Between Two Shores Book Review

SUMMARY:  She has always moved between worlds, but now she must choose a side.

     The daughter of a Mohawk mother and a French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart.  Content to trade to both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years' War against her wishes when her British ex-fiance', Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father.  Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.
   
     Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not.  But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine.  When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France.  She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.

REVIEW:  Like her other books before this, Jocelyn Green does not write your "typical" novel.  It does have many details other books have but the situations her heroines find themselves in and how they overcome difficulties are not the same.  That's what makes her books something I look forward to reading. 

     Catherine is a strong woman who has had to deal with prejudice and abuse most of her life.  She chooses to live as a Frenchwoman but she looks like a native.  I like how she doesn't let the narrow mindedness of others make her bitter or angry but chooses to rise above her circumstances to make things better for herself and those around her.  She is determined to keep her Mohawk roots and connections alive as much as she can. She helps everyone around her and looks out for those who sometimes can't take care of themselves.

     There are many decisions Catherine has to make, especially some that are not so easy ones.  She also purposely decides to abide by decisions made by others that affect her, some which as very hard but are very admirable. 

     Without giving away anything in the story, let me say this was a very interesting read.  It's different from others of the same style but remarkable.  This novel is one I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to rereading again so I can delve deeper into this character and those around her.  Check it out for yourself.  I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

This book was provided by the author for review without any compensation.  The review is completely my own.

Jocelyn Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King and A Refuge Assured.  Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award and the Golden Scroll.  Jocelyn lives with her family in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

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 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.

A Passionate Hope Book Review

Daughters of the Promised Land

Hannah's Story

Book Four

SUMMARY:  Can one woman's prayers change the world?

     Hannah and her husband, Elkanah, share a deep and abiding love for each other, for their God, and for His tabernacle at Shiloh.  Greatly disturbed by the corruption of the priests, they long for restoration and pray for a deliverer.  But nothing changes as the years pass.  Years that also reveal Hannah to be barren.

     Pressured by his family to take another wife, Elkanah marries Peninnah, who quickly begins to bear children.  Disgraced and taunted by her husband's new wife, Hannah turns again to prayers that seem doomed to go unanswered.  Do her devotions and kindness in the face of Peninnah's cruelty count for nothing?  Will God remain silent and indifferent to her pleas?

     Travel back to the dusty streets of Shiloh with an expert guide as Jill Eileen Smith brings to life a beloved story of hope, patience, and deliverance that shows that even the most broken of relationships can be restored.

REVIEW:  Since Hannah has always been a favorite bible heroine of mine, I was excited to get Jill Eileen Smith's latest novel.  As I turned the pages, I was taken back to the time after the judges when the priests were corrupt and hope seems lost and God distant.  My heart cried with Hannah's struggles of infertility, disappointing her husband, and listening to the taunts of first her in-laws then her sister-wife.  While she puts on a happy face for the world, I could feel Hannah's struggles and the pain of her barrenness.  I like how the author expresses Hannah's turmoil, Peninnah's bitterness and Elkanah's struggle.  She also does a wonderful job showing how the corruption of the priests affects the nation of Israel and the people.  It was interesting to see how Hannah might have dealt with Samuel's birth and then giving him back to God with all the impropriety and turmoil at the tabernacle.  The strength she had and the trust in Yahweh was awe-inspiring!!  One of the most surprising, and enjoyable, parts was the end.

     As usual, Jill Eileen Smith does an excellent job.  If you like biblical fiction, you will love Hannah's story.  Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the Wives of King David, the Wives of the Patriarchs, the Loves of King Solomon, and the Daughters of the Promised Land series.  Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible of Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.  Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.  Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

Keturah Book Review

The Sugar Baron's Daughters

Book One

SUMMARY:  In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

     Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world.  But, once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns.  On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined - and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world. 

     Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation.  She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

     To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

REVIEW:  The summary of this book caught my eye: a young English lady and her sisters attempting to manage a sugar plantation all by themselves without any outside help thousands of miles from their home in the late 1700's.  The author does a wonderful job describing life on the island, the impressions of the women and the island itself.  The characters' reactions to the slave market, the ocean front near their home and working hard beside their staff make me feel like I was there experiencing everything first hand.  I like how Keturah fights for her sisters and tells them they do not have to marry for the sake of money, land or anything else, but only marry for love.  I also like how she stands up for her slaves, treating them like humans.  Even though she detests the slave markets, Keturah sees it is a necessary evil on Nevis but does what she can to make them feel like part of a family instead of cattle. 
     This book does not wrap everything about the Banning daughters lives or about trouble they have faced on the plantation.  The rest of the series should take care of this.  I can see how the next two stories will continue their progress as sugar baronesses and their lives on the island.
     This is a great book.  I am very interested in reading the other books in this series when they come out.  I'm sure they will be just as good if not better. 

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

Lisa T. Bergren has published more than fifty books with combined sales exceeding three million copies.  A bestselling and award-winning author, she's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award.  Lisa lives in Colorado with her husband and three teen-and-older children.  To learn more, visit www.lisatawnbergren.com.

Many Sparrows Book Review

SUMMARY:  Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would ........
     In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories.  The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife, Clare, and their four-year-old son, Jacob, on a remote mountain trail.
     When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare finds herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can recover her son ... especially when her second child is moments away from being born.
 
REVIEW:  This book was amazing, as all of Lori Benton's books are.  She delves into emotions, situations and events that make you think long and hard about the characters and how you might act if you were put in the same position.
     This story is not an easy one.  I can't even being to imagine how I would have reacted if I was in Clare's position: pregnant, and in labor, with only her small son to keep her company.  Then, at the apex of her precarious situation, her son disappears into the wilderness.  After Jeremiah and Clare locate Jacob, they cannot simply walk into the Shawnee camp and take him home.  The time it takes and the way Jeremiah and Clare maneuver around the obstacles they face is mind boggling.  It is a development of patience, love, endurance, and understanding.  I love how the author weaves Clare's faith and the struggles she has with God into the story.
     This is a wonderful novel that everyone should read.

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

Lori Benton was raised eat of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years.  Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history.  When she isn't writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband.  She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, Christy nominee The Wood's Edge, and A Flight of Arrows.

A Name Unknown Book Review

Shadows Over England Series

 Book One

SUMMARY:  She's out to steal his name.  Will he steal her heart instead?

     Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins who helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets - instead they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary is beginning to question whether she can continue in this life when she's offered the challenge of a lifetime - determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany.  After all how does one steal a family's history, their very name?

     As Europe moves ever closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein.  Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence.  But Peter can't help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown - so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels.  When Rosemary arrives on his doorstep pretending to be a well-credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

     When danger and suspicion continue to mount, both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth - about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

REVIEW: The summary of this book drew my attention.  There were so many questions floating around  - how does someone prove they are a loyal citizen?  How does someone steal a name? Why did Peter keep his office locked up and why was no one allowed entry without his permission, not even his loyal housekeeper?  What did he do with the typewriter on his desk all day?  Where did Peter's father and grandfather put all the important paperwork about their immigration to England from Germany?  How was the Holstein family connected to the British royal family so that the men were advisors to the present and past rulers of England?  As I read, little by little these questions were answered, albeit, some quite slowly.  I liked the mysterious air attached to this story with the secretive Mr. V and the details Rosemary slowly discovers about the Holstein family.  Sometimes it was hard to keep the information together because each piece of the puzzle was very slowly revealed.  As I read, I wondered what Rosemary would do with the information she was gathering for Mr. V and about how was behind the attacks on Peter's house.  I like how the book ended because it was not what I expected and the way it sets up for another book in the series.
     This book was different from others I read in that it was slower in revealing the details need to absolve the problems Peter was facing but, not everything is answered quickly in real life either.  This is a good book and recommend it to someone wanting a little mystery.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without any compensation.

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her.  When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself.  Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her series set in Britain.  She makes her home in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia.  You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannawhite.com.

Grounded Hearts Book Review

SUMMARY:  A brave midwife.  A wounded pilot.  A risky secret.
     In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral.  Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for.  When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.
     Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare.  While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection - and an unbreakable bond.
     But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again.  As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

REVIEW:  While parts of this book was interesting, there are quite a bit that I found a little disheartening and concerning in a book that was supposed to be Christian fiction.  While reading, I learned about Ireland's neutrality during World War II and how difficult life could be for those who were found helping anyone involved in any way with the action.  In Grounded Hearts, the militia groups, and their affiliates, would arrest anyone thought to be harboring, in their eyes, a fugitive.  When Nan took in Dutch after he crashed his airplane in a nearby bog, she decided to hide him while he healed from his injuries.  Doing so, she took a great risk to her reputation as the local (and only) midwife for the area.  Also, reading about the treatment of the arrested fugitives in Ireland was eye-opening and shocking, in a good way.  The adventure Nan and Dutch had trying to get him across the border to Northern Ireland was funny at times.  I also liked how Nan steps out of her comfort zone and finds there is more to life when you just take a little risk.
     One disheartening and concerning part was how the local Irish men were portrayed.  They were shown to be ignorant, overbearing, and totally clueless about the actions of their wives.  All they were concerned about was having the house taken care of and their needs met.  They were portrayed as being drunk as soon as it was "socially acceptable."  As their wives took control of the situation Nan found herself in, the men of the village didn't have a clue about what was happening.  While I like having strong women characters, I don't like it at the expense of the men.
     Another concerning part was how the attraction between Dutch and Nan was illustrated.  There were times when I became a little uncomfortable reading about how they felt and what each other found attractive.  It was more descriptive than I usually find in Christian novels and was mentioned at every turn.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Waterfall Press 

for review without any compensation.

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers.  Her grandmother lived with them and was a constant source of stories about life in Ireland and about saint and ancestors long gone from this earth.  Jeanne credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother for her love of storytelling.

The Mark of the King Book Review

SUMMARY:

LIFE IN THIS NEW WORLD 

REQUIRES MORE STRENGTH 

THAN SHE EVER IMAGINED.

     After the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded, marking her as a criminal beyond redemption.  Hoping to reunite with her brother, a soldier, she trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana.  The price of her transport, however, is a forced marriage to a fellow convict.

     New Orleans is nothing like Julianne expects.  The settlement is steeped in mud and mosquitoes, and there is no news of her brother, Benjamin.  When tragedy strikes, she turns to military officer Marc-Paul Girand for help, but does he know more about her brother than he will admit?

     With her dreams shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous land, where only grace - and love - can overcome the stigma of the king's mark upon her shoulder.

REVIEW:  In Jocelyn Green's book, The Mark of the King, the author portrays the difficulty of life in the new Louisiana Territory, especially for a woman who was wrongly convicted of murder.  Forced into a marriage she didn't want, then having to prove herself over and over again, Julianne doesn't let her difficulties bring her down but does her best to help those around her and make the best of seemingly endless bad situations.  I like how the author portrays Julianne's strength without making her too independent, choosing to see the best in everyone and doing what she can to make her forced marriage one of tenderness and respect.  She learns to embrace the brand she wears on her shoulder (marking her as a criminal beyond redemption) as a sign marking her a cherished child of God's grace as it brings her closer to the ones she loves. 
     The story is well written and kept my attention.  There is just enough action to keep the story moving without bogging it down in details.  There are also twists and turns I saw coming and quite a few I didn't and enjoyed.  The author does use a lot of French words and phrases without explaining what they are in the dialog or in the setting.  Having a French dictionary or translating app is really helpful as it helps the reader fully comprehend what is being referred to and gives the reader the full effect of what the author intended.  I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Jocelyn Green.

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

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including Wedded to War, a Christy Award finalist in 2013, 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.

The Cottage Book Review

Secrets of the Shetlands Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Is the future of Whales Reef in the hands of an outsider?

     When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs.  She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it.  But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that "the Cottage" is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.

     The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman - and an American.  Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times.  Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye.  And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place - and the character of its most prominent citizen - that soon gets under her skin.
     Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whales Reef.  David's cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni's hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island.  But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni's very life in danger. . . .

 REVIEW:  This book was just as enjoyable as the first, if not more so.  This book picks up exactly where the first, The Inheritance, leaves off and carries the reader away to the Shetland Islands.  The author does a fantastic job keeping everything in the story line going, all the characters engaging, and the reader turning the pages until the end. He takes his time explaining details so that the reader feels like they are right there on site.  I like how this book goes into more detail about Loni's upbringing and her connection to Ernest Tulloch, the original owner of the island community.  I like how David keeps his connection to the island a secret while Loni gets her bearings and understanding of how everything works so not to overwhelm her or make her think he's after the inheritance, like Hardy.  Sometimes all the details and characters involved in this book were difficult to keep straight.  My favorite part is the ending.  The author takes his time working out all the intricate details, slowly unraveling all the secrets and underhanded dealings.
     This is an intriguing book that was very fascinating and enjoyable. 

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

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction.  Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland, but make their home near Sacramento, California.  Visit Michael's website at www.macdonaldphillips.com. 

A Beauty Refined Book Review

Sapphire Brides Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

     Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana.  Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions - both for her and the gemstones - are not what she thinks.

     Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing.  Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realized that her family story is based on a  lie - a lie she has no knowledge of.  And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

     Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans.  But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.

REVIEW:  This story is different from others I've read because the main "secret" is revealed to both the reader and main characters fairly early.  I like this because it helped me be less frustrated with the characters and their actions, or the lack there of.  Now, there are other problems and difficulties that Phoebe is not aware of and the eventual discovery of these helps move the story along very well.  It also makes for interesting reading as you come to understand each character better and try to figure out how everything will end.  

     Phoebe's willingness to stand up for what she believes, even though it costs her everything she knows, is awesome!!  I love how, after a very unfortunate event, she doesn't give excuses for another person's actions, even though she loves them dearly.  Even though many lies were told, the truth is revealed in the end, for the betterment of each situation and for most people.  Ian's stance on truth telling causes some potential problems but I like how he sticks to his beliefs.  Because of this, even though it looked impossible, the events worked out for the good of most everyone involved.  

     Even though this is the second book in the series, each one looks to stand well on its own. There was no time when I thought I might be missing something by not reading the first novel.  This is a remarkable book.  Check it out and see for yourself.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without compensation.

 

Tracie Peterson's loves for history and research fuels the bestselling stories she writes.  She is the author of over one hundred novels and the recipient of the 201 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award.  Tracie and her family live in Montana.

The Beautiful Pretender Book Review

A Medieval Fairy Tale

SUMMARY:  After inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride.  What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?

     The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast.  He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king's approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

     Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn't select her as his bride.  Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught.  No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

     Despite Avelina's best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice.  And try as she might, she can't deny her own growing feelings.  But something else is afoot in the castle.  Something sinister that cold have far worse - far deadlier - consequences.

REVIEW:  This is magnificent book very loosely based on the fairy tale of The Princess and the Pea.  The author does an incredible job keeping my attention throughout the tale and keeping me guessing as to how it would end.  Avelina/Dorothea is an admirable character.  As she gets to know Reinhart, the margrave, she starts to develop feelings for him.  Because she knew she wouldn't be able to follow through with her feelings, she selfishly sets them aside and promotes her new friend Magdalen in a good light in hopes the margrave will pick her for his bride.  When trouble rises and previous threats come to fruition, Avelina/Dorothea does not cower but does what she can to protect the margrave and his land, even though it may cost her life.

     This story is well-written and enjoyable.  Melanie Dickerson is one author I will continue to look for and read.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers

for review without compensation.

Melanie Dickerson is a two-time Christy Award finalist and author of The Healer's Apprentice, winner of the National Readers' Choice Award for Best First Book in 2010, and The Merchant's Daughter, winner of the 2012 Carol Award.  She spends her time writing romantic medieval stories at her home near Hunstville, Alabama, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Visit her website at www.MelanieDickerson.com.  She can also be found on Twitter: @melanieauthor and Facebook: MelanieDickersonBooks.

The Inheritance Book Review

Secrets of the Shetlands

Book One

SUMMARY:  Change is coming to Whales Reef

     The death of clan patriarch Macgregor Tulloch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community o Whales Reef into turmoil.  Everyone assumed Tulloch's heir to be his much-loved grand-nephew David.  But when no will is discovered, David's calculating cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land.  And Hardy knows a North Sea oil investor who will pay dearly for that control.

     While the competing claims are investigated, the courts have frozen the estate's assets, leaving many of the locals in dire financial straits.  The future of the island - and its traditional way of life - hangs in the balance.

     Meanwhile, Loni Ford enjoys a rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, D.C.  Yet, in spite of outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity.  Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her grandparents, and wile she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots.  That is, until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor . . . .

     Past and present collide in master storyteller Michael Phillips' dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace.

REVIEW:  If you like books that tie the past and present together, this is one you need to check out.  While the story does jump back and forth, it does so in an orderly and seamless fashion.  I love how the author includes a family tree because it is very important to keep everyone straight.  I also love how the sections and chapters are laid out.  With a story of this magnitude, it was nice having the table of contents and genealogy to fall back on to for reference.
     This novel grabbed my attention and kept it until the very end, leaving me wanting more.  The author made me feel like I was there, part of the scenery, watching the events as they happened.  It is not a book that you can read quickly.  The intricacies of the past and present narratives, along with the Scottish island dialect, make you slow down.  When you take your time, you will understand and appreciate the small details that play a huge part later on.
     This is one series that I will definitely take the time to savor when the others are released.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without compensation.

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction.  Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland, but make their home near Sacramento, California.  Visit Michael's website at www.macdonaldphillips.com.

Playing the Part Book Review

A Class of Their Own Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but must abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening.  Lucetta's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, seizes the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to safety at her eligible grandson's estate.
     At first glance, Bram Haverstein appears to be a gentleman of means - albeit an eccentric one - but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows.
     While Lucetta has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, she can't ignore the strange things going on in Bram's house and the secrets he hides. As the hijinks and hilarity that Bram, Lucetta, and their friends are swept into take a more dangerous turn, can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

REVIEW:  If you like books where everything works out in the end, the characters make you laugh, and you try to figure out how everything will play out, this book is for you.  Even though this book is not listed as a series, it completes the story of three friends.  You do not need to read the other two stories but they will tie up some loose ends and help you understand the characters much better.
      Lucetta is a fun character who does not let the social norms of the late 19th century tell her what to do.  She has her own ideas, own way of doing things and is not out looking to play the victim so she will be taken care of.  I love how she uses the skills God gave her (a photographic memory and a head for numbers) to help her family and friends.  Sometimes I wished she wasn't so independent but she was a fun character to read.
     The members of Bram's household add to the strange air around Bram.  Their odd behaviors, along with the menagerie of animals that he has rescued, just make things seem chaotic and unsettling.  Bram himself is a little mysterious by disappearing for days with no explanation.  I like the secret he keeps and how it ties into Lucetta's career.
    Things aren't always what they seem: actions, people, and events.  But, if you look hard enough and give people a chance, you will be amazed at what you can learn.
     This book was a fun wrap up to the stories about Harriet, Millie, Lucetta and Abigail.  Check it out if you are looking for a lively and pleasant read.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without compensation.

Jen Turano is the author of seven books, including the Ladies of Distinction and A Class of Their Own series.  Her novel, After a Fashion, is a Booklist Top 10 Romance of 2015 and a nominee in the 2015 RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Awards.  She makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and son.  Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

The Confessions of X Book Review

SUMMARY:  Before he became a father of the Christian Church, Augustine of Hippo loved a woman whose name has been lost to history.  This is her story.
     She met Augustine in Carthage when she was seventeen.  She was the poor daughter of a mosaic-layer; he was a promising student and heir to a fortune.  His brilliance and passion intoxicated her, but his social class would be forever beyond her reach.  She became his concubine, and by the time he was forced to leave her, she was thirty years old and the mother of his son.  And his Confessions show us that he never forgot her.  She was the woman he ever loved.
     In a society in which classes rarely mingle on equal terms, and an unwed mother can lose her son to the burgeoning career of her ambitious lover, this anonymous woman was a first-hand witness to Augustine's anguished spiritual journey from secretive religious cultist to the celebrated Bishop of Hippo.
     Giving voice to one of history's most mysterious women, The Confessions of X tells the story of Augustine of Hippo's nameless lover, their relationship before his famous conversion, and her life after his rise to fame.  A tale of womanhood, faith, and class at the end of antiquity, The Confessions of X is more than historical fiction . . . it is a timeless story of love and loss in the shadow of a theological giant.

REVIEW:  This book is different from any other I think I've ever read.  It is written in first person but the main character is never called by name.  Now, there are nicknames and pet names but the name given to her by her parents is never revealed. 
     It took me a little while to really get into the story.  It is set in 360-430 AD.  The author tells the story of X's beginning, her life with Augustine and their son, and the events that might have taken place after she left.  While the author does not go into graphic detail of X's life as Augustine's concubine, she does not hold back any punches.  Life was hard and especially hard for someone who did not grow up with wealth or position.  Even though she lived with him as husband and wife, X was never granted the privileges that went along with that distinction.  There were many times she was looked down upon but also many places she was honored and loved. 
     If you are not familiar with Augustine, his live and beliefs, you won't learn much about him.  Since I fall in that category, I was surprised that, even though he grew up with a Christian mother, he seemed to come to complete knowledge of Christ at a later age.  This book does not say if X became a Christian but she did support him wholeheartedly in every pursuit he took on. 
     This is not your typical Christian fiction novel.  While it does show you what live was like for concubines, this author imagines X's life a little better than most.  It was an interesting read that I suggest you try out.

This book was provided by Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson Publishers 

for review without compensation.

Suzanne M. Wolfe grew up in Manchester, England, and read English Literature at Oxford University, where she co-founded the Oxford C.S. Lewis Society.  She is Writer in Residence at Seattle Pacific University and has taught literature and creative writing there since 2000.  Wolf is the author of Unveiling: A Novel (Paraclete Press, 2004) and co-founder, along with her husband, of Image, a journal of the arts and faith.  Suzanne and Greg have co-authored many books on literature and prayer and are the parents of four grown children.  They live outside of Seattle.  Visit the author's website at www.suzannemwolfe.com.

The Prophetess Book Review

Daughters of the Promised Land Series

Book Two

Deborah's Story

SUMMARY:  Canaan has ravaged Israel.  The people are in hiding.  All that stands between surrender and hope is one untested woman.

     Deborah will never forget the day her father and brothers left to worship at the Lord's tabernacle - or the wails of her mother after finding their bodies at the city gates.  The memories of Canaan's cruelty haunt her and all of Israel.  Now in this dark time, the Lord calls on Deborah to lead His people away from the idols of other nations and back to Him.

     Deborah never asked to be a prophetess or a judge over God's people.  Still, she cannot deny His voice or the visions that accompany it.  Can her family ever understand?  Will her people believe God's calling on her life?  And can the Canaanite menace be stopped?

     With her trademark impeccable research and imaginative storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the story of Israel's most powerful woman in this intriguing and inspiring novel.

REVIEW:  As always, Jill Eileen Smith brings the story of Deborah to light with wonderful detail and vision.  The story of the judge Deborah is only two chapters long in the book of Judges, with one chapter being the song that she sang after Barak's defeat of Sisera and the Canaanite army.  Using the little information provided and her masterful imagination, the author does an excellent job creating characters that her readers can relate to and understand.  Deborah is reluctant to act as a judge, being that she is only a woman, but is quickly admired and sought out for her godly wisdom.   Barak still grieves for his wife that was killed years earlier by the Canaanites and is determined to fight to free Israel from their grasp.  There are many other characters that come to life and really help fuel the story. Heber the Kenite, Jael his wife, their daughter Daniyah, Deborah's husband Lappidoth, their daughter Talya all make this biblical story seem like it happened exactly this way.  It also helped me better understand this period of judges ruling the province and the idol worship that kept God's blessings at bay and the cruelness of terrorism on their doorsteps.

      As always, if you've never read a book by Jill Eileen Smith, you need to pick this one up, along with all of her others.  Even though this is the second book in the Daughters of the Promised Land series, it is a complete stand alone.  Make sure you check it and her others out.

 

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Wives of King David series and The Crimson Cord, as well as the Wives of the Patriarchs and the loves of King Solomon series.  Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.  She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.  She loves to hear from her readers.  Contact her at www.jilleileensmith.com, or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith or Twitter @JillEileenSmith. 

Undaunted Hope Book Review

Beacons of Hope Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  

1871

Eagle Harbor, Michigan

In a Town Mired in Darkness

She May Shine the Light They Need 

     Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners.  She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it's too late to replace her.  Tessa can't help but thank him and say she is in his debt.

     Determined to make herself irreplaceable one spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father.  At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest know, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before.  But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

REVIEW:  Jody Hedlund's latest novel does not disappoint.  Tessa is a strong character who has learned from her mistakes and is trying to become a better person.  She also hopes to aspire those around her to better themselves by starting a night school for the miners and parents who don't know how to read, write or do simple arithmetic equations.  She has big plans to help the community but, unfortunately, keeps hitting roadblocks set up by Mr. Updegraff, who lives above the law and who keeps the miners and their families on a very short leash.  I was pleasantly pleased to see the changes in Tessa after reading the previous book.  She has really grown up in her thinking, actions and faith.  She tries to be a light to those in her little community when it looks like the darkness will never end, physically and spiritually.

     The struggles she has with her suitors is comical at times and very serious.  Sometimes they try to out-do each other when helping her with school house repair projects and little gifts.  When one decides to take a step back and let the other beau have a chance, Tessa doesn't know what to think or do.  She has a tough decision to make.

     To fully understand Tessa's abhorrence to lightkeeping and her insistence on keeping her reputation spotless, you need to read the second book in this series, Hearts Made Whole.  Even though she is a minor character, her background and actions are fully explained and makes greater sense.  This book does a great job of trying to fill in the gaps for those who haven't but doesn't go into great detail until later in the story.

     This is a delightful book.  I love how all is made right in the end and everyone has a happy ending.  The Beacons of Hope series, and this book, would make a wonderful addition to your bookshelves.

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

Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance.  She makes her home in Michigan, not far from the lighthouses she writes about, and loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at JodyHedlund.com.

At Love's Bidding Book Review

SUMMARY:  She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound.  Is he really the man to made a bid for her heart?
     After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder.  Desperate to appeases the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.
     Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock.  And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat.  Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count - but no mysterious painting - Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

REVIEW:  This book has it's ups and downs.  I love how Miranda stays by her grandfather's side, looks after him and defends him when his memory takes a turn for the worse and he starts to alienate the people in Pine Gap.  Her concern and care for him is always in the forefront.  Even though Wyatt is not happy that the new auction house owners haven't the first clue on how to conduct livestock auctions, he tries to help them the best he can.  He does a good job trying to balance their big-city ideas with the reality of small town living.  I like how Wyatt doesn't give up easily.  His determination to work hard without taking advantage of people plays out in his favor at the end of the book.
     Sometimes it was hard to figure out who the "bad" guy was.  There were four different people looking for this portrait.  At times, it was difficult to follow who was trying to help the LeBlanc family (the owners of the portrait) and who was trying to steal it away to hurt the Auction House.  Throw in the possibility of a missing heir and it took some effort to keep things straight.
     The ending was delightful.  I loved how things worked out for Wyatt, Miranda, and the auction houses.  All in all, it was a pleasant read.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House

for review without compensation.

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English.  She is the author of Sixty Acres and a Bride, Love in the Balance, Caught in the Middle, A Most Inconvenient Marriage, and she contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas.  She and her family make their home in Oklahoma City.  Regina can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

On This Foundation Book Review

The Restoration Chronicles

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Stone by Stone, the Wall Will Rise Once More Around God's City

     When news reaches him that Jerusalem's wall is shattered and its gates burned with fire, a distraught Nehemiah seeks God's guidance in fasting and prayer.  Granted an unexpected leave from his duty as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah sets out for Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall - never anticipating all the dangers that await him on his arrival.

     The leaders of the surrounding nations become his fierce enemies, plotting to assassinate him and stop the wall's reconstruction forever.  A drought, meanwhile, has left the country impoverished, with many families resorting to selling their children as bondservants just to keep from starving.

     Capturing the rebuilding of the wall through the eyes of a number of characters, On This Foundation is the powerful conclusion to The Restoration Chronicles.  This exploration of faith in the midst of oppression offers hope that, in spite of appearances, the gracious hand of God is upon those who believe.

REVIEW:  Trusting God to follow through and trusting Him to be there during difficult times is the crux of this novel, even when it seems like He isn't listening and has turned His back.  Nehemiah has to trust the Lord is leading him to rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem against opposition by Israel's enemies and those inside Jerusalem determined to stop him from upsetting the new normal.  Nava has stopped trusting God after she is forced to work as a bondservant to protect her family farm after years of drought and leave her childhood boyfriend, whom she was to marry. Chana doesn't know if she can trust Yahweh after her fiance' is killed by robbers just before their marriage.  When she is pledged to another in marriage, she has to decide if God is with her after all or if she will turn her back on Him.
     This novel is a wonderful wrap-up to the series about the Jewish nation's return to Israel after the Diaspora.  The author shows how difficult life was in Jerusalem.  But, when the people obeyed God's law, His provisions and blessing came in abundance.  I like how the author showed Nehemiah's humanity and didn't put him on a pedestal.  He wanted to become king, like some of the "prophets" claimed but knew it wasn't God's plan for him.  Not everything was tied up in a neat little bow but the twists and turns the author placed kept me turning pages to see how situations would play out. 
     This book is wonderful.  It ties the books of Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah together in a seamless way that is interesting and never dull.  Check it out for yourself.

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

Lynn Austin is a bestselling author who has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide.  She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions.  Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live in Michigan.  Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org. 

Irish Meadows Book Review

Courage to Dream Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  1911, Long Island, New York

Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream

     Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well.  Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands.  Both girls, however have different visions for their futures.

     Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college.  Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry - as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom.  When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone's plans.

     As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate.  It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts.  And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

SUMMARY:  Intrigued by the summary, I was curious how the author would work out the multiple details of the plots.  She does a wonderful job keeping everything on track and the characters interesting.  I like how Bree stands up for what she believes, even though it causes temporary heartache for her family.  After a revelation, the difference in Colleen's thoughts and behavior are wonderful and profound.  I also like how Colleen and Bree find common ground and use it to build up their former tenuous relationship.  The ending was perfect, tying up all the loose ends and preparing the way for the next book in this series.  This book would be a great addition to anyone's TO READ list and library.  Can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House

for review without compensation.

Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as "romance sprinkled with faith."  She particularly enjoys exploring the themes of forgiveness and redemption in her stories.  Irish Meadows is her first historical novel and won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA.  Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and two cats.  Learn more about Susan and her books at www.SusanAnneMason.com.