Review: Beneath

Beneath by H.B. Moore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Chalice Stratford's hands won’t stop shaking, and not only is she required to give up her medical practice, but she’s forced to enter the witness protection program since the serial killer who brutally scarred her is still at large. Working in a museum in Bordeaux, France, the last thing she expects is to be abducted in a museum theft gone wrong. Omar Zagouri, the man behind the heist, is not who she expects, and Chalice soon learns he might be the one man who can put her demons to rest.

Very, very short story! But it was well written with lots of action and suspense. I would definitely like to read the book that the author has coming out in 2015 about Omar Zagouri.



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Review: A Sandy's Seashell Shop Christmas

A Sandy's Seashell Shop Christmas by Lisa Wingate

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this short Christmas novella by Lisa Wingate. It's a sweet story about a woman whose husband has died while deployed and she struggles with Christmas. Every year she takes her son to the beach to get away from Christmas. This year a flyer on the beach points her to a Christmas Eve party at Sandy's Seashell Shop where she'll encounter a miracle and begin to feel life and hope again.



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Review: Love at Mistletoe Inn: A December Wedding Story

Love at Mistletoe Inn: A December Wedding Story by Cindy Kirk

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



There are so many ways this book could have gone and would have been better if it had been done differently. The premise of the story - two kids go to get married right out of high school but she has doubts and backs out before they even leave the building but not before they've gone through the ceremony and signed the paper. Now, 10 years later, they find out that they are still legally married.

Hope and John have had limited contact over the last 10 years but then John decides to move back to Harmony and settle down. Once Hope finds out about the marriage still being legal she goes to John to tell him about it. What happens next totally threw this book out the window for me. ***SPOILER After 10 years of limited contact they are so overwhelmed with their desire for each other that they have s3x??!! I would think they would have been mature enough to have a little more restraint than that. Rather than enhance the romance of the book I think it spoiled it. END SPOILER***

And even though I liked the character of Aunt Verna, the whole ruse of planning a wedding for two people who were "deployed" was over the top. And the fact that John and Hope were dense enough to believe it was somewhat frustrating.

I realize that this is a short novella with a limited amount of pages to develop the story but I've read plenty of novellas that were better than this one.

*Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Discovering Sophie

Discovering Sophie by Cindy Roland Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this book for the most part. Sophie, a 32-year-old pediatric surgeon, sets off to Costa Rica to find her father who has been missing. She hires Jack to guide her through the jungle. The instant, passionate chemistry between these two develops rather unbelievably quickly for me. And I would think that Sophie would have been put off a little longer by Jack with his prickliness and bitterness against God and women. Other than that I really did enjoy the story. I like the parts where they are able to be of help medically to the villagers. The book is fairly fast paced and there are definitely some nail-biting situations that keep you involved in the story. A clean Christian romance.

*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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Review: Christmas at Harrington's

Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a great Christmas read! It's a tender short story about fresh starts, redemption, and true holiday spirit. And I love the cover!

Lena is just getting out of an eight year stay in prison after being wrongly accused of embezzlement at her ex-husband's church. Her parents have died while she was in prison and she has no desire to go back to that town. She finds herself in New Haven where a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store. Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

I really enjoyed Lena's personality. She was so sweet to the kids and in spite of the injustice done to her by the people in her past she couldn't help but be a better person to those around her. The fact that she incorporated Christianity into her Mrs. Santa character was an interesting story line.

A heartwarming Christmas story with a happy ending. What more could you want? :)



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Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady's companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

I loved this story. The tragedy of Cecily being separated from her family (especially her twin sister - I have a twin sister and I can't imagine being separated and not knowing where she was!) comes full circle when she comes to work at Willowgrove Hall and comes face-to-face with the man who was part of the reason for that separation. I like how the book portrays her as having grown and changed for the better. Thankfully, she has outgrown her infatuation with this man and is quickly drawn to Nathaniel. Nathaniel's character is wonderful. I enjoyed his interactions with his mother and sisters and with Cecily. I also loved Nathaniel's family! They were just what Cecily needed. The story felt a little rushed in the end but otherwise it's a wonderful story that flows smoothly and ends satisfactorily. :)

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Winter Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection

Winter Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection by Denise Hunter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this compilation of three of the A Year of Weddings novellas.

It starts with A December Bride - the story of Layla and Seth. Layla recruits Seth to go with her to the wedding of her ex-fiance and her cousin. Seth has been in love with Layla for awhile but he just happens to have been the best friend of said ex-fiance until he jilted Layla for her cousin. So now Seth has to convince Layla that he didn't have anything to do with the breakup. Seth and Layla pretend to be engaged to impress her family and a prospective client for Layla. As they spend time together over the next few weeks, Layla begins to realize that Seth is the one she should have been with to begin with.

Second is A January Bride - the sweet story of two people who get to know each other through notes before they ever meet. Both have preconceived ideas about who the other is. I really liked how this one was written and it was fun when they actually meet.

Last is A February Bride - The story of Allie Andrews, a runaway bride. Because of her family history of failed marriages, Allie doesn't feel like she can make it work and so she runs away. Four months later, she's thrown back into the company of her ex-fiance when his sister asks Allie to be her maid of honor. Marcus sets out to prove to Allie that they do still belong together. A sweet story about overcoming your past.

*Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Hannah's Hope

Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Loved this hopeful, heart grabbing novella by Karen Kingsbury. I don't think she can write a bad book!

15-year-old Hannah Roberts remembers when her father was her closest friend. The image is hazy, though, pulled from her distant childhood memories, and her father is now very cold and distant. Feeling orphaned, Hannah lives a lonely life with her wealthy, ailing grandmother. As Christmas nears, Hannah learns a shocking truth: the man she believed was her father is not her parent after all. In an effort to find answers, she begins a desperate search for her real father, Air Force pilot Mike Conner. Local politicians and the city's newspaper catch wind of her quest, and the entire state joins in Hannah's hope that she'll find her father before the holidays.

I couldn't believe the cold, thoughtless, almost heartless actions of Hannah's mother! I gasped when I read where she decides to send Hannah the letter about her biological father to try to keep Hannah occupied because they wouldn't be there for Christmas. Come on! There had to have been a better time and place to share news like that. After the initial shock, Hannah takes it like the trooper she is and sets out to find her biological father. This story of how they reconnect is full of heart rending but also beautiful, touching, and hopeful moments.

*Thanks to FaithWords and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*





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Review: Prejudice Meets Pride

Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Emma Makie has temporary custody of her two nieces after the death of their mother. She makes a cross-country move, leaving behind the job offer of a lifetime. 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.

I enjoyed this clean, sweet story. Emma has a good relationship with her nieces and has done a noble thing by taking charge of them for her brother while he's away supporting the family. And in spite of her prideful attitude and his prejudice, sparks fly between Kevin and Emma! I liked the way they worked through their issues and how much Kevin wanted to and did help Emma and her nieces. I also liked the relationship Emma forms with her neighbor and her neighbor's family. She needed that support.


*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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Review: In the Field of Grace

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Having read three other books by Tessa Afshar, I must admit I was disappointed in this book. Maybe the character of Ruth didn't lend itself to the way the author usually writes. I don't know. But I felt like the story lacked the depth that her other stories did. It's a simple, sweet, fictional telling of the biblical story of Ruth with a back story for Boaz and Ruth. I did like the way Naomi cared for Ruth and Ruth cared for Naomi. The story also touches on trust, surrender, faith, and healing, and redemption. Not a bad read, just not one of my favorites from this author.

*Thanks to Moody Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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Review: Duty

Duty by Rachel Rossano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I really enjoyed this fast paced, action packed, medieval romance. Tomas Dyrease, the newly made Earl of Irvaine, is tasked with the duty of strengthening the allegiances of the region by marrying Brielle Solarius, the Lady of the village of Wisenvale in the fictitious land of Rhynan. I loved the chemistry between the two. In spite of being reluctant to enter into this arranged marriage, both Tomas and Brielle quickly find themselves falling in love. Even though he holds the title of Earl, Tomas is a rough around the edges warrior who quickly makes inroads into Brielle's heart with his patience and gentleness to her and his complete loyalty and dedication to her and to his family. Brielle is strong, determined and courageous and complements Tomas really well.

While there is no mention of God in the story, there are several instances where the characters pray to Kurios. I'm assuming that in this fictitious world, Kurios is God. I wouldn't label this as a Christian book but it is a clean read.

*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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Review: Murder at the Mikado

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another good mystery book from Julianna Deering. No edge of your seat thriller but a good old-fashioned 1930's whodunit. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and the relationship of Drew and Madeline to add some romance. An enjoyable murder mystery.



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Review: Lizzy and Jane

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A wonderful, touching, heart-rending, emotional story! Lizzy (Elizabeth) and Jane's mother died from cancer when Lizzie was still a teenager. Jane, being older, was already married and didn't come home. Lizzy handles the pain by leaving her home and dad behind and becoming the head chef of her own New York restaurant. Many years have passed and Elizabeth has lost her "magic" in her kitchen. When the owner (financial backer) of her restaurant brings in another chef, Elizabeth decides it's time to take some time off and go visit her Dad. After she gets there, her Dad talks her into visiting her sister, Jane, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Elizabeth surprises everyone—including herself—when she decides to stay in Seattle and work to prepare healthy, sustaining meals for Jane as she undergoes chemotherapy. She also meets Nick and his winsome son, Matt, who, like Elizabeth, are trying to heal from the wounds of the past. As Lizzy comes out of her self-imposed shell and regains her "magic", she and Jane slowly work to forgive each other and become a family again.

It did take me a little while to really get into this story but once I did, wow! The tug and pull on your emotions is strong! You'll shed a tear here and there as the story gets deep. And then you'll smile as you wipe a tear away as the sisters share a laughable moment. And Nick, as a hero, is definitely swoon worthy! :)

I really enjoyed the way the author used the world of culinary art in this story. At times I felt like I was watching a cooking show..lol. Since I enjoy cooking shows that's not a bad thing. And I also enjoyed the references to Jane Austen. I liked that it wasn't a "re-telling" of an Austen story but that Elizabeth pondered different lessons from several of the stories and used them to make her own life better.

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*



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Review: The Pursuit of Lucy Banning

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I really liked this book. This author does a good job of drawing you in to the story and keeping you there. I liked how Lucy's character was portrayed. Even though she is from a wealthy family, she is not spoiled or uppity. She volunteers at an orphanage and befriends and helps the new maid. And she's determined to further her education. I didn't agree with the way she does it (going behind her parent's backs) but I know it was difficult in those days for a young woman (especially a wealthy one) to persuade her family that she needed further education. I like the way her Aunt Violet supports her. The romance in this book almost seemed to take second place but still added to the story with a twist that I didn't see coming. And the secondary character of Charlotte (the new maid) added intrigue.



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Review: A Change of Fortune

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was an enjoyable, fun read. I laughed out loud several times. Eliza is determined to bring down the man that stole her fortune and besmirched her father's name. This causes her and her friends to get into some interesting situations. And allows for the hero to come to her rescue more than once. I loved the supporting characters in this book - the mom who's scheming to get them together, the precocious children who also adore her, the supportive brother and friends - they were all wonderful. Throw in some surprising twists of suspense and intrigue and you have quite a delightful story! So glad I finally started this series!



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Review: Matchmaker Weddings: Two Contempoary Romances Under One Cover

Matchmaker Weddings: Two Contempoary Romances Under One Cover by Annalisa Daughety

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this book. Both stories are about a couple who decide to "fake date" to get their family/friends off their backs about dating. I liked them both but I enjoyed the second one better.

In the first book, David and Millie decide to "fake date" to pacify her mother and try to stop his "stalker girlfriend"...lol. They find themselves falling in love and have to work through some issues from her past. I like the way David is so supportive of Millie even after she makes mistakes. I liked the family dynamics that developed between Millie's mom Eva and David's son Bart. I also liked the support Millie received from her "aunts". They were fun!

In the second book, Violet and Jackson agree to "fake date" so she'll have someone for her sister's wedding and he'll have someone for his high school reunion. One big hurdle is their past. They were classmates in college and Jackson caused Violet some serious problems. As they get to know each other again, she has to learn to trust the new man he's become. I like that Violet decides to pursue opening a business to do something she likes rather than being stuck in a job she didn't like and how Jackson supports her the whole way. One thing that was different about this story is that there are three different story lines in this one short story. Along with Violet and Jackson, you're also following Shadow's story and Violet's friend Reagan's story. That could get distracting.



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Review: Proper Attire: A West Indies Proper Romance

Proper Attire: A West Indies Proper Romance by Danielle Thorne

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I would probably give this book 3.5 stars. This short story had plenty of action, adventure, excitement, angst, and romance to keep my attention. It jumps right into the action with the boat that Julia Scott is on being taken over by pirates. After being rescued by John Smith they are swept onto an island that puts them into contact with savages and once again John Smith rescues them. And the action doesn't stop there! I loved the character of John Smith/Mr. Greenway. Who wouldn't love a dashing hero who saves your life more than once, has an air of mystery about him, and is a perfect gentleman? :)

Although this is not a Christian romance, it does mention God and prayer and it's a fairly clean read (one part of the story involves the hero being mostly naked and some naked savages but nothing too descriptive).

*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells Collection by Lucinda Brant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was a charming collection of Christmas novellas. I loved it!

I was charmed by the first novella, Lucinda Brant’s FAIRY CHRISTMAS. I enjoyed the warmth of the relationship between Kitty and Tom and also the sweet surprise of love between the elderly couple.

I really enjoyed the second novella, A CHRISTMAS PROMISE by Sarah M. Eden. A fun little story about an Irish lass and the man that stumbled onto her property and into her heart.

The next novella was Heather B. Moore’s enchanting novella, TWELVE MONTHS. I loved the loyalty and dedication with which Lucien watches over his best friend's widow and unborn child and the sweet story of how they fall in love.

I wasn't as enamored with the fourth novella, Lu Ann Staheli’s A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS. It wasn't a bad story or writing, I just wasn't interested in a story about a young Ebeneezer Scrooge and his friend Dick.

The fifth novella was a sweet story. A TASTE OF HOME by Annette Lyon. Claire Jennings finds out there's more to her childhood nemesis, William Rhodes, than she thought. As they spend the holiday together he proves he's now a grown man willing to do anything to prove his love.

The sixth novella was sweet but also not a favorite. MY MODERN GIRL by Becca Wilhite. Margie lands her dream job as a clerk at Macy’s department store in New York City leaving her coal working beau Henry back home. She comes to realize that he means more to her than she thought and reunites with him at Christmas.

*I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*



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