A Most Noble Heir Book Review

SUMMARY:  Will gaining the world cost him everything he holds most dear?
     When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered.  Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.
     Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope - believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union.  However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father's demanding expectations.
     Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away.  With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

REVIEW:  While reading this book, everything was worked out in my head how things should go, just like Nolan does after he finds out he is the Earl's son.  But, as we both found out, things don't always go as you planned.  I like how the author kept the obvious conclusions from occurring, keeping my interest the whole time.  As different twists and turns came about, it kept me guessing how events would play out in the end.  Nolan and Hannah both grow a lot, not only in their character and together but also their faith, depending on God to see things through.  As relationships get rocky, God gives them the strength to power through their trials to the blessings He has on the other side.  I was pleasantly surprised with Nolan's father Lord Edward and Hannah's aunt Iris and enjoyed them very much.
     If you want a distraction from the everyday, this book is a great one to pick up and read. 

This book was provided by Bethany House and Litfuse Publicity Group 

for review without compensation.

Susan Anne Mason's first historical romance, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA.  She lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children and one rather plump cat.  Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.net.

A Light on the Hill Book Review

Cities of Refuge Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own.  Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she's spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears.  Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.

     When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise.  But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life.  Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies - and unexpected allies - she will encounter on her way.

REVIEW:  Connilyn Cossette has written another fabulous book, this time regarding the cities of refuge that were set up in Israel.  As with the books in her first series, OUT FROM EGYPT, this one picks up a few years after Wings of the Wind ends.  Moriyah, who had been rescued from captivity in Jericho and branded on her face, hides from the rest of the world behind her veil.  Even though she loves God, she has a hard time loving herself.  As she runs for her life, I love how she finds strength in accepting herself as she is, and with it, becomes a stronger person.  The author does a great job showing how Moriyah begins to see those around her who love and support her no matter what marks she carries . . .  they love her for her.  

     This story still resonates with me, even though I finished it weeks ago, as does all of her books.  Now, like in the other books the author has written, she refers back to characters and events that has happened previously.  So, to get a much better understanding of Moriyah's background and struggles, it is good to read Wings of the Wind.  That being said, I would suggest just getting the three books of the OUT FROM EGYPT series and read them.  I don't think you will be disappointed.  Connilyn Cossette has become one of my favorite authors, and I'm sure she will be one of yours too.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

Connilyn Cossette is the CBA bestselling author of the OUT OF EGYPT series.  Her debut novel, Counted with the Stars, is a Christy Award finalist, INSPY Award finalist, and Christian Retailing's Best Award finalist.  She lives south of Dallas with her husband of twenty years and two awesome kids.  Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com.

A Refuge Assured Book Review

SUMMARY:  Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of Peace
     Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life.  Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine.  Vivienne flees to Philadelphia, but danger lurks in the French Quarater, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin.  Can the French settlement Asylum offer permanent refuge?
     Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for.  He wants only to cultivate his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion.  When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

REVIEW:  Jocelyn Green's latest novel does not disappoint.  As I read, I was caught up in the Vivienne's struggles.  As she fights to stay alive, she desperately desires peace and safety.  I like how she doesn't try to hide and mull over everything lost in France after she arrives in America but, after not being able to make it as a lacemaker, she finds a new trade making breads, pastries and pies for a local pub.  Her tenacity to hang on when the going gets tough helps her and the young boy placed in her care survive when things look bleak.
     Liam Delaney is a strong man who doesn't back down from a challenge.  He stands firm on what he believes is right, even when it is not the popular thing to do.  I like that he is a hard worker and, when faced with losing his farm, does what is necessary to help Vivienne when it's needed.
     If you like reading historical novels, especially ones written around the time of the American Revolution, this is a novel you should check out.  The author does a wonderful job with her storytelling and adventures.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I look forward to reading more from this author.

This book was provided by Bethany House and the author for review without any compensation.

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King and Wedded to War, both Christy Award finalists, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman.  Jocelyn lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.  Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.