Book description: "Working in the massive cave might allow
Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family.
But will it claim more than it gives?
After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities in for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job.
Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave and the two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale.
The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise. Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight from the past?"
My review: As I began to read, for some reason I did not like the idea that Rebekah was going "undercover" as a boy in order to secure a job. That is not normally something that bothers me, but it just it didn't seem to fit Rebekah's character in this book. It didn't take long, however, for the author, Kim Vogel Sawyer, to convince me she knew what she was doing. Devlin also didn't seem to fit Rebekah, but Mrs. Sawyer created a wonderful story-line that quickly changed my mind. I also enjoyed getting to know Rebekah's family especially her sister, Cissy. Mrs. Sawyer has once again created a story and characters that will stay with the reader long after the last page has been read. 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.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
The Courtship Basket
Book description: "Years ago, a picnic basket brought two hearts together. For Rachel and Mike, history may be about to repeat itself.
Rachel Fisher is devastated when the young man she’s loved for years leaves her to date her best friend. Her heart is broken, and she has all but given up on love. Determined to keep her mind off the pain, she starts teaching at an Amish school for children with learning disabilities.
Since his father became ill, Mike Lantz has been overwhelmed with the responsibility of providing for his family and caring for his six-year-old brother, John. When John joins Rachel’s class and she learns that his mother is deceased and his father sick, she desperately wants to help the family, even with something as simple as a meal.
With her parents’ old picnic basket, Rachel begins sending food to the Lantz family. As the weeks go by, John’s grades start to improve, and the attraction grows between Rachel and Mike. They can’t deny that their friendship is growing toward something more, but both of them are hesitant to risk a more serious relationship.
The last thing Rachel wants is another heartbreak, and Mike is worried about providing for his loved ones. Will the two be able to reconcile their past hurts with new hope for the future?"
My review: This book is the second in a series. I enjoyed reading this book, but have to wonder what I missed because I didn't read the first book. There was a lot that happened, and the story moved along quickly. I found myself turning pages quickly in order to "keep up". I thought the picnic basket was a really neat idea to use as a thread throughout the story. The story surrounding the basket is intriguing, and I look forward to reading a book devoted to the basket's beginnings. I enjoyed Rachel, but thought her a bit shallow at times. I think she could have had a little more depth. Mike is one of those characters that you want ask what you can do for him. The reader is able to see the growth of his character as the story progresses. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as reading the first one. 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.
My review: This book is the second in a series. I enjoyed reading this book, but have to wonder what I missed because I didn't read the first book. There was a lot that happened, and the story moved along quickly. I found myself turning pages quickly in order to "keep up". I thought the picnic basket was a really neat idea to use as a thread throughout the story. The story surrounding the basket is intriguing, and I look forward to reading a book devoted to the basket's beginnings. I enjoyed Rachel, but thought her a bit shallow at times. I think she could have had a little more depth. Mike is one of those characters that you want ask what you can do for him. The reader is able to see the growth of his character as the story progresses. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as reading the first one. 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.
Monday, July 18, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, July 11, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, June 13, 2016
A Haven on Orchard Lane
Book description: "Famed actress Charlotte Ward stepped away from the Victorian London stage five years ago. Now in desperate circumstances, she tries to restart her career--only to experience a complete collapse. Against her better judgment, Charlotte's estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village where her mother can evade the gossip columnists, at least for a time.
Charlotte is grateful to re-establish even tenuous family ties with Rosalind. As one with regrets over her own romantic past, she's happy to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching, and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could possibly be more complicated than romance?
But there can be no permanent escape from the threats of recent months. As the privacy they seek is threatened, mother and daughter must make some difficult decisions--ones that jeopardize those they care about most."
My review: A Haven on Orchard Lane is a very simple story with plenty of wit and charm. I think this is the first book I have read by this author, and while I would not put Lawana Blackwell on my list of favorite authors, I certainly wouldn't mind reading some of her other books. To me the plot is a little flat, but I still enjoyed the story. The characters are unique and fit the story very well. If you are looking for a laid back novel that flows steadily along, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Charlotte is grateful to re-establish even tenuous family ties with Rosalind. As one with regrets over her own romantic past, she's happy to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching, and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could possibly be more complicated than romance?
But there can be no permanent escape from the threats of recent months. As the privacy they seek is threatened, mother and daughter must make some difficult decisions--ones that jeopardize those they care about most."
My review: A Haven on Orchard Lane is a very simple story with plenty of wit and charm. I think this is the first book I have read by this author, and while I would not put Lawana Blackwell on my list of favorite authors, I certainly wouldn't mind reading some of her other books. To me the plot is a little flat, but I still enjoyed the story. The characters are unique and fit the story very well. If you are looking for a laid back novel that flows steadily along, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Traces of Guilt
Book description: "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."
My review: This is a book I didn't dare start reading until I knew I had plenty of uninterrupted time to read! There is not one Dee Henderson book that I have not thoroughly enjoyed and Traces of Guilt is no exception. From start to finish I couldn't read fast enough to see what would happen next, yet I hated when the book was finished. I stayed up way too late reading, but it was totally worth it. Ms. Henderson has a way of making her characters come alive. By the end of the book, the characters feel like family and the setting feels like home. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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."
My review: This is a book I didn't dare start reading until I knew I had plenty of uninterrupted time to read! There is not one Dee Henderson book that I have not thoroughly enjoyed and Traces of Guilt is no exception. From start to finish I couldn't read fast enough to see what would happen next, yet I hated when the book was finished. I stayed up way too late reading, but it was totally worth it. Ms. Henderson has a way of making her characters come alive. By the end of the book, the characters feel like family and the setting feels like home. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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