Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

As children Kristin Dane and her best friends promised years ago to make the world a better place, now the owner of a fair trade store, Kristin is doing just that. She meets Detective Luke Carter at Trish and Colin's wedding. When her assistant is murdered, and a customer is also found dead, Luke is assigned to her case.

The investigation leads them to Syria, and matters of national security.

Intense and full of action, this is a book that is hard to put down. Luke is a widower, not looking to find love again. But as he and Kristin work on the case he finds himself drawn to her.

Kristin is determined to get to the bottom of the crimes connected to her fair trade shop. Her faith is strong, and she loves her job, making a living helping others. I loved her friendship with Jack and Colin, they are like protective brothers, and love to tease Luke about her, while also welcoming him into their group.

This book had a good balance of action, suspense, and great character building, it was fast paced, yet the characters were so well developed. The stakes were high and it had me on the edge of my seat, guessing until the end. Highly recommend for fans of mystery, and high stakes action and suspense!


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."

Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets by Jill Kemerer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Marshall Graham finds himself in over his head when he offers to help care for his nieces and nephews while his sister recuperates from their birth--all four of them. He enlists the help of Ainsley Draper, a aspiring nurse, to nanny the newborn quads.

Ainsley attacks the chaos, and quickly has everything under control, getting to know each of the individual babies' personalities.  Marshall and Ainsley get to know each other as they care for the quads, share meals, and get ready for Christmas.

Ainsley has overcome a tough childhood, she hopes to get a job at the hospital soon so she can't take care of the quads forever, and is hoping to help transition their care to their mother.

Marshall like Ainsley a lot, and appreciates her help, but he feels guilty for leaving his sister in the past.

I loved Sweet Dreams and how they welcomed Ainsley. I liked how the quads and their working together to care for them drew Ainsley and Marshall together and apart. Ainsley has a strong faith, and encourages the parents of the quads to care for their children.


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 Texas Brides Collection by Darlene Franklin, DiAnn Mills, Darlene Mindrup, Tamela Hancock Murray, Lynette Sowell, Michele Ule, and Kathleen Y'Barbo ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Previously published in 2013. 9 couples find love underneath a Texas sky.

Serena's Strength--Serena is the daughter of a Texas Ranger, and he taught her how to take care of herself. When Chet another Ranger comes to stay with them, Serena is determined to show him that she isn't a little girl anymore. I liked Serena's determination and Chet's strong faith and character.

The Reluctant Fugitive--Surprises turn April's life upside down, starting when her twin brother shows up, and she ends up riding off with a bunch of outlaws. Wolf is a Ranger who always gets his man, but what is he to do with the woman he finds left behind in a cave. April is open and honest, full of faith, and is a good listener.

Saving Grace--Ranger Jed Harte has a change of heart, and is now living his life for the Lord. Grace is a Ranger's widow with two small children. When Jed shows up at her place shot, she nurses him back to health while he helps out around the house. Could Jed be the answer to her prayers?

The Inconvenient Gamble--Jenny is a strong capable woman, she understands horses better than men. Now her husband is gone and she's pregnant, and she needs help to keep the horse farm. Charles is a former soldier, he is great with the horses and Jenny's brothers.

Angel in Disguise--Josie is a new believer and she wants to share her new faith with all of her neighbors, she asks the church ladies for help, but they don't share her eagerness. She catches the eye of Texas Ranger Owen, and he helps her. Can the find love in their shared passion and faith?

Reuben's Atonement--Reuben returns to his hometown a new Christian. He is determined to show the girl he left behind, Charlotte that he really has turned a new leaf.

The Peacemaker--Ann had to step up and run the Double L Ranch when her husband died. When Colt Wilson rides up she offer him a job. They work side by side to make the ranch a success, while Colt tries to convince himself that he isn't interested in Ann or her faith.

The Outlaw Sheriff--Caleb has come to faith and is following the Lord. He ends up in a small town where they mistake him for the new sheriff, and things get even more complicated when Lydia arrives as the new sheriff's mail-order bride. One of the funniest stories, I really enjoyed it.

A Gamble on Love--Benjamin is a gambler, Pearl helps him win, and invites him to come home to the ranch. As they work together, Pearl returns to her faith and shares her journey with Ben.

A fun collection of stories, for fans of western romance novellas.

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 Farmer's Bride Collection by DiAnn Mills, Kimberly Comeaux, Susan K. Downs, JoAnn A. Grote, Ellen Edwards Kennedy, and Debby Mayse ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

One Little Prayer--Louanne thinks that her prayers for a father have been answered when she finds a strange man shot in the woods. Louanne is a bright girl, and she loves to read. Louanne's mother, Tessa, has a strong faith, and while she appreciates Louanne's efforts she knows that she can't marry someone who doesn't share her faith. A fun story with great elements of faith, and touches of humor. I really liked how Tessa is a strong woman of faith who raises her daughter in faith, and how James comes to enjoy spending time with Tessa and Louanne.

The Tie that Binds--When the Orphan Train comes through town, Frank and Emma both want to adopt a child, even though they are single. Emma is hesitant to go along with Frank's plan, as she doesn't even know him. But will God bring them together into the family of their dreams?

A Homesteader, Bride, and a Baby--Lorette is coming to visit her sister, but before she gets there her sister and her family die, except for the baby. The family that Lorette is working for doesn't want the baby around, so she moves out to the ranch. Chase is their nearest neighbor and he comes to check on them, and teaches her how to keep up the farm. But when the rumors begin to fly, Chase offers a solution.

The Applesauce War--Two scheming father's try to set up their children in the spirit of Shakespeare. Verity and Pete grew up on neighboring farms, but they have been away at school, they meet in town, and pray about their father's feud. Can love heal the rift between families?

Sunshine Harvest--Daniel comes to the Drake Citrus Farm to deliver the bad news of Mr. Drake's passing. Josephine and her mother are devastated by the news, Daniel does everything he can to help lighten the load, and friends from church come to help too.

New Beginnings--Betsy and Nicholas have known each other their whole lives, they marry and leave everything behind to have a farm of their own in Ohio. They work hard to make the farm a success befriending their neighbors, who encourage them in their faith and their marriage. A realistic look at a couple who doesn't marry for love, who fight to make a life farming in Ohio. One of my favorites.

This 6 novella collection is full of great faith--filled stories of farming couples, who face the challenges of marriage and love working the land. Previously released in 2013.


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 Memories by Lenora Worth ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ryder Palladin is a rancher and police detective. When Ryder and his partner find a woman beaten in an alley, he makes it his job to protect her. Turns out that the woman is Emma Langston, and she is a private investigator, but when she wakes up she doesn't remember anything.

Emma isn't a good patient, she is anxious to get back to work, even though she doesn't know what she was working on. Ryder brings her to stay with his family on the ranch, while they work together to get to the bottom of the case, and find out who is after Emma.

Emma and Ryder make a great team, and they are actually a lot alike, both are very driven workaholics who avoid relationships. Ryder's mother and sister, welcome Emma immediately, and his dog is instantly devoted to her.

Ryder is one of the god guys, and he's a cowboy to boot! He's a diligent crusader for justice, and he won't give up until the job is done. He admires Emma's tenacity, but he worries how to keep her safe.

Emma remembers her faith, even when she doesn't remember a whole lot else. She is a smart, independent woman. She's used to working alone, but she has to admit that it's nice to have Ryder around.

Fast paced and full of surprises, great interaction and fantastic characters. It was hard to put down, and had a great 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."

Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd ~ Review

My Review:

Eleanor Sheffield is an identifier of antiquities, trained by her father and her uncle. Since the death of her father and the continuing decline of her uncle's mental state, Eleanor finds herself responsible for keeping her humble household afloat. In addition to that she has been tasked by her late father's loyal client, Lord Lydney, upon the recent occurrence of his death to deliberate over the fate of  his treasures, whether they will go to a museum or go to his heir and only living son, Harry--who broke Eleanor's heart.

Eleanor must rely on her faith to make her decision and keep her family's business above water, valuable pieces go missing, some reappear, while her uncle's business associate Mr. Clarkson presses his suit. Eleanor struggles to be taken seriously in a man's world, and she had few friends that she can rely on. Also, Harry seems interested in rekindling their romance, but does he really care for her, or does he have ulterior motives?

Spellbinding. I was swept into this book from the first page, and didn't want to put it down. Ms. Byrd weaves a captivating tale of mystery, high stakes, romance, faith, and misdirection. I loved how the author's skilled use of language, through structure and vocabulary brought Eleanor's Victorian world to life, the dialog is excellently crafted, fitting for the time period, yet by no means stiff. This book was remarkably well researched, and I loved how it showed me a side of upper class society that I had never thought of very deeply, and how their collections showed off their taste, standing, and status.

Eleanor is a relatable heroine, flawed, vulnerable, strong, compassionate, honest, and honorable. She is determined to make the best of the situation handed to her, and to represent her father and uncle's business well. She takes her duty seriously, and her deep knowledge of antiquities help her to test what rings true and what is false. I liked how she visits the ladies in prison, praying with them, and treating them as equals. She is a faithful friend, and talented appraiser.

There are so many well built characters, and even though I didn't like them all, I could definitely picture them in my mind's eye, like Harry, Marguerite, Orchie, Alice, Mrs. Denholm, the ladies in the prison, Uncle Lewis, and more. There was so much going on in the book, one mystery after another, and just when it seemed that there was finally someone she could trust, their character was again thrown into question.

I liked the way that snapshots of Harry and Eleanor's past was shown, so that I could see the significance of little gestures, which made the story richer and more moving as a whole. As well as the way that the stories behind many of the pieces was woven into the fabric of the story, showing the love that the collectors and acquisitioners had for their passion.

Overall, a well crafted novel, that was hard to put down, and brimming with intrigue, and tension filled scenes. Very well researched, with a strong heroine, definitely worth the read, and perfect for fans of Victorian Era reads! I could say so much more, but I don't want to give any surprises away.

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."

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Barclay Pearce is all grown up, once the leader of a gang of orphaned thieves, now he puts his skills to work for the government during a time when the nation is at war. Barclay is sent to work with a clockmaker, who is working on synchronized gears to help planes shoot through the propellers. He sees a woman being attacked on the streets, and comes to her aide. The woman happens to be Eveline Manning, the daughter of the clockmaker.

Eveline's fiance breaks up with her to join the army, and she strikes up a relationship with Barclay to irritate her disapproving mother. She is fiercely independent.

As England plunges deeper into war, and danger draws near, is a reformed thief the man that they need to escape  the coming horrors?

Barclay has changed alot since becoming a Christian, he knows what Eveline is up to, but lets her know that he doesn't play around. He earnestly lives what he believes, and he holds high standards for his family as well.

Eveline meets Barclay's family and quickly befriends many of the girls, she has a passion for helping working women. Eveline and Barclay grow into an unlikely friendship.

Well written, with great characters, I really liked Mr. Manning's friendship with another clockmaker, Hans, and their friendly arguments about the future of timepieces. I really admired Barclay, and how he has grown through this series. This book has a great story, and relationship between Eveline and Barclay, with an action-packed ending that brought everything together. A fantastic addition to this well written historical 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."