Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Grace Mallory is the telegraph operator in Harper's Station, a women's colony founded by Emma Chandler. After hours telegraph operators can talk to each other, which is how Grave meets Mr. A from Denison. While talking to Mr. A she receives an urgent warning, related to her past.

While they are talking Amos Bledsoe overhears an urgent warning while talking to Grace, he decides to take action and come to help. Amos prefers his bicycle to riding  horse, and he isn't the typical broad shouldered hero, but he boards a train and rents an uncooperative mule in order to get to Harper's Station as soon as possible.

Upon arrival Amos is greeted by a woman with a gun and a woman with a plate of cookies and then promptly thrown in jail. Will he be able to prove who he is, and help Grace with the danger that she faces?

Grace is clever and quick thinking, she has the support and friendship of all the women in Harper's Station. She's courageous and doesn't take the easy way out, and leans on her faith to see her through.

Amos fits right into Harper's Station, and it doesn't take him long to realize that he wants to pursue a relationship with Grace. He is intelligent, considerate, and has a quirky sense of humor that Grace appreciates. They have a great connection, and conversation between then is natural, and full of spark.

I love how Grace helps Amos prove his identity, and how they work together to discover the secret that her father found before he died. This is a great read from beginning to end, which great chemistry between Amos and Grace. I loved seeing some of my favorite townspeople again, and Emma Potter's story as well. I loved the great sense of community in Harper's Station, humor, and dialog. Fast-paced read that put a smile on my face, I enjoyed every bit of this wonderful 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."

Haven of Swans by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Bree Matthews sees a woman and child on the side of the road and offers her a ride to Rock Harbor. The woman is injured, and someone had tried to kill her, but the woman has lost her memory and can't remember what happened. Bree take her home, and the woman's daughter identifies herself as Terri, and the woman wears a necklace that says "Elena."

Elena and Terri continue to stay with Bree and her family, and become a part of the community, but Elena still can't remember what happened.

 Detective Nick Andreakas works the violent crimes unit of the police, and he is very dedicated to his job. Too dedicated in fact, according to his soon-to-be-ex-wife Eve. Eve is a former ballerina, and she teaches dance as well as raises their daughter, Keri. When they go missing, Nick fears that it might be connected to a serial murder case he's been working on.

Nick comes to Rock Harbor looking for Eve and Keri, but after three months he's lost almost all hope of finding them alive. But when he is in for a surprise. He wants to reconcile with his wife and rights the wrongs, but it is difficult when she doesn't remember. There is good dialog, and plenty of tension. Lots of suspense too, since the guy who tried to hurt Eve is still out there.

Eve has a tenacious spirit and refuses to give up, or live her life in hiding. And she knows that she loves her daughter. I liked that Bree and Kade are there for Eve and they show her love and a godly example of marriage the Eve has never seen before.

This is an intense story, with plenty going on and many clues to gather. It is not an easy book to read, with some gruesome details, and a really creepy, crazy bad guy. Fast paced and filled with action, and second chances make for a satisfying 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."

Of Rags and Riches by Michelle Griep, Erica Vetsch, Suzanne Dietze, Ann Love, Gabrielle Meyer, Natalie Monk, Jennifer Uhlarik, Jaime Jo Wright, and Kathleen Y'Barbo ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Union Pacific Princess ~ Gage saves Darra and her cousin from an explosion, covering them with his body.  Gage is an interpreter and friend of the local Indians. When trouble strikes he is impressed by Darra's desire to help and her compassion.

The Right Pitch ~ This is the story of a women's baseball team. Winnie is the captain of the team, they are preparing to play a charity game at the exhibition. When Beck brings his sister to join the team, Winnie talks him into coaching their team. Beck lost his arm in the war, will he let it hold him back from finding love?

A Gift in Secret ~ Sam and May are brought together by May's father's will. They are given choices, and neither of them know all the details, but time is running out and they only have one month to make up their minds. They get to know each other, and are surprised by what awaits them at the end.

For Richer or Poorer ~  Woody runs a delivery business and spends the remainder of his time helping the orphaned immigrant children. He is good with languages and is able to speaks to Elena when he almost runs down with his horses. Elena is an immigrant from Poland and asks Woody to teach her English so that she can marry a rich man who can pay to bring the rest of her family to America. But will her best laid plans go awry?

A House of Secrets ~ Amanda and Joseph are getting ready for their upcoming nuptials. Amanda wants to fix up an old house and turn it into a school for children. but little does she know that doing some may uncover Joseph's secret. Joseph has his secrets and he hasn't told Amanda everything about his past.

Win, Place or Show ~  Beryl comes from a wealthy family. but she has more interest in her horses than in flirting.  Her parents want her to marry an English lord. Gard is an excellent horseman and ex-military, he agrees to give Beryl riding lessons for the summer and he is a great teacher. He has his own plans and doesn't want distractions. This was one of my favorites, very poignant with a fantastic ending.

The Fisherman's Nymph ~ Abby and her father are skilled fishers, her father wants to guide people and fishing expeditions. Their first trips is with a family friend Jonathan, who brings along a city slicker who takes a shine to Abby. Charles really get's on Abby's nerves, but will he prove his worth when there is a lot on the line?

The Gardner's Daughter ~ This one was my favorite. Wes is a professor and he asks librarian, Maggie with a projec by reading, reviewing, and answering questions about books. Wes is impressed by Maggie's insight, imagination, and thought provoking questions. But after each of their meetings in the library she disappears. Wes is intrigued and wants to know her better. I loved Miss Eloise who serves as a chaperone, and helps Wes as well.

A Tale of Two Hearts ~ Lucy is grateful for her new job as a lady's maid. She want to compete in her employer's contest to win money for her sister's operation. But she also would like her friend Elijah to win so that he can pursue his dream of building racecars.

This is a great collection of stories that highlight different times and places in history, with strong men and women of faith, integrity, who are searching for someone of good character regardless of their station in life.



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."

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands by Cynthia Hickey, Susan Page Davis, Suzanne Dietze, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Carrie Fancett Pagels and Gina Welborn ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

It all starts when the mayor of Turtle Springs, Kansas comes up with a plan to help the ladies of the town find spouses by advertising "Husband Auditions" in papers all across the country. As the prospective husbands start rolling in, and hearts join, it isn't without a few mishaps along the way...

Abigail's Proposal ~ Abby Menton has taken her father's place as mayor, and having the Husband Auditions was her idea. She plans to participate in the courting, but the town also needs a sheriff. When she meets Josiah Ingram, she hires him on the spot. And it's not just the job that he just might be perfect for...

The Kidnapped Groom ~ Sam Cayford is taken by surprise when two boys hold him at gunpoint and demand that he marry their mother. Sam is cool and collected, but sees that they need help so he decides to stick around. Maggie Piner is shocked by her sons' mad plan, but as Sam stays and makes a place in each of their hearts she wonders if her sons might have had a good idea after all.

A Clean Slate ~ Birdy is a schoolteacher, and when Drew shows up on audition day, she assumes that he is there for the auditions and takes him to the events. But actually Drew had wanted to borrow some books form the school library. Drew likes to read and learn new things as well as help out around the school and boarding house. Will their love of learning bring them together?

Sunshine in My Heart ~ Debbie is drawn to Zack from the start, she admires his faith, and knows that it's a great place to start.

Come What May ~ This story is one of my favorites, Chardy and Luke were torn apart by the war. Chardy still loves Luke, but he lost his leg and thinks that she should be with a "whole man." but when he sees her family in need he comes to help, by teaching her brothers how to take care of the farm. Will this couple take their second chance at a future together?

Dime Novel Suitor ~ Caroline Kane assumes that Barden is at the audition a possible groom, but in fact he is an Englishman on holiday wanting to experience the life of a cowboy. He takes a job at the inn that Caroline and her siblings run, making suggestions for improvement along the way. But as his vacation draws to a close their future becomes unsure.

Louder than Words ~ JR is in town to write a story about the husband auditions, and when he frist sets his eyes on Jane he sees her as a warrior princess, saving young child from two thugs all by herself. Jane doesn't have friends, she is merely acquainted with many of the women in town. She isn't impressed by JR's flirting, and chooses her faith. She challenges him to think more about his faith and his life in general.

I loved how all of these stories where connected by a common premise in the same town, with great recurring characters. Definitely a great collection of novels for fans of Mail-Order Bride 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."

A Tailor-Made Husband by Winnie Griggs ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Sheriff Ward Gleason returns to Turnabout with 4 year old Meg. He doesn't want her to go to an orphanage so he decides that she will stay with him until he can find a relative to take her in. Ward can't be with Meg all the time, so he asks his sister's best friend Hazel to help him out.

Hazel Andrews operates the town's dress shop, she is touched by Meg's story and is impressed by how well she is taking her change of situation. Hazel agrees to help watch her during the daytime.

Will Hazel and Ward be able to give Meg a family?

Meg is a darling girl, she has a sunny disposition and a trusting nature despite everything that she has been through. Meg brings out the best in Ward. He calls her "Half-pint" and reads to her at night.

Hazel has liked Ward for a long time but he never returned her interest, but she is determined to follow her dreams and move to New York to work with her aunt. It's hard to sell dresses now that people can buy them ready-made.

Ward is under a lot of pressure, both from the town and from himself. Ward still feels guilty for his sister's accident. He pours himself out into his job, it takes up most of his time since he doesn't have any deputies.

I was happy to be revisiting Turnabout, and that Hazel and Ward finally get their own story. Meg is a charming child who brings out the best things in both Ward and Hazel. Both our heroes are stubborn, and sometimes that holds them back, but it falls in place eventually. I liked seeing some of the familiar faces in Turnabout. And I liked how Hazel is a woman of faith and action. Great interaction and an engaging story throughout with high stakes and even a mystery! Highly enjoyable 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 Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson ~ Review

My Review:

Lady Magdaln is is travelling to Wolfberg to marry Duke Steffan, whom she met two years ago at Thornbeck Castle. But when she finds her fortunes turned when her serving maid holds her at knifepoint and demands that they switch places. When they arrive at the castle, she is dismissed to go tend the geese, there she meets a familiar goat herd, and realizes that more might be afoot than she originally thought.

Steffan is returning from Prague when he is attacked by men who seem to be intent on killing him. He cautiously comes back to the castle to find that his uncle has replaced nearly all the staff, and set up his own son as the Duke of Wolfberg. Steffan  befriends a familiar goose girl called Maggie, and plots to reclaim his rightful seat.

I was thrilled to find out that this book was about Magdalen the kind hearted young woman who befriended Avelina in the Beautiful Pretender. Magdalen is from a struggling kingdom called Mallin, she knows that she must make a good match to save her people. She is pleased to receive the Duke's proposal, hoping that she will be able to marrying for love. Magdalen is kind to everyone, and is a good friend, humble, and a wants to please. She holds to her faith in difficult times, and does her best to make the most of where she is placed.

This is a fast paced read that is hard to put down. I loved the interaction between Magdalen and Steffan, and how it just seems so natural and at ease between them. Magdalen is a great encourager and edifies others around her, she truly treats others how she would like to be treated. Full of mystery and adventure, this is a engaging read from beginning to end. 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."

Hidden Legacy by Lynn Huggins Blackburn ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Caroline Harrison is in the process of adopting Henry, the son of her best friend. She returns home to find it vandalized, and a shooter who attempts to kill her. Caroline fears that her son is the real target, will she be able to keep her son safe?

Detective Jason Drake and Caroline used to be childhood friends, she wanted more but he left for the Marine Corps, now he's back working for the Sheriff's Dept. Jason came home to help his father who has ALS. Now he wants to do everything he can to help Caroline and her young son, will a second chance at love also be in the cards?

I love how Jason takes Caroline and Henry to his parents house, and even though he ha ALS, his father can still hold a gun. Jason has grown in his faith during his time in the Marines and he realizes that he doesn't want to walk away from Caroline ever again.

Caroline is a good mother to Henry, strong under pressure, and will do anything to keep her son safe. She knows that Jason has grown and matured for the better, and sees in him a man that she can trust and depend on.  She admires his close relationship with his family.

I LOVED this book, it's one of the bet books that I have read from Love Inspired in a long time. It jumps right into the story, with mystery, and danger. There are many surprises and I love how the reader discovers new revelations along with the characters. Great heroes that I could cheer for the whole way through, great chemistry, I loved that they got a second chance at love.

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."

Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When Tara finds bomb making materials on her aunt's property she calls the FBI hotline. Cal answers her call and advises her to stay calm, and hops on a plane to come and help her.

Cal has been after the Lone Wolf Bomber for months, he part of a special task force called the White Knights, and he is determined to stop the Lone Wolf before he hurts anyone else, and Tara may be the one to help him shut the terrorist down.

Cal is an Ex-Navy SEAL and bomb expert he is very good at what he does, he is dedicated to his job, and feels responsible for every loss. He's seen alot of things, and sometimes that get's between him and God.

Tara is brave and headstrong and her insight into the killer helps them track him down. Tara is shocked to find that the bomber is a face from her past, but she wants to do everything that she can to help Cal.

I really liked Tara's Aunt June, she is a praying woman of faith, who raised Tara when her parents died.

This is a fast paced read, engaging from the start and full of suspense. There are so many great characters, and I like that it doesn't delve into the disturbed depths of the killer's head. There is great dialog and camaraderie between everyone. A tension fraught ending that brings the story to a climatic close. Highly enjoyable 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."

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden ~ Review

My Review:

Jenny is a military nurse, who has overcome a hardscrabble past to make a respectable living for herself.  Six years ago she fell in love with Ryan Gallagher, the pledged to write and then marry when he returned, but she received but one letter, a letter breaking off their engagement. But when he appears back on base with a four-year-old daughter in tow, Jenny wants answers.

Ryan was raised in Japan, the son of a missionary family, he learned the culture and language of the Japanese well. Six years ago he was recruited for a special mission in Japan, everything changed and Ryan never thought he'd see Jenny again. Now widowed, he wonders if he and Jenny may have a second chance at love.


Jenny is hurt that Ryan broke it off so abruptly and little explanation, and his reappearance in her life brings up the hurt that he caused her, especially when she sees his daughter, a reminder that he found someone else. Jenny is a hardworking woman, who takes pride in her work. She also does what she can to help her adoptive father, Simon, who took her in so many years ago. I like that Jenny is not perfect, it is hard for her to forget the pain of what Ryan did, she is vulnerable and relate-able.

Ryan knows that he has hurt Jenny and made mistakes that he cant take back, but he doesn't regret his beautiful daughter, Lily. Ryan is utterly devoted to his daughter, and is determined to teach her about both sides of her heritage. He is honest, yet at times oblivious. Ryan wants to make things right with Jenny, but doesn't know how. He is passionate about his dreams of Pearl farming, and raising his daughter.

I really liked Finn, he is brilliant and full of potential. He is very observant, and often sees things that others miss, yet he can he disrespectful and unruly. Finn is astute, and has a natural talent for piking up things, he can do well when he wants to, but struggles with demons that threaten to ruin his chances at working with the military.

Simon is the man who raised Jenny, he never had alot, but he made sure that Jenny had what she needed, and taught her about Christ. And Lily is so adorable, a sweet child who is well loved by her father.

Overall, this is a well written read about second chances, forgiveness, and hope. I loved Jenny, life hasn't been easy for her and she still beats herself up about things in her past as she tries to make things right. I liked her for her realistic vulnerabilities, strength and hardworking spirit. I loved learning about the early pearl industry. Finn was probably one of my favorites, because he can be such a cad, but also utterly charming and sincere, and I can't begin to imagine the adventures in store for him. Romance, mystery, forgiveness, from beginning to end this is a fantastic read. I had a hard time putting it down, and enjoyed it to the very end. 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."