriel Worthington had made the decision long ago to remain unmarried, but when he meets Charlotte, doubts about his decision creep into his fearful mind, and he wishes for nothing more than to flee from the woman and never return.

For weeks, the two are forced to live within the same home, and though they provoke one another with teasing and stolen glances, an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, a friendship that grows stronger than either of them had expected. Will Gabriel concede to the choices binding his heart, or can Charlotte’s warmth be just the thing to strengthen their love and, at last, end their fears?

My Review

I've found a new author to follow! I'm a fan of Regency romances so I loved the setting and the details of the time period which enhanced but didn't overshadow the story. It actually had tones of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with the negative first encounter of the main characters, and the somewhat formal language transported me to the era but couldn't hide the story's foundation of heart and emotion and a light dash of humor.

Charlotte and Gabriel had a rough start with the assumptions he made of her and misunderstandings that ensued, but once they became more friendly it was fun seeing their attraction grow even thought they tried to fight their feelings. There are several great scenes with high romantic tension and swoon-worthy kissing :)
The rude insinuations from various socialites to Charlotte's face was a bit overkill and made them seem like caricatures, but it did showcase her wit in gracefully handling the cattiness.

The theme of overcoming fear of loss and allowing love and happiness in Gabriel's life brought depth to the story as he struggles with his growing attachment to Charlotte. She was extremely kind for giving him chance after chance, but she also didn't let him get away with his unsociable attitude which was refreshing. They had an interesting dynamic that shifted throughout the book and kept me glued to the pages. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Deborah M. Hathaway!

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

Cover Reveal & Giveaway! The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson

 

The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson 

To escape an undesirable match, Miss Notley must give up her riches for rags. When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow. The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced for the position, yet there is something about her that that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe? The Rise of Miss Notley is the delightful tale of a mysterious gentleman and a determined young woman, caught together in a web so tangled it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

Coming February 2017

 

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website - Facebook

 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 1/25/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Comfy Cozy Giveaway Hop! Enter to win Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

This is my favorite reading weather! There's nothing more cozy than a soft blanket, a hot cup of raspberry herbal tea, and a good book! I've picked one of my favorites to give away, Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd. It was a pleasure to be immersed in the English countryside with a bit of intrigue and romance.  

Read my 5 star review here! 

Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below for a chance to win a print copy of 

 Dawn at Emberwilde! Thank you to Stuck in Books for hosting the giveaway hop!

Synopsis

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.

For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.

The unexpected arrival of a striking stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with mysterious rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. And perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde, Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

Entry-Form

Review: Conspirancy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Four years after a tragic mission decimated his career and his team, Cole “Tox” Russell is persona non grata to the United States. And that’s fine—he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed at an archaeological dig where three Bronze-era censers are found, Tox is lured back into action. Partnered with an archaeologist and an FBI agent who’s an expert in deception, Tox and his team are pitted against a secret society, a plague dubbed the New Black Death, and a revered codex—which may hold the key to stopping the deadly outbreak.

My Review

Oh my! Conspiracy of Silence is full of intense, thrilling action with a suspenseful plot. The team members are loyal and have each other's backs, even with a harsh history of being caught in the middle of politics and lies. Mistrust and misinformation brings a tension to the scenes as Tox must work with agency contacts and intel that is being fed to him piecemeal and objectives are changed mid-mission. Tox is a strong and determined character with highly skilled training, but he also has his share of flaws and emotional vulnerabilities- which made him more easy to relate to. I loved Kasey's role as the deception expert, and her history of having an unrequited crush on Tox. She sees him differently than most, and has an innate sense for his real self under all the defenses (except when it comes to how he feels about her). Another great character in Tox's life is Chiji, a member Tox added to his team after spending time with his family while exiled in Nigeria. His calming influence was needed several times throughout the story as Tox's rage escalates. It's interesting how he can keep his cool in all sorts of crazy dangerous scenarios but when his loved ones are harmed, he comes a bit unglued. The Biblical history of the artifacts, Codex, and secret societies are fascinating, especially as they tie in to the present-day war for power. I definitely recommend reading the free e-book of the prequel novella, The Warrior's Seal, since it introduces the characters and gives details of the mission that is referred to several times in Conspiracy of Silence. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in The Tox Files and learning more about the team members!

Highly recommend to fans of H.B. Moore's Omar Zagouri series and Julie Coulter Bellon's Griffin Force series!

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

Be sure to check out the FREE prequel novella in the Tox Files series, The Warrior's Seal

Synopsis

A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin.

Special Forces operative Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are tasked in a search-and-rescue--the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and the toxin to save the president.

Review: Paper Love by Aubrey Wynne

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Growing up in a Papua New Guinea mission, Joss Palmateer is a gentle soul with a unique view of life. Still adjusting to a new home in the U.S and the sudden loss of her mother, love is the last thing on her mind.

Sexy physical therapist, Ben Montgomery, meets his sister’s friend and the sparks fly. He takes it as a silent challenge when she ignores his advances, but it’s her extraordinary inner beauty that captures his heart.
With the help of a stray homing pigeon and an old origami legend, Ben sets an unwavering course of romance to win her love.

My Review

I found this story to be sweet and cute. I loved that it is based on a real-life couple and their relationship. Ben's popularity makes him come off as a flirt and a player, (which isn't my favorite) but when he finds what he's looking for in Joss, he is single-minded and determined to build a friendship and more with her. She is wary of men since her last boyfriend cheated on her, and really puts Ben in his place without being mean- just lets him know she's not interested in someone with his reputation. His sister is Joss's best friend and brings humor to the dialogue as she does her best to not get caught in the middle while still being loyal to both. She plays an important role in helping both Ben and Joss realize important things about each other and themselves. I liked the message of not letting a bad experience prevent you from living life, but to learn from it and give love another chance.

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

Freebie Alert! Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

  Don't miss this fabulous freebie! Grab your copy of Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson today!!

   
Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own. Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.  

Review: To Move the World by Regina Sirois

My rating: 5 stars/ It was amazing

Synopsis

Eve Brannon never had to bother planning out her future. In the Yorkshire dales where life is harder, it is also simpler. Next in line to inherit her family's farm, she will raise another generation of children and sheep high in the uplands of England. Waiting until next year when she is 19 to marry her father's handsome hired hand, Alan, is the detail she added herself.

But in 1939 even the most stalwart corners of the world are vibrating with the tremors of change. Eve's long-anticipated proposal comes on the wings of losing Alan to the Royal Army and at the brink of the farm's profitable war years the sheep herd is decimated by a mysterious illness. With her steady future suddenly in the clutches of a capricious fate, Eve is introduced to Jonathon Doran, a land manager anxious to prove himself in a crisis, and she discovers that the solid earth beneath her feet is moving after all.

My Review

The writing in this book is so lyrical and has a magical way of describing Eve's thoughts and feelings. It is a time of uncertainty not just in the world, but also in Eve's heart and mind, and the author perfectly captured the conflict and pulling of her heart in different directions as she is on the brink of stepping into adulthood. The setting of her English sheep farm and the details of her work there were vivid in my mind. I loved the outlet she had in her typewriter and the freedom of expression it brought her and enriched her life. Eve is full of contrasts, it's not surprising she finds herself wondering about the possibilities of her future. She is devoted to her father's farm, but regrets her missed opportunity to go to college. She is grounded and a dreamer, naive yet sassy, happy but grieving. Her emotions often burst off the page. It was quite an experience to read the beautiful and touching words and experiences and I felt myself relating to many of her thoughts and way of looking at the changing world.

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

Cover Reveal! Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore

I am so excited to read Heather B. Moore's new book, releasing March 14, 2017! Her writing is so compelling and her research impeccable. This story was inspired by the experiences of one of her ancestors! Be sure to add this to your TBR and it's even available for pre-order!

Synopsis


In CONDEMN ME NOT: ACCUSED OF WITCHCRAFT, USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.