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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