An October Bride

Book description:  "She wants to make her father's dream come true. She doesn't realize her own dream has been in front of her the whole time.

Emma Tate isn't a risk taker, so everyone in her small Midwest town is surprised when she suddenly becomes engaged to lifelong friend Jake Sawyer. No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they're getting married-so Emma's dying father can walk her down the aisle.

While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications-the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

In this novella by award-winning author Katie Ganshert, a young woman must reconcile her dying father's dreams with her own dreams for love and for her future."

My review:  This is one of the novellas in "A Year of Weddings" that I love.  I love the story, the characters, and the ending.  A lot of novellas are not easily developed in a short amount of space, but Katie Ganshert did a great job developing An October Bride.  I have enjoyed reading her novels in the past and I certainly enjoyed reading An October Bride.  I read the whole book in one sitting on this rainy afternoon.  If you need something quick to read that will pull you in and hold your interest until the end of the book, this is the book for you.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 

A Matter of Heart

Book description:  "Texas born and raised Jessica Atherton is a wealthy young woman whose heart was broken when the man she intended to marry wedded another. But her world is upended when two new men come into her life, and both manage to stir her heart.

Harrison Gable is a successful young lawyer with ambitions that match Jessica's dreams. His warm, attentive manner and thoughtful gifts make her feel special.

Austin Todd, a former Secret Service agent, enjoys working now as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector. But after learning of forged gold certificates and missing printing plates, he's drawn back into the world of intrigue and agrees to help solve the case. Jessica is drawn to his kind nature and the unspoken pain she sees in his eyes. 

If Jessica follows her heart, where will it lead?"

My review:  This is another great book by Tracie Peterson.  She is able to write in such a way that the reader feels like part of the family.  In a few places it was a little hard to keep all the characters straight, but overall the story flows smoothly.  The characters are well-developed and it was great to catch up with a few of the characters from the first two books in this series.  Even though A Matter of Heart can stand alone, it is helpful to have read the first books.  Parts of this story relate to things that happened in the first parts of this series.  A Matter of Heart can be enjoyed more if you are familiar with the characters and the background from which this story was written.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  

The Daughter of Highland Hall

Book description:  "Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.

When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served."

My review:  I enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was really looking forward to reading this one.  I was not disappointed, but for me it wasn't as good as the first one. The story was well-written, but it just didn't seem to go deep enough.  I didn't get pulled into the lives of the characters as I would have liked.  I did enjoy seeing the transformation in Kate from a spoiled child in the first book, to a mature young woman by the end of this book.  There was also plenty of humor with Kate's aunt planning her every move.  The author also gives the reader plenty to think about as far as his own priorities and spiritual health.  A very clear presentation of the gospel makes this book an excellent resource to give to unbelieving friends and acquaintances who like to read.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.