Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden ~ Review

My Review:

Riveting, page-turning romance!

Anna O'Brien treasures her job in the Library of Congress as a map librarian. She, along with her good friend, Neville, have been searching for answers to her father's mysterious shipwreck for years, the answers that they are being given just don't add up when combined with the oddly worded letters that her father had sent her.

Luke Callahan is a passionate congressman, with a love for words, knowledge, and a respect for dreams. Honest to the point of being a bit shocking at times, Luke can't help but notice the fiery librarian who dares to take him down a peg.

As their two worlds intertwine, will they find in each other the ally that they have been looking for all their lives?

I do declare, Ms. Camden just get's better with every book. I'll admit that I did hold off on starting this one because I knew that once I did, that I wouldn't be able to put it down!

Fantastic book from beginning to end, I loved the characters and their interaction with each other. Anna captured my heart right from the start with her love of maps and books, as well as her not being afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Luke is a firecracker, and at times he misfires, but with a plan and end goal in mind, it's hard no to sit back and just watch him shine!

I loved the mystery and intrigue along with the exciting fast-paced setting of Washington D.C. and the world of politics. I absolutely LOVED the setting of the Library of Congress and I learned so much along the way!

Overall, and utterly fantastic read! I loved everything from beginning to end, and I loved how it dealt with the changing of life and friendships that we all experience from time to time. Excellent characters, who were raw, vulnerable, yet heroes and heroines that I could cheer for the entire time. Ms. Camden has a way of making me fall in love with all of her characters! Highly recommend, already one of my favorites of the year!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Marisa St George has come to Dupree, Texas to work as the business manager at Rainbow's End. Kate and Greg are getting married, and they are returning the resort to a Christian focus.
Blake Kendall is a friend of Greg's and has moved to Texas. While at the wedding Marisa recognizes him as the famous author, Ken Blake. Blake decides to stay on at Rainbow's End.
Can love at first sight be lasting?


I like how this book also tells Lauren's story. Lauren is a widowed friend of Marisa's with a 7 year old daughter who wants a dad. And that's when God brings Drew into their lives...

There is also a strong theme of reconciliation, and family. I really liked how I got to go back and "visit" Kate and Greg, and also how this book focuses on bringing people together.

My favorite character was Blake, because of his genuineness and care for those around him.

Overall, a great book with great dialogue about forming new bonds and ties, and mending old bridges.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Tessa Gregory is the youngest of the Gregory sisters, all grown up now she has found her passion in flowers and has been studying horticulture, and wants to use what she has learned in Como Park.

Reese King meets Tessa when he rescues her from being arrested for illegally picking flowers. He sees her love of flowers and hires her to design the garden in Como Park.

Love blooms as Tessa and Reese overcome the challenges of making the park garden come to life.

Tessa has a wonderful outlook on life, with a vivid imagination and an optimistic outlook. She has an appreciation for God's creation and an artistic flare.

Reese is a hardworking and dependable man or faith, but he isn't perfect and he and Tessa have their ups and downs.

I loved the side characters and how Aunt Sam is very involved in the suffrage movement.

Overall and enjoyable story, with engaging characters ad excellent dialogue. With great characters worth revisiting!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Whenever You Come Around by Robin Lee Hatcher ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Charity Anderson has a dog named, Cocoa, who is a Heinz 57 mix, and usually well behaved. But when her dog trips Buck Malone, with her leash, causing him to break his wrist and ankle, it seems only the right thing to do to offer to give him a hand, especially since they are neighbors for the summer.

Buck is more than a little concerned by his bottom line with the ability to do both of his jobs compromised. But getting to know Charity is proving to be an excellent distraction, as he becomes determined to discover her secret and why she doesn't return home to King's Meadow very often.

Charity is a writer, who is having a hard time getting started, but her editor is wise and gives her solid advice. Buck is a nice guy and he instantly feels protective of Charity, even though he is the one who is injured.

This is a fast moving story that instantly caught my attention as it moved along at a steady pace. I loved the setting and characters, I loved how we got to revisit the couple from the previous book, and caught up with them and their lives now.

An excellent book about friends, family, faith and cowboy heroes. Definitely recommend!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

Maggie is a Pinkerton Detective sent to investigate the Whistle-Stop train robbery. The main suspect is Garrett Thomas, who has recently placed an ad for a mail-order bride. Maggie answers that ad, and moves into his home, making it easier for her to search for the money. But as she get's to know Garrett and his children she begins to question her suspicions...

I loved Garrett's children, Ellie and Toby, who quickly fall in love with Maggie, and she with them. Garrett is very gentle but firm with his children, and it is his close relationship with his children that makes Maggie question her suspicions.

I also really liked Rikker, Maggie's partner, and how he is constantly there is help her, and coming up with all kinds of hilarious disguises!

I loved this book from the terrific primary and secondary characters, to their interaction and how Maggie relies on her faith throughout. Fast-paced, adventure with the perfect blend of great characters, humor, mystery, faith, adventure, this is probably my favorite book from this author, Ms. Brownley has a winner on her hands!

Overall, a fantastic read and one of my favorites of this year so far, highly recommend!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade ~ Review & Tour

Lucie's Review:

Lyndie and Jake grew up as best friends together, until Lyndie's family moved away when they were twelve.

Jake is the youngest of the Porter boys, former Marine, and currently a  racehorse trainer at Whispering Creek Ranch. When he's not with the horses he tends to keep to himself.

When Lyndie comes around inquiring about a job as an exercise rider, she isn't at all put off by Jake's scars or his guarded reserve, she won't take no for an answer, and with the help of Bo, Jake's brother convinces Jake to give her a chance.

Will Lyndie be able to break through Jake's walls and rekindle their friendship?

I liked Lyndie and how she took her job seriously, bonding with a horse named Silver Leaf, who is beautiful but not living up to his potential because he refuses to run.

I loved the intersecting characters and plotlines, and how they included previously focused on Porters, as well as Lyndie's friend Amber.

I loved the relationship between Jake and Lyndie, the tension is reflected in their dialog and how well done and realistic the ups and downs of their relationship was.

Overall, a well written western romance, that brought a smile to my face. I loved revisiting the Porters and getting to know more about Jake, as he struggles to open his heart to an old friend who might just be what he's been waiting for. I loved this book from beginning to end, fast paced, and fresh, an all around fantastic read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book:
A Love Like Ours (Bethany House, May 2015)

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1R9Tv8p

About the author:

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky's work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.

Find Becky online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwade

A Heart's Danger by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Picking up where the last book left off, and the most action-packed book of them all so far. Conspiracy rages and the relations with the Sioux have shifted, Sarah finds herself caught between two men, the one that she wants to escape and the one that she can't have.

Tensions mount and hearts turn in this continuation of this western serial. Fast-paced and well written, I feel like this book actually brings the reader to what the other previous two books where leading up to.

As soon as I picked up this book I knew I had to keep reading, I didn't want to put it down. I appreciated all that they had to go through, filled with mystery and intrigue, the characters really grew and I felt like I got to know them better.

I really liked Isaac, and I'm hoping to see him get a happy ending sometime in the future.

Overall, a well written novel that brought all the pieces of the previous books all together, and I enjoyed this one to the very end. Great characters and some resolution to the story. The story that you have been waiting for in this series.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book:
A Heart's Danger (Thomas Nelson, May 2015)

On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves.

Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell.
Rand's new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns.

Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell---the man whose love she craves---and Croftner---the man whose lies have cost her everything.

Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1G01e4s

About the author:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide.Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


Picking up where the last novel left off, Suzanne and Alexa have made peace with their family and have found a home among the Old Order Mennonite. But things are never quiet for long, when Paul finds out that he is the father of Anna-Grace, he is angry with Suzanne for hiding her pregnancy from him, and he want's to make his identity known to Anna-Grace.

Meanwhile the first guest at the bed breakfast, is Briley Forrester, a reporter determined to expose the scandals and secrets of the Mennonites, and show another side to them from their pristine image.

Meanwhile Steven wants to be a teacher, but feels pressured by his family to be "Perfect son" and be a farmer like his father wants. Will he find the courage to go after what he wants?

Another family drama,that examines the relationships between the characters an how they learn to love and accept the family that God has given them. A continuation of the Zimmerman tale, as secrets are exposed and hearts laid bare.

Overall a well written novel that continues the story started in the first book of the series. In some ways it felt more like a filler book between the beginning and the end. I liked that it wasn't  romance and instead explored the various relationships within a family. There were strong characters in this heartfelt story.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book:

When Grace Sings (WaterBrook Press, March 2015)

When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion?

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren't what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she's operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa's insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1FBvcM5

About the author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-nine novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

Find Kim online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ksawyer

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Jackie Sellers never thought she'd see her childhood crush on TV as a suspect in a terror plot. Now she's determined to help him set the record straight, but the bad guys are after Ian too, and when it comes down to it, it feels like there is no one to trust and No Where to Hide...

Fast-paced, high-stakes, adventure, that had me hooked from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down! Taunt with tension and fraught with intrigue and suspense, this is everything that a fan of this author and genre could expect and more.

Jackie is a compassionate soul, who is willing to walk through fire to help those that she cares for, which she proved thousands of times over by the end of the book.

Ian has been framed for a crime that he did not commit, stuck in the middle with no one to turn to but Jackie.

Overall, an adventure packed story that had me reading at top speed and dreading putting the book down. Lynette Eason does an excellent job at keeping the tension taunt, and the action going. Fantastic read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton ~ Review and CFBA Tour

Lucie's Review: 

Set in 1757 where Oneida Indians and British Colonists live side by side, two families are changed forever. After the fall of Fort William Henry, Major Reginald Aubrey 's wife gives birth to a son, but later that day their son dies in her arms while she is asleep. The Major is beside himself with grief and struggles to find the words to tell her the awful truth, but then he sees a rescued captive who has given birth to twin boys, one white and one dark in appearance. He sneaks in a replaces one of her sons with his own dead one and takes the live boy to his wife, who never knows the difference, they name him William. When Major Aubrey and his wife try to to leave, they are attacked by the Indians, the Major sees a family attacked and rushes to their aid but is only able to save the baby girl, that he takes into his own family, and calls Anna.

The mother of the twins, Good Voice, realizes the the crime immediately, but there is little she can do but go back to her life with the Oneida and her husband. The two boys are raised to follow different paths, one raised to the family he was born, and the other with the Major and his family. As they grow, their lives separate and became entwined again through the people in their lives that love them.

This book covers a lot of ground, and spans decades, giving glimpses and snapshots into the lives of the two boys as they grow, and their families and how that one choice by Major Aubrey changed all of their lives forever. I'll admit that this is a hard book to describe, because it covers so much ground and so much happens in the decades that follow. Rich in history, that highlights the cultural differences and the people that laid the foundation for a young America and the struggles they faced.

Not only does this book follow the two boys, but also their parents, and family friends. In this way I was able to view this story in a sort of panoramic view, through the eyes of so many of the characters. I loved how the many characters brought this epic historical to life, and I'm excited to see what will happen next!

From beginning to end I was riveted by Ms. Benton's fantastic storytelling and the rich history, not an easy book to put down!

Fantastic storytelling, different in tone that Ms. Benton's previous novels, but nontheless compelling and dramatic. For lovers of historical fiction, comes the faith filled, emotional, and compelling tale of two brothers separated at birth.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Wood's Edge WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015) by Lori Benton

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Benton spent her late teens and early twenties pursuing a career as a wildlife artist, attending the Maryland College of Art & Design before she began painting professionally. When not writing or researching, Lori can be found exploring the mountains of southern Oregon with her husband, Brian. Lori's first novel, Burning Sky was nominated as an ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist and also received double nominations for 2014 Christy Awards. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is her second novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Wood's Edge, go HERE.

Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman ~ Review

Review:

Livy grew up on the streets of Chicago, as a pickpocket, known as Light-Fingered-Livy, before she turned her life around. So she knows just what is going on when she sees a young boy jostling a man, on the street. Now she is working alongside her mentor, Mrs. Brooks to open an orphanage in Chesnut, Illinois, and she has a heart for children on the streets. She wants to do all she can to help the young boy find the right path.

Deputy Sheriff Jake and Livy collide when he sees her chasing down a young thief. When the town starts experiencing a rash of burglaries and an influx of street kids, the town believes the kids are to blame and they want Jake to arrest the children. But Livy stands firm, and refuses to let Jake arrest the children. Jake is faces pressure on multiple fronts, with the loan on his family farm coming up for payment. Jakes knows he doesn't have time for romance, but why can't he get Livy out of his head?

This book has a lot going on in it, with strong characters who both have a past that haunts them, they are challenges to grow as people and in their faith.There is a full cast of characters, along with children to save, and mysteries to solve. I like how this book has a great historical perspective and highlights the plight of many children growing up on the streets of Chicago as well as the many dangers that miners faced.

I loved the characters, and how they truly relied on their faith to bring them to tomorrow. The dialog was fantastic and really moves the direction of the relationships in this book.

Overall, this is a well written western, with so many things going on, with well written characters. I really enjoyed this great story. I absolutely loved Claiming Mariah also by Ms. Hillman, so I knew when I picked this one up that I would enjoy it, and I wasn't wrong! A fantastic read for fans of western romance.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Picture Perfect Love by Melissa McClone ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Jenna has a photography studio in her home called, "Picture Perfect Photography." She specializes in wedding photography even though her own wedding was once called off when the groom left her at the alter after the rehearsal. not only did he abandon her at the alter, but he left he with all the bills from the fancy, upscale wedding that he wanted to go along with his political ambitions...
Can Jenna still have a happily ever after?

This is a well written novella, that though short in length, packs a large emotional punch. I loved how I was quickly drawn to the characters and their plights. I really liked Toby the guy that Ashton's sister marries, as it is his idea to hire Jenna, he is a really genuine guy and very understanding.

Jenna has come a long way since Ashton dumped her, and she has found a wonderful church home that has helped her grow in her faith and straighten out her finances after the non-wedding.

Overall, a fantastic read. I was drawn to the characters instantly, and was hooked almost immediately. I loved the poignant back story, and how themes of faith, family and reconciliation were woven into the story. Highly recommend!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Taken by Dee Henderson ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Shannon Bliss was kidnapped at age sixteen, and forced to take part in their crime. Now that she has found a way out, she has enough information to put her kidnappers behind bars for a long time. All she wants is a normal life, but as she tries to re-enter society, she finds more than a few hiccups along the way. With impending danger around every corner, will Shannon ever be able to achieve the life she has dreamed of for so many years?

A fast paced adventure, I always knew that something was going to happen, but I never knew when or what to expect. I loved how the author really worked hard to capture the struggles that Shannon faced as she tried to relax and get back to normal life, and learn to trust others.

Shannon is forced to face her past head on as she and Michael try to unravel the mystery and why she was taken in the first place.

Action packed, and tight with tension, Ms. Henderson weaves a spell-binding filled with page turning action and heart tugging emotion, and characters that will capture your heart. Definitely one of my favorite reads from her, and I've been a long time fan of her books. Fantastic!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Explosive Alliance by Susan Sleeman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Krista Curry loves her grandfather, whom she lovingly refers to as "Opa." But when she discovers a bomb at the soccer game that they attended together, she finds herself the new target of a furious bomber, and the new attention might just uncover what she has tried to hide for so long.
Cash Dixon is able to help deactivate the bomb, but he worries about the safety of Krista and her Opa. He is a member of the FRS, but he used to be in the Armed Forces, Delta Force.
Cash is torn, is Krista an accomplice or an innocent bystander?

I liked Cash from the beginning, he is very protective of Krista and her Opa, even though the rest of the FRS believes Krista to be a prime suspect. He can't shake the feeling that someone might want to harm her and her grandfather, so he makes an effort to be there to protect them.

Opa is such a sweetheart from the old country, he is struggling with cancer, bu this faith is strong and he believes in his heart that Cash is the man for his Leibchen, Krista.

I loved Krista, and her refusal to be scared and stay at home. She goes to work, and Cash goes with her.

Overall this is a fantastic read, full of action, wonderful characters, strong character interaction, along with mystery and suspense. Fast paced, and page turning until the end, this isn't a book that you will want to miss!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Flossie Jayne has a passion for painting, and studies art at the art school, but is forced to quit, due to lack of funds. So she get's a job working for Mr. Tiffany in his department store. She finds a place to live in a boarding house where she makes new friends interacting with all of the boarders, besides Reeve Wilder, who is a newspaper columnist who keeps to himself.

Reeve is on the hunt for a new story for New Women's, in his frustration with Flossie he writes a satire piece based on her titled, Marylee Merrily. When the positive responses come pouring in he has no choice but to continue the piece in hopes that Flossie won't learn the truth.

Mr. Tiffany is building a chapel for the World's Fair, and is hiring extra girls because the men are on strike and refuse to work.

A wonderfully richly detailed historical novel. Wonderful characters that grow and develop over the course of the story. I especially loved the illustrations that really helped to capture the setting and times that hey were living in.

Flossie is an optimistic heroine, who has an indomitable determination about her that helps her win the day, even when things are their bleakest.

Overall, this novel captured a full range of emotion, from light-hearted moments, to deep ones of poignancy. Slow to start, and a bit on the long side, this book quickly picked up speed. I loved how it showed what life was like for a girl finding her way in 1892.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd ~ Lucie's Review

Lucie's Review:

One of my favorite books this year!

I'm not usually a fan of gothic romances, but my daughter told me that I wouldn't regret giving this book a try, and I sure didn't!

Rebecca Ravenshaw is a young woman who spend most of her growing up years in India with her parents, who were missionaries before they were killed in the Headbourne Uprising of 1857.

When Rebecca returns home, all is not as expected, someone has come before her claiming to be her, and now everyone believes Rebecca to be the impostor. Her family's estate has been given to a distant relative, Captain Whitfield, who appears to be a man of honor and integrity, who truly wants to get to the bottom of things.

Will Rebecca ever be able to prove her identity and claim her inheritance?

With suspecting souls everywhere is there anyone that Rebecca can trust? I loved Rebecca and Captain Whitfield, as well as Mrs. Ross. All of the characters were so well developed.

I loved Rebecca as a strong, yet vulnerable heroine, who in many ways grows and comes into her own over the course of the story. I really liked Lady Frome, who is married to Captain Whitfield's brother, and how she became Rebecca's one true friend.

I really came to respect Captain Whitfield, and how he is a self-made man who was a proficient soldier, and is now a successful businessman, yet suspicion surrounds him and society rejects him as one of their own.

Overall, a fantastic book, the only reason I struggled with this review was because I didn't want to give too much away. Such a fantastic read, filled with suspicion, tension, mystery, and gothic romance! You will not regret picking up this fantastic book!



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