Review: Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

Review: A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

Review: Burning Proof by Janice Cantore

Burning Proof by Janice Cantore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

After months of investigating the brutal homicide of a young girl, Detective Abby Hart finally has the evidence she needs. But when the arrest goes terribly wrong, Abby begins to doubt her future as a police officer. As she wrestles with conflicting emotions, old questions about the fire that took her parents’ lives come back to haunt her.

“There is proof.” PI Luke Murphy can’t stop thinking about what Abby’s former partner, Asa Foster, mumbled just before he died. When he uncovers a clue to the murder of Abby’s parents and his uncle, he’s reluctant to tell Abby, despite his growing feelings for the beautiful detective.

A decade-old abduction case brings Luke and Abby together, but will his secret tear them apart?

MY REVIEW

Review: Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller. Eason exercises complete control of her readers' emotions as they race through the pages to discover the truth.

Review: Trial Run by Thomas Locke

Trial Run by Thomas Locke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

Reese Clawson's work is mind-bending--literally. Her company specializes in global data analysis for an elite group of industry executives, and now a lucrative government contract is moving her into the realm of cutting-edge intelligence gathering. She is determined to crack the limits of consciousness--and in doing so, the boundaries of secrets and lies. But her experiment crashes as test subjects slide into a coma-like state. Reese is left scrambling to maintain control, drawing three disparate people into the search for answers--an adrenaline-amped thrill junkie with altered brain chemistry, an Italian scientist working on remote-viewing technology, and a math prodigy whose algorithms subvert computer encryption.

Will this piecemeal team prevail when a government operative is sent to investigate? As the threads of perception and reality become tangled and even time itself twists in unexpected directions, one warning remains clear: what you don't know can kill you.

With a concept so daring and writing so gripping, readers will swiftly fall under the spell of Thomas Locke's endlessly creative mind. This thrilling psychological journey into the very nature of causation and consciousness will leave them turning the pages and grasping for solid ground.

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this well-written, fast paced book about two teams of scientists who are experimenting beyond the realm of the conscious state and a new, mind boggling way of gathering intelligence.   The story line will keep you guessing and struggling along with the "good guys" as they fight to keep this new ability and knowledge from getting into the wrong hands.

The whole concept of out-of-body experiences in this techno-thriller is science fiction at it's best.  Thomas Locke does a good job of using his characters to make you believe this is a possibility!   I have to say though that some of the technical jargon and scientific stuff they talked about was above my head...lol.   That brought down the level of enjoyment for me somewhat in reading the book.  I felt a little lost sometimes and some things were so mysterious that I never got a clear picture.

For those who enjoy clean psychological and techno thrillers, this book will no doubt keep you on the edge of your seat.   Even though this is a new genre for the author, he's an excellent writer and you'll be glad you read it!

*Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas Locke is an award-winning novelist with total world-wide sales of seven million copies.

His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.

Thomas divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, the University of Oxford. He holds a lifelong passion for epic fantasy, science fiction and techno-thriller stories.

Thomas’s screenplay adaption of Emissary is under development as a feature film with a British production company.

Contact Thomas at info@tlocke.com, or find him on his website, Facebook, or Twitter.

Review: Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Review: Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She's turning up the heat on Carin County's cold cases . . .

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

Review: A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson

A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson

My rating: 3 1/2 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

In England’s Regency era, manners and elegance reign in public life—but behind closed doors treason and tawdriness thrive. Nicholas Langdon is no stranger to reserved civility or bloody barbarity. After suffering a battlefield injury, the wealthy, well-connected British officer returns home to heal—and to fulfill a dying soldier’s last wish by delivering his coded diary.

At the home of the Wilherns, one of England’s most powerful families, Langdon attends a lavish ball where he meets their beautiful and intelligent ward, Julia Grey. Determined to maintain propriety, he keeps his distance—until the diary is stolen and all clues lead to Julia’s guardian. As Langdon traces an evil plot that could be the nation’s undoing, he grows ever more intrigued by the lovely young woman. And when Julia realizes that England—and the man she is falling in love with—need her help, she finds herself caught in the fray. Will the two succumb to their attraction while fighting to save their country?

MY REVIEW

Review: The Reluctant Duchess

The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough—not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar and the men who have jeopardized her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has suddenly found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of his neighbor, Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when the moody Earl of Lochabar tries to trap Brice into marrying Rowena, Brice finds he’s not as opposed to the idea as he expected to be.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to resort to marrying a notorious flirt just to gain his English home. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.

Roseanna M. White is a master at weaving a dangerous mystery and a swoon worthy romance!  This is an awesome second book in her Ladies of the Manor series. (There is a lot of back story in the first book so I would recommend you read that book first.)

The story of the Duke of Nottingham continues in this book.  I love his character!  He's a swoon worthy hero for sure!  :D  Although some of the character traits that have made him so well liked are now working against him.  He's so well liked in fact (especially with the ladies) that he has a hard time proving to his new wife that he's never been in love with any other girl.  I love the fact that even though he's a really good man and person, the author shows where there is still room for him to change and grow.

And then there is Rowena!  Oh my!  She will grab your heart!  Her circumstances are so dire that she agrees to marry this man that she doesn't know and leave the place she has grown up in.  The poor girl is so broken.  I love the progression of her healing and restoration in this story.  She has to learn how to trust and love again.  The process may be painful but the end result is beautiful!

The mystery and danger from the red diamonds continues in this book along with the schemes of Lady Catherine and her brother.  I like how the plot moves quickly and makes you question who you think the villains are.  There is plenty of adventure, romance, and mystery to keep you glued to the pages of this book!

*Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions stated are my own. *

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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 nine novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Review: Playing the Part

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening. Lucinda's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson's estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can't ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it'll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint in this book.   This is book 3 in the series A Class of Their Own, but it can be read as a stand-alone.  However, if you read the first two you'll get a more in depth idea of who Lucetta is.

I loved the setting of this book.  A "haunted", foreboding, Gothic looking castle with a real life moat.  What could be a better setting for an actress who needs to hide away for her safety and a mysterious, somewhat eccentric gentleman of means and his motley staff who are reformed thieves and down-and-outers?  LOL  What ensues is mysteriously fun and laugh out loud situations that will keep you glued to the pages.

I enjoyed the developing relationship between Bram and Lucetta.  Bram has preconceived ideas about Lucetta and is delightfully shocked when she proves him wrong from the time she steps foot on his property.  Lucetta is drawn to Bram right away but is reluctant to give up the control she believes she has to maintain over her emotions and life as a result of her occupation and her many admirers.

If you've read the first two books, you'll also enjoy the appearances of Abigail Hart & Archibald Addleshaw as well as mentions of Lucetta's dear friends, Harriet & Millie.

All in all, this book will keep you enthralled as you unravel the mystery, wait for the danger to pass, and enjoy the sweet romances.

*Thanks to Bethany House & NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

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Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com.

Review: The Hearts We Mend

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For young widow Evie Bennett, moving forward will mean deciding what to leave behind . . . and what to keep.

Widowed at the age of twenty-five when her firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, Evie Bennett has spent the last thirteen years raising their son, Cody, in the close-knit community of Banister Falls. As the women’s ministry director of her church, Evie encourages women to boldly pursue God’s plan for their future . . . while she is content with her memories of the past. But Evie’s well-ordered life begins to change when she meets Jack Vale.

As Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe and predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems in the community . . . but will Evie open her heart to love again?

Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

I enjoyed this sweet romance about single mom Evie and Jack, the temporary church custodian who shakes up her world.   She's lived a sheltered life and he's lived a hard one.  They couldn't be more different.  But something about this handsome genuine man who reaches out to the poor and needy draws Evie into a whole other way of living.  I love her generous heart and willingness to grow and change.  I also love Jack's commitment to his family and his way of helping others.  The secondary characters added a lot to the story and were fun to read about.  All in all a well written book worth reading!

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

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Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

As always, this suspense novel by Irene Hannon was full of action, twists, and nail-biting suspense along with romance and faith in action.   Christy Reed is just finding her way out of the grief of losing both her parents and her sister in a short space of time when she gets a letter from her dead sister.  I liked how her faith kept her grounded and how her strong character wouldn't let her be intimidated by the customary "don't go to the police" threat.   Adding to the suspense is the fact that you also get part of the story from the perspective of the bad guy, who is plenty creepy and physco.   You'll be on the edge of your seat as you follow the story and try to determine if Ginny is still alive and why this guy has an agenda against Christy and her family.   You'll also enjoy the undercurrent of romance between Christy and FBI Agent Lance McGregor.

*Thanks to Revell & NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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Review: Until The Dawn

Until The Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK
A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.

Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?

MY REVIEW
This book has the ultimate dark versus light component that makes for a thrilling read. I can't say that I really liked the hero when he's first introduced but that's to be expected since he is in desperate need of some good in his life and soul! Sophie becomes that light to his life and also helps show him the light of God for his soul. I loved Sophie! She had a lot of character and strength. In spite of the sorrow she has experienced, she is still cheerful, friendly, kind, and compassionate. She closes doors softly even when she's upset! For some reason, I loved that little tidbit in the book. :)

I liked how Dierenpark is described - the land and atmosphere surrounding the house is beautiful, serene, healing to the body and soul - almost a paradise of sorts. It sounds like a wonderful place to live. But it's also been tainted by the rumors about what caused the family to abandon the house and land for sixty years. I liked how the author wove the threads of beauty and tragic mystery together.

There are a lot of secondary characters that support the story. The grandfather plays a pivotal role in the relationships between Quentin and his son, and Quentin and Sophie. They in turn help bring him to a happier place. I liked the guards - big and scary and loyal and hidden soft sides. And then there was Quentin's son - a little boy in dire need of the sunshine of Sophie's love and the healing hope of a good life at Dierenpark.

All in all a great story with a sweet and somewhat stormy romance, plenty of mystery to keep you intrigued, the hope of redemption from a tragic past, and the light of salvation for a better future.

*Thanks to Bethany House & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.

Connect with Elizabeth on her Website & on Facebook .

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Review: Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories

Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories by Tamera Alexander

Dorothy Love, Elizabeth Musser, & Shelley Gray

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK
Four Southern women are at a turning point in history . . . and in their own hearts.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

The Civil War cost Savannah Darby everything—her family and her home. When Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston, buys the Darby estate, he hires Savannah to redecorate. Can she find a mysterious treasure before her job is finished?

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers that she is very ill and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

MY REVIEW
The only one that I really enjoyed in this book was To Mend A Dream by Tamera Alexander. I enjoyed the interaction between Savannah and Aidan and I loved the story of how Aidan came to buy the property and why. It was a sweet romantic story.

The other three novellas were well written but just didn't grab my attention and had too much angst in them for a short story. I like my novellas to be really sweet...lol. If the story is going to be really short I want to read something sweet and romantic, not a bunch of drama. Just my opinion. :D

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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Review: The Curiosity Keeper

The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whomever possesses it.”

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.

Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

MY REVIEW

I liked Camille's strength of character. Her life has not been easy but she stays strong and determined through it all. She's courageous, a hard worker, and determined to live a different life than the one she discovers her father has fallen into. Jonathan's character was okay. I liked the fact that he's a gentleman who wouldn't stand by and let Camille get hurt and that he's stood up to his father and created his own life. Other than that, I thought his character was rather tame. He does come through in the end with heroic action though so that was good. I didn't care for his sister - very wishy-washy - sometimes nice, other times scheming & selfish. And there was no satisfactory conclusion to her story so I hope there is more about her in the next book. And that she has a stronger character.

I think fans of Sarah E. Ladd and fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book. For myself, although there was a twist that I saw coming and a twist I didn't see coming, I felt like this book was a little on the bland side. I'm not sure why because I really enjoyed her other series. I did enjoy it enough that I will read the second one coming out next year. :D

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*


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Review: The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Swan Lake" meets Robin Hood when the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant by day becomes the region's most notorious poacher by night, and falls in love with the forester.

Jorgen is the forester for the wealthy margrave, and must find and capture the poacher who has been killing and stealing the margrave's game. When he meets the lovely and refined Odette at the festival and shares a connection during a dance, he has no idea she is the one who has been poaching the margrave's game.

Odette justifies her crime of poaching because she thinks the game is going to feed the poor, who are all but starving, both in the city and just outside its walls. But will the discovery of a local poaching ring reveal a terrible secret? Has the meat she thought she was providing for the poor actually been sold on the black market, profiting no one except the ring of black market sellers?

The one person Odette knows can help her could also find out her own secret and turn her over to the margrave, but she has no choice. Jorgen and Odette will band together to stop the dangerous poaching ring . . . and fall in love. But what will the margrave do when he discovers his forester is protecting a notorious poacher?

An easy to read story about a girl who thinks she is doing good by helping to feed the poor starving children of the village. I must say, I wasn't real impressed with her character at first. Even though she feels the nudging that she's doing wrong by killing the Margrave's deer (basically stealing) she single-mindedly and naively continues. However, her compassion, sweet nature, and the lessons she learns along the way make her a likable heroine.

I liked Jorgen much better. He's honorable, handsome, hardworking and also compassionate. He's also been on the streets so he feels for the poor children that Odette is trying to help. He works hard to find the poacher not knowing that the woman he is falling in love with is the one he is hunting.

Overall this is an easy read with themes of faith, loyalty, compassion, trusting God, and learning to do the right thing as well as some mystery with twists and a fairy-tale romance.

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*


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Review: The Lost Heiress

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.
The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close—but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother.
As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?
And then, for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession—and this time only the servants of Whitby can save her.

I loved this book! In some reviews it is compared to Downton Abbey and you do have a little of that with the grandness of the house and the intricacies of the family and the behind the scenes thread of mystery and threat with the blackmailed maid.

I love Brook and Justin! Brook is a strong, confident, fun, loving, determined heroine and Justin is a loyal, loving, responsible, protective hero! Their relationship is built on a lifetime of friendship and while that actually gets in the way of their budding love, it also is the basis for a love that will last a lifetime.

There was so much depth to this book! There is the heartwarming story of a father and daughter re-uniting. It will tug at your heart-strings! Then there is the thread of mystery and intrigue running through the book that was very well done. The whole mystery of what happened to Brook's mother and why this danger is still alive for Brook was very interesting to me. The author does a great job of weaving this mystery into the story. And of course you have the romance blooming for Brook and Justin. They are perfect for each other but it takes time and danger to finally push them into that understanding.

I also really liked some of the supporting characters especially Lord Worthing. To the world he is somewhat known as a flirt but behind the scenes he is a strong, loyal, Godly friend. I'm really excited that the next book is about him! :D

*Thanks to Bethany House & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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About the author:
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 nine novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

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Review: A Worthy Pursuit

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Charlotte Atherton , headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, is very upset when the director of the Academy tells her he is shutting it down. She knows that the Academy is what has kept her charge, Lily, safe. If the Academy closes, Lily’s grandfather will insist on Lily returning to him. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record? Or will he start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart?

I loved this book! Charlotte and Stone are great characters. Charlotte is strong and determined to keep her charges safe. She's also really loving and great with the three children. She encourages their individuality and helps them channel their talents. Because of past abandonment and betrayals, she has a hard time opening up and trusting Stone. But Stone proves himself trustworthy and pursues her with gentle determination.

Stone is a big, burly, rough around the edges man who has lived on the road for years and is the best at what he does. But he's also honorable, trustworthy and willing to put his life on the line for you. He proves this more than once to Charlotte and in the process breaks down her defenses and endears himself to the children.

Action, adventure, and sweet romance will keep you entertained and turning pages in this newest romance from Karen Witemeyer!

*Thanks to Karen Witemeyer and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*




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