The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Maribel Cordova is an intelligent young woman, she loves to read about pirates, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that her father's ship would be attacked by pirates. Maribel never knew much about her father, but when he comes to her demanding that she go with her, telling her that her mother is dead, she sees no choice but to go with him.

Jean-Luc Valmont is a privateer, pirating under the letters of mark from France. He has worked hard to bury his past, but the beautiful daughter of a pirate threatens to undo everything, and upend his plans for revenge.

Maribel is a charming young woman, with a thirst for adventure. She charms Jean-Luc's crew, playing games with them, and listening to their stories. She wants adventure like the ones that she read about in her books,  Maribel loves to climb up into the crows nest, and has a good eye for scouting for ships.

Jean-Luc is very educated and skilled, and he even teaches her another language. He doesn't want to like the beautiful and adventurous red-head, but the more he gets to know her, the more he questions if he can carry out his plans and walk away from her forever.

This a fun action-packed read, the story takes place over the course of a couple decades. I really liked Maribel and her spunky, ready for anything spirit. It was fun seeing her grow up, and how the story came together. A highly enjoyable read from beginning to end!

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 Soldier's Redemption by Lee Tobin McClain ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Redemption Ranch has fallen on hard times, the owner's husband absconded with all the money. Redemption Ranch offers a refuge for returning veterans and animals alike, and together the animals and the veterans find hope. Finn Gallagher is the head dog trainer, still blaming himself for the death of his estranged wife.

Kayla White and her son, Leo, are running from the past, and are ready to begin again. Finn reluctantly hires Kayla, she is happy to have found a place to rest, and Leo loves being around the dogs.

Can Kayla and Leo escape their past and find a new beginning?

Kayla and Leo bond with the dogs and the rough veterans at the ranch. Kayla is afraid to trust the veterans too much, because her husband was ex-military and military men tend to stick together. Finn is gruff at first, but he sees how she is a good mother to Leo, who is the same age as his son that died.

The old veterans are kindly, but can be gruff, they have a matchmaking twinkle in their eyes, so it was kinda funny to see them working to get Finn and Kayla together.

Kayla and Finn have good interaction, and come to see their partnership turn to friendship and then more. There was a lot of good interaction between the characters, as well as growth and a theme of not letting the past haunt the future. I loved how welcoming the town was to Kayla and Leo, as well as how everything came together in a dramatic ending. Great, 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."

Gone by Shirlee McCoy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ella McIntire wakes up tied up in a metal box, not knowing where she is, she was traveling to Maine to investigate her cousin Ruby's death that was ruled a drug overdose. The thing is that Ella knows that her cousin would never have touched drugs, as Ruby's mother was an addict.

Sam Sheridan is part of the FBI Special Crimes Task Force, he's been undercover trying to tie suspects to the Organization a crime ring that preys on homeless people, and foster children, they are also involved in human trafficking. He sees Ella being taken, and rescues her, but she doesn't know who to trust and fights him every step of the way.

Will Sam and Ella be able to work together to stop the Organization and find Ruby's killer?

An action-packed thriller that starts with a bang, high speed chases, and danger around every corner. Sam is used to being the tough guy and protecting himself from being hurt, he admires Ella for her determination to keep going even when she is cold and tired, and how she won't settle for cheap explanations of Ruby's death.

Ella comes to like Sam's team, and she likes that they listen to her, and respect what she has to say. She has a strong faith, and really admires Ruby , who encouraged her when she was going through a hard time.

Overall a fantastic story from beginning to end with high suspense, and plenty of action. I liked the interaction between Ella and Sam as they come to trust and respect each other, and Ella is able to make Sam believe that he doesn't have to be alone. 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."

Until We Find home by Cathy Gohlke ~ Review

My Review:

American Claire Stewart is thrilled to be doing her part, working with the French Resistance alongside her dear friend Arnaud, evacuating Jewish children. But when she finds herself stranded in England with 5 Jewish children, she throws herself on the mercy of her estranged Aunt Miranda, whom she has never met.

As Claire and the children settle into Bluebell Wood, they struggle to live in peace with the nearby villagers who aren't fond of Jews or Americans. As Aunt Miranda and her staff warm to Claire and the children, Claire finds herself feeling restless and trapped away from the frontlines, with little to inspire her writer's muse.

When fellow American David Campbell moves into Bluebell Wood as a boarder he brings cheer, captivating the children, and unsettling Claire who finds herself intrigued by the wise and charismatic David, questioning her feelings for Arnaud.

Until We Find Home is a beautiful tale set in the English countryside during WWII. Seemingly simple, without the intensity of the frontlines, the story is misleadingly unassuming. Claire struggles to care for the children, clothing and feeding is easy enough with the help of her aunt and Mrs. Newsome, but she holds herself back from holding them close in the absence of their parents. As Mr.. David and other Jewish children join them from Germany, she finds herself challenged by David and Mr. C.S. Lewis's writings and radio program, as the children capture her heart and bond together to make it through the war.

Claire isn't the most likable character in the beginning, but as the story progresses and we start to understand her life, everything makes sense and she is every bit the strong, loving, fierce, and compassionate heroine she was meant to be. I like how she and her Aunt Miranda's relationship grows, it is realistically slow to form, as they are both cautious, but so much more poignant because of it.

The children are precious, and it is impossible to resist the protective Josef, mischievous Gaston, and lovable Aimee, as well as the relationship that they have with each other and the other children. I like how Claire and the children coming to stay helped Miranda to start living more fully.

Overall, a fantastic read, I liked Claire's journey and how she came to understand that there was a reason for everything that happened, and wars aren't altogether fought on the frontlines. I liked how Claire was vulnerable and flawed, she wasn't perfect and selfless--in fact the opposite. But I related to her so much the more for it. David is mysterious, wise, and full of sunshine, and I like how he challenges Claire, and accepts her for who she is. I loved how Ms. Gohlke brought the English countryside of the 1940's to life, through the eyes of the evacuee children, with the loss, prejudice, boredom, and danger that came with it. A beautiful read from beginning to end, with great cameos from great contemporaries of the time, riveting, heartfelt, and well written. 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."

My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Millie's Resolve by Rebecca Jepson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Millie has been working as a nurse alongside Dr. Murphy for 5 years in Colorado, but when she sees a familiar face from the past talking with Dr. Murphy, she knows that her past has caught up to her. Millie grew up in Nantucket, the daughter of a poor fisherman, she was a happy and outgoing child who befriended the Drexel children, as they grew up she and Stephen Drexel became especially close, but she was beneath his station so she left him and Nantucket behind.

Millie is initially insulted by Stephen's offer of a job taking care of his asthmatic mother and pregnant sister, but when his mother has an attack in the middle of the night she feels compelled to take the job.

Millie is strong and woman of her word, she perseveres, despite Mrs. Drexel treating her horribly, Stephen's wife is the only one who seems to appreciate her help, despite visiting their house being awkward. Millie is a good friend, and is industrious as she helps Mrs. Drexel to eliminate triggers.

This book is has a quick hook and poignant backstory, but I feel that the flow got bogged down in the middle. I liked Millie for her determination, faith, and compassion. I didn't know what to think of John Drexel, he wasn't very present, and seemed to make assumptions about Millie, despite them only having limited interactions. But things did comes together for a very dramatic ending.

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."

Miss Wilton's Waltz by Josi S. Kilpack ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

An introvert by nature, Miss Lenora Wilton is an accomplished musician, who has always been in her sister's shadow. When her intended breaks their betrothal in order to wed her younger sister, Lenora goes back to Bath to be with her aunt, and teach music at a girl's school. Lenora helps tutor voice, as well as pianoforte. One of her students Catherine is quite the challenge, she can play by ear ear, but doesn't like to read music.

Aidan Asher is Catherine's uncle, and he is determined to do right by her after being named her guardian. She has been shipped around from relative to relative and to various schools. He will do anything to keep his daughter in school. After running into Lenora down by the river after nightfall, he knows that he has the leverage he needs to get Catherine some extra help.

But will Aidan and Lenora be able to work together to help Catherine, and perhaps find more?

A well written book from beginning to end, it was engaging, and I liked Lenora from the very beginning. She is a very good teacher, and even though Catherine is difficult, she really wants to help her. Lenora is clever, and witty, though she hides it behind her quiet nature.

It is an engaging story with well developed characters, and great interaction. I liked how Lenora is an honorable woman, she forgives, and really does her best by Catherine, despite the fact that Catherine despises her. I like Lenora's aunt, who is a kindly and wise woman, who is a rock for Lenora.

A fantastic read, even though I know that this is something of a sequel/companion to a previous book, it stands wonderfully on its own. Well written, with fantastic characters. I can't wait to read more from 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."

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
The first in a new series by Karen Witemeyer it follows three unwanted orphans who met on the orphan train, banded together and made their own family.

Zach is the oldest, he is a gruff, protector, with a heart of gold. Seth is scrawny, with asthma, who reads everything he can get his hands on. Both of them are very protective of Evie, who has face prejudice because of her different colored eyes. They find a safe place out of town where Seth is free of asthma and Evie can wander the hills with her pet pig, Hezekiah.

Logan Fowler is a man bent on revenge, he wants to ruin the man who hurt his family, but he isn't expecting to find Evie. He tells himself that befriending her isn't a lie, and he is intrigued by her beautiful eyes.

Will Evie and Logan find in each other More Than Meets the Eye?

Logan is an unexpected hero who bursts onto the scene--literally. He has a bent for revenge, but the more that he gets to know Evie and her family, the more he comes to realize that he needs to come clean about his reasons for coming to them. I like how he encourages Evie, and urges her to pay not attention to the ignorant townspeople who fling their painful insults. I liked the dialog between him and Evie.

Evie has a big heart, despite being hurt by people's ignorance. She is kind, honest, and gives a first impression of naivety, but has a level of spiritual maturity that shines through. I love her pet pig, who brings a lot of humor to this riveting novel.

I liked this book from the beginning, and how you don't only see the relationship of the main characters, but also get to know Evie's brothers, and their new friend Christie, a deaf girl who can speak and read lips. There are great characters, humor, faith, mystery, with an action packed conclusion. I liked the theme of giving God control, and trusting in His plan and not our own. I couldn't put it down, it was an absolute delight to read. This is one of my favorite books so far by this author!

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 Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson ~ Review

My Review:

Aladdin was an orphan, stealing on the streets of the Holy Land, before he was taken to Hagenheim by a crusading knight and a priest. He befriends the duke's daughter, Kristyn, and they form a close friendship that lasts through time and distance.

Aladdin cares for Kristyn and he goes off to make his way in the world. He gains the trust of a businessman, Herr Kauffman, who treats him as a son. But just as things begin to fall in place, they begin to unravel.

Will Kristyn and Aladdin be able to cling to their faith and their friendship despite the situations that threaten to tear them apart?

This was a difficult one for me to review, because I had such high expectations, but it just wasn't for me. I've read other books in the series, and other books by this author and loved them all, but this one just didn't do it for me. Kristyn is a brave heroine, she weathers the trials that come her way, and she doesn't give up hope, even when things look darkest.

Aladdin is a man of integrity, who finds himself tested multiple times over the course of the book. He is loyal, and compassionate. I love how he reaches out to Abu, a young boy who lives by his wits on the streets. Aladdin in my mind was a lot like Joseph of the Bible, he is given great responsibility and prospers, yet he is faced with horrible misfortunes not of his doing.

I think the reason that I struggled to like this book was because so much of the relationship between the characters depended on past experiences, memories, and sometimes it felt like they both expected the other person to be a mind reader. Kristyn and Aladdin are separated for much of the book, and so it was hard to see their relationship really grow over the course of the story.

I did like the way that Ms. Dickerson drew from the story of Aladdin, and bringing him to Hagenheim through the Crusades. And I thought that the main elements of the story were wonderfully transposed. While this wasn't my favorite of the collection, I still eagerly await reading the future installments in the 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."

Vanished in the Night by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Dr. Joshua Crawford is returning to Wrangler's Corner, when he interrupts an attempted kidnapping of a woman about to give birth. They don't have time to make it to the hospital, so he delivers the child.

Kaylie Martin is a widow, she was on her way to the hospital when a van pulls in front of her. She is grateful for Joshua's help delivering her son Duncan. On the way home someone starts shoots at them, and the adventure begins...

Joshua and Kaylie must work together to find out who is behind the attacks to keep Kaylie and baby Duncan safe. The problem is that there are a lot of options, Kaylie's late husband had connections to organized crime, and Kaylie used to have a stalker.

Joshua jumps right in, and is committed to protecting Kaylie and her son. But when Duncan is taken, they must work together to stop the kidnapper before it's too late.

Joshua is a strong and compassionate Christian man, he is surprised by how fast he has come to care for Duncan and Kaylie, and he is determined to protect them.

Kaylie is smart and capable, she realizes that she needs help and can't do everything on her own, she leans on her faith, and doesn't give up. I like how she stays calm in a tough situation.

Action-packed and suspenseful, yet full of surprises. Kaylie and Joshua have great interaction, and come to trust each other throughout the ordeal. This is a fantastic read from beginning to end, Lynette Eason has never let me down yet!

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 Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden ~ Review

My Review:

Dr. Rosalind Werner is a biochemist, with a passion for improving the welfare of communities so that they will not have to fear the diseases brought on by unclean drinking water. Rosalind fled scandal in Germany, and is fighting to prove herself in the experimental chlorination of public water. One of their fiercest opponents is Nick Drake, the plumber turned wealthy businessman.

Nick is just as passionate about the welfare of the community, but is skeptical of putting chemicals into public drinking water, with unknown long-term effects. He has fought to earn his place among the wealthy, but his knowledge of the inner workings of the water systems prove valuable assets as he fights to improve the lives of the poor.

Nick and Rosalind fight their attraction to each other, while fighting for clean water on opposing sides, does their love have a chance?

Who would have guessed that a novel about water purification would be this riveting? Elizabeth Camden has done it again, written a completely engrossing novel that I couldn't put down, well researched and full of historical details that enriched this romantic and suspenseful read. Probably one of my favorites by Ms. Camden so far, I picked this book up on my day off and couldn't put it down. I read it through in one day!

Rosalind is brilliant, a strong woman, clever, and well educated, she has a passion for preventing water-borne illnesses that took her parents and nearly took her brother, Gus. She fled from a scandal in Germany, does her best to avoid all appearances of impropriety while working in a field dominated by men.

Nick is back in the long awaited sequel to A Dangerous Legacy, where we are first introduced to the feud between the Drake families. Time has passed, and he has grown into his position of privilege, and is determined to use his wealth to improve the lives of others. He is widowed, and the father of a daughter, Sadie. As a newly monied man he finds it hard to be accepted in the higher reaches of society where much of the moving and shaking is done. He is an intelligent man who learned by experience, as he didn't have the opportunities for a higher education like the men that are now his peers. He is a man who burns hot, because he deeply cares, and wants to make a difference, though far too often it land him in trouble.

This is a fantastic read from beginning to end it was engaging, well-paced, with strong passionate protagonists that gripped my heart, and their flaws only made me love them more. There is conspiracy and intrigue, with high stakes legal cases, alongside romance, family drama, and hints of healing rifts. I liked how Rosalind and Nick, though often dealt a raw hand, still chose to be optimists and think well of others. A thrilling climax, and well done characters. An absolutely thrilling read, that I highly recommend!

P.S. I'm hoping that Eloise's story is in the making, as she is an intriguing young woman who definitely has a story to tell!

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 Cowboy of Convenience by Stacy Henrie ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Vienna Howe left her abusive husband when she found out that she was pregnant, now she is working as a ranch cook and her daughter is 2 years old. She and her daughter, Hattie, are happy and safe, but when the sheriff delivers the news that her husband has died and his land is now her's, she decides to claim what is rightfully her's, to give her daughter a home.

Her employer's foreman, West McCall, offers to help Vienna and Hattie make their land profitable, and offers a marriage of convenience to make his staying on the property above reproach.

Will their marriage of convenience make a family of them yet?

West grew up in the city, and has been saving his money for a long time to start a dude ranch to show other city folks the beauty of living on the land. He knows that Vienna needs a plan in order to make ranching work for her and Hattie, and he offers to help them, introducing them to his friends who run a dude ranch. I love how he interacts with Hattie, listening and encouraging her, while showing her how to do things.

Seeing Hattie with West helps Vienna to deicide favor of marrying West. Shes sees how kind he is, and that her daughter needs a father. I like how West and Vienna work together to make their dream a reality.

Overall, a sweet book about second chances at love, and overcoming the past through faith. Hattie is a charming and delightful child, she brings life and touches of humor to the story. I liked the setting and the plotline, a sweet 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."

Hope of Nations by John S. Dickerson ~ Review

My Review:


Written by a journalist turned pastor, this book tells of the current trends of our culture as it moves past being a culture of absolute truth to moral subjectivity.

As a Millenial I can see the trends in my believing and non-believing peers, and agree that our culture is becoming one of post-truth. Mr. Dickerson's journalistic talents shine through in his excellent research and gathering of statistics, as he tells of the current trends of the culture. I found this book to be very interesting, it is very timely and current. I have read similar books written twenty-ish years ago that warn of our culture being right where it is now, so it was nice to read a more current book on the subject. I liked how Mr. Dickerson is constantly pointing readers back to the fact that Jesus Christ and His people will prevail, because it can be quite depressing to read all the stories and statistics compiled in this book.

Earthly powers are shifting, and cultures are being upended, but God wins. Mr. Dickerson uses examples from history and modern culture to show that nothing is new under the sun, and we must be ready to stand firm in our faith when the trials and persecution come.

While it is engaging and well written, at times I felt bogged down by all the statistics and pieces on current culture that I felt were pretty obvious, and could have been more concise. But I liked how the book focuses on what we can do to be prepared, stand firm, and how we can control what our response as followers of Christ will be to this changing world. A relevant and timely read for Christians living in Western culture today.

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."

Thankful 6.5.18

Opposition that challenges me to confront my convictions and the reasons why I stand for the things that I believe. 

Weariness that shows me that I can't do it on my own, and must rely on God's strength and steadfastness. 

Books that teach, challenge, and entertain.

My father who taught me to work hard and not complain, and take pride in a job well done, and yet be humble.

The hope that shines bright in this dark world, Jesus Christ.

Reunited with the Bull Rider by Jill Kemerer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Amy Deerson is a woman of faith with a passion for helping children, and quilts. Amy is stunned to see the man who left her 10 years ago come back into her life, but she doesn't back down and does what she can to help him and his sister.

Nash Bolton retired from bull riding to raise his 4 year old sister. Their mother was a drug addict, and little Ruby needs stability so he decides it's finally time to go to the place he swore he'd never return to because of how he left, and the girl he left behind.

Amy is unsure about Nash, but she doesn't have to think twice about helping Ruby. Nash is a great brother, and will do anything to help Ruby. Nash and Ruby have a special bond, he knows what she went through because he lived it, he hates seeing her struggle with the same habits that he had to break.

I loved Amy's faith, and she does her best to live it despite her painful past. She struggles to to the right thing, and was relatable.

Nash admires Amy for how far she's come, he knows that he couldn't be good enough for her, but he supports her dreams and appreciated her helping with Ruby. He is a rough tough cowboy, who loves his sister dearly, and is willing to put aside his pride to do what is best for her.

Ruby grows so much under Nash and Amy's care, she tries new things, and comes to trust Amy. Amy also must face Nash's past in order to help Ruby, and in so doing comes to understand the man who hurt her better.

This is one of the best contemporary books that I've read in a long time, and it definitely had me wondering why I'd never read Jill Kremerer before now! Highly recommend this tender romance about fighting for the ones you love, and forgiveness that brings healing in a broken world.


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."