Thursday, November 22, 2012

Every Perfect Gift

Book description:  "Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.

Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.

Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.

When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She's equally intrigued with him but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance."


My review:  Every Perfect Gift is the third and final book in the Hickory Ridge Romance series by Dorothy Love.  Even though part of a series this book can stand alone.  I enjoyed reading this final book and following Sophie's story.  I felt like there were a few loose ends throughout the book, but overall I don't think it detracted too much from the story.  This is a good book to start if you don't have a lot of consistent reading time.  It is easy to put down and then pick up where you left off.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger program in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.   

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Lovelier Than Daylight

Book description:  "Susanna is a lady of principles who values family above all. Johann seems to represent all she despises . . . but appearances can be deceiving.

In 1875, Susanna Hanby is headed off to college in Westerville, Ohio, when she discovers her sister Rachel and Rachel’s children have disappeared. Susanna suspects that Rachel’s alcoholic husband knows more than he’s saying and she vows to uncover the truth.

Johann Giere is heir to a successful German-American brewery in Columbus, but longs for a career in journalism in New York City. When Johann signs on as the supplier for a new saloon in Westerville, his and Susanna’s paths cross and sparks fly. A fiery temperance crusader, Susanna despises Johann’s profession, but she cannot deny the attraction.

When Susanna learns that Rachel’s children have been indentured to orphanages in the city, she despairs that her family will be fractured forever. But Johann makes Susanna an offer she can’t refuse—pitting her passion and her principles against one another.

If she can find a way for her head and her heart to be in harmony, a future lovelier than daylight awaits her."

My review:  For me, this was a book that was hard to get into.  The story-line just seemed to fall flat, and I actually put the book down for several days without missing it.  I think the author, Rosslyn Elliot, had some good ideas, and a redeeming quality was the fact that many historical facts were included in the story.  It was evident that Ms. Elliot did a lot of research to insure historical accuracy.  There is certainly nothing wrong with the book, and there is plenty of controversy to keep a discussion going for a long time.  I just did not find it to be one of my favorite books.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.