Fraying at the Edge

Book description:  "The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she’s immersed in the Englischer world, getting to know her mother and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana’s worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend living Englisch, can help steady Ariana’s tilting ground between the two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals?

At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life—no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can’t leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn’t belong in either family.

New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they find the wisdom and strength they’ll need to follow God’s threads into unexpected futures?"

My review:  This is another amazing book by Cindy Woodsmall! Fraying at the Edge is the second book in the series The Amish of Summer Grove.  I would recommend reading these books in order. There is so much that happens in the first book, Ties that Bind, that you don't want to miss. Once you read Ties that Bind you will be scrambling to buy a copy of this book and then be sorely disappointed when you come to the end and realize you have to wait for the third book to be written. That is how good this series is. I find myself wanting Ariana and Quill to get together, but at the same time I really like Rudy who she is currently planning to marry. I don't know how Ms. Woodsmall is going to resolve that one but I can't wait to find out. From start to finish and even beyond, this book will not let you go. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

A Beauty Refined

Book description: "Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions--both for her and the gemstones--are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom. 

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel."

My review:  Even though I enjoyed reading this book, it is not one of my favorites by Tracie Peterson. This is the second book in the series Sapphire Brides, but these novels stand alone. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Ms. Peterson always has such interesting characters and this novel was no exception. The historical references always make a historical novel that much better and A Beauty Refined included some interesting history. Even though this wasn't one of my favorites, I still highly recommend this book. Tracie Peterson is an amazing author. You won't be disappointed! I received a complimentary e-copy from Bethany House publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

The Beautiful Pretender

Book description:  "The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences."

My review:  After reading this book, I will certainly look forward to reading other books by this author, Melanie Dickerson. Once I started The Beautiful Pretender, I totally lost track of time as I got caught up in the story. This medieval fairy tale will hold you captive from start to finish! There is a great balance of suspense and romance, and Ms. Dickerson beautifully handled difficult topics associated with the medieval time period. As you head to the beach or pool this summer, this is a book that you will want to take with 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.