After a Fashion by Jen Turano ~ Review

Review:

Harriet Peabody works as a hat girl, but she has a dream of refashioning dresses to sell at a reasonable price. But after an incident delivering a hat to a customer, she finds herself without a job.

Oliver Addleshaw is a rich businessman from one of the oldest and wealthiest families of the community. He doesn't want to marry, and is tired of the women who chase after him, trying to entrap him into matrimony. So he devises a plan, but he needs Harriet's help. Oliver Addleshaw tries to help Harriet by offering her a job, but he doesn't tell her what that job entails. Harriet is hesitant at first, but eventually accepts.

Will Harriet and Oliver find, what they didn't even know they were looking for?

This is an absolutely delightful read from beginning to end, and I knew I was in for adventure, that would have me grinning ear-to-ear, and I was right! I loved the full cast of fascinating characters, like Millie, who is trying to improve her vocabulary by reading the dictionary and trying new words, which leads her to say some downright funny things!

Harriet is a strong young woman, with a dream and a will not to be dependent on Oliver. She won't cow-tow to his every whim and challenges him at times. She won't be party to her aunt's crazy schemes, and she knows that she wants to help people, not just make money. I loved seeing the change in Oliver, and how having Harriet around made him rethink how he was running his business.

Overall, this was a wonderful book from beginning to end, filled with humor and memorable characters who brought a smile to my face. I don't want to give too much away, because somethings are best let wonderful surprises. I loved this delightful read, full of great characters, humor, action, and wit. Highly recommend!



Thank you to Ms. Turano for letting me read fabulous her book in exchange for an honest review!

Price of Privilage by Jessica Dotta ~ Review

My Review:

This book picks up where the last one left off, Julia is now married to her beloved Reverend Auburn, but her problems are far from over, she must face the consequences of the choices she has made. Macy still is pressing his claim, playing the spurned, devoted husband. Julia is charged with bigamy. Will she get the happily ever after that she's dreamed of?

I absolutely fell in love with the first two books in the series, but for some reason I truly struggled through this one. It might have been my sporadic reading habits, but I found the first half of the book rather slow in pace, and I felt as if I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because I knew that when something did happen, it would be very bad.

My heart ached for Isaac. If you have been following my reviews of this series, then you probably know that I was very much #teamisaac , throughout. I loved his mystery, and kindnesses, he is an honorable man, very much trapped in a similar web to Julia's and I felt that he had helped her so much, with understanding her new life, and even relating to her in a more approachable level about her faith. I could go on about how much I admire Isaac, but that would only add to the tragedy.

Julia has grown over the series, into a strong young woman, who knows what she wants and is willing to go against the grain to get it. The stakes are higher than she can imagine,
will it all be worth it in in the end?

Overall, this is a gothic novel, full of mystery, and intrigue. I can't say that this was my favorite of the series, I much preferred the previous books, I felt they held a more present tension. I liked the addition of Mr. Jameson, who was ever so charming with unfailing wit and words of truth. This seems a tale worthy of a BBC mini-series, a twisting drama for fans of gothic mystery and 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."

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Lisa Grant is looking for a quieter life as a small town homicide detective, a big change from Chicago. But when a construction crew finds a human skull outside of town, she finds that she has her work cut out for her.
Max McGregor is an ex Navy Seal, who comes to Lisa's aid. Together will they be able to crack the case, and avoid the person who doesn't want them digging up the past...

An action packed read, full of suspense and taunt chemistry. A fast paced adventure, that will have to holding onto your seat with white knuckles.

The first in a series, this one introduces the reader to the McGregor brothers, who use their quick wits, honor and courage to serve their country.

The characters were so well developed and filled with good humor, and I loved the natural flow of the conversations and interactions between the main characters and Max and his brothers. I loved the relationship he had with his brothers.

Overall, a thrilling adventure that you won't want to miss. If you've been hearing alot about Irene Hannon and want to give her books a try, this would be a wonderful series to start out with. I couldn't put it down, there was not a single boring chapter, I didn't want to put this book down!




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 Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

I need the next book right now!

Lady Rosemarie has a daunting task ahead of her, due to her late parent's vow, she must either join the convent or find a worthy husband before her 18th birthday, which is only a month away. The Duke bring 3 dashing knights to compete for her hand, the charming Collin, the confident Bennet, and the mysterious Derrick.

When a mysterious illness plagues her kingdom, and the knights become the targets in a cruel scheme, Rosemarie is more conflicted than ever about who to turn to. Will Rosemarie find the right knight to protect her heart?

I loved this book from the first, and the handsome hero that wins her heart. From what I've read online, this book is the first of what is sure to be a thrilling series, and I just can't wait, because I loved this one so much!

It wasn't just Rosemarie and the knights that captured my devotion, but also the Duke and the jailer, Bartholomew, he was such a good man.

This was a tale full of action, adventure, good old fashioned chivalry, and also a strong heroine. It just had the perfect balance of everything, and I loved how Rosemarie had such a tender heart, yet also was strong when she needed to sand up for herself.

Overall, definitely a book I'll be recommending! The action was nonstop once it started in the last quarter of the book, it left me with a satisfying ending that had me wanting so much more! A well written tale sure to capture the hearts of old and young alike.



Thank you Ms. Hedlund for letting me read your fantastic book!

A Heart's Obsession by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sarah's journey continues, as travels with her brother, to Fort Laramie to meet Rand.
But upon her arrival, she finds that Rand is already engaged to another woman.

I didn't like the way that Wade pressured her to accept Ben's offer. But Sarah does her best to move on her her life, and finds joy in teaching the Indian children. I appreciated her mettle and determination.

This is a rather short read, and only the second in a six book series, so I can only anticipate the next book hope that things don't get worse before they get better... I'm not sure if I like the format. because I tend to feel that the books are too short, and that waiting a month for the next book is rather hard!
But I look forward to reading more of Sarah's journey and what will happen next :)


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 Obsession (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

Will Sarah's journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?

When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.

But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn't what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.

Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.

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

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

Can a woman held captive by her family make it back to the one man she knows she can trust? Find out in book two, A Heart's Obsession, of Colleen Coble's Journey of the Heart series. When Sarah Montgomery’s father succumbs to his long illness, Sarah is faced with a life-altering choice: submit to her brother’s will and marry the deceptive Ben Croftner . . . or escape through the dangerous American West to reclaim the heart of her beloved Rand Campbell at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

Celebrate book two in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession
• A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge (blog tour coming in mid-April)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

The Sparrow of Trezein by Kristy Cambron ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Kaja Makovsky and her sister flee Prague to escape the Germans, but her parents stay. Kaja gets a job working in a London newspaper office, where she meets the handsome war correspondent, Liam Marshall.
But when Kaja hears of the horrors of what the Nazis are doing to the Jews in Prague, she insists on going back for her parents.

Liam is a man of great depth, even though he hides it well under a playboy persona, his job carries a greater burden than it appears to, and he carries the responsibility well. I liked his concern for Kaja, and how he reaches out to her in friendship.

There are familiar faces woven into the story, and the story of Sera and William continues.

Sera and William struggle to see the light in the face of horrible implications.

Overall, this is a deep read, that explores the horrors of the war, the hardships faced, and the faith that sees them through. This was a difficult books to read at times, because I knew that things would have to get so much worse before they got better. Perfect for lovers of rich history.




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 Sparrow in Terezin (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day---With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life---until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she's planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942---Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear---even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1a1Mk02

About the author:

Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather's stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kcambron

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron's new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A set of poppy notecards
• A poppy pin
• A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
• A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
• Literary tea bags
• Tumbler
• A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.



{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

From the Start by Melissa Tagg ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

The Walker family returns to Whisper Falls, when they learn of a tornado that swept through the town.

Logan Walker returns with his friend Colton Greene in tow. Colton is an ex pro football player, whose career was ended by an injury that has left him at loose ends. Colton does his best to help out, and fix up the old train depot.

Katie Walker comes home too, but doesn't tell anyone that she is coming, she she's in for a shock when she finds that her room is already occupied.

Katie is a writer and is having trouble finding her next big project, meanwhile Colton's agent wants him to look into writing a biography. So naturally he turns to Katie, who needs the money--but knows almost nothing about football. There are some pretty hilarious moments that came from Colton trying to explain football to Katie.

I really like Case Walker, their father who is very welcoming and a giver of good advice to all.

I loved the full cast of characters, and their interactions throughout that had me laughing and crying right along with them. It was so much fun getting to know them all, and I loved Colton and Katie together. Definitely a book well wroth reading!



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."

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Almost 20 years ago, Suzanne left her Mennonite Community, pregnant and alone to raise her daughter, Alexa, and make a life for them. Now so many years later, Suzanne hears that her mother has been in an accident that has left her paralyzed and in need of care. Now so many years later, Suzanne and Alexa travel back to face the difficulties from the past.

I liked the close relationship between Suzanne and her daughter, it is Alexa who convinces Suzanne to go home and mend the fenes torn down so many years ago. I liked Alexa, and her determination to bond with her family and help her mother reconnect.

I like that many of the Zimmerman clan were young when Suzanne left, so they don't remember, and are doing their best to get to know her again, especially Clete's wife, Tanya.

Paul Aldrich is a carpenter hired to remodel Abigail's kitchen so that she can move about and do things as normally as she used to, he has a young son, Danny that he often brings with him to work.

This is a beautiful family drama, of forgiveness and hope. The first in a series, I can only look forward to what is to come!


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 Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Claire Dellamare's life is surrounded by mysteries and secrets, she was once a witness to a murder, yet no one believes her account, because when she woke up the body was gone. Claire has done her best to move on, she's passionate about her job, yet the memories still linger.

Luke Rocco is on leave from the Coast Guard, and has come home to Folly Shoals to help with the family cranberry farm, and to care for his father who recently had a stroke. Luke meets the mysterious Claire, and is determined to help her solve the mystery that haunts her.

There are so many intriguing mysteries swirling, one of them is the importance of Kate Mason's story.

This is a fast paced story, with so many threads connecting and disconnecting, throughout the series. I liked how it brought Luke and Claire together. Claire clings to her faith, through all the hardships, and challenges that she faces.

Overall, this was a fantastic read, with a daring heroine, and a dashing hero, filled with romance, suspense, drama, and mystery. A multifaceted plot that will keep your pages turning throughout. 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."

Together with You by Victoria Bylin ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When Dr. Ryan Tremaine's daughter, Penny get's lost in the mall, he is relieved to find her safe and sound in the care of Carly Mason. Carly recognizes the symptoms in Penny, and understands the concerns that come with her condition.
Ryan needs a nanny for Penny, and Penny and Carly have bonded so well that he knows that hiring Carly is the right thing to do.
Carly is hesitant, but her father encourages her to step out of her comfort zone in order to help young Penny.

I loved this book, it reminded me somewhat of the Sound of Music, because not only does Carly help Penny, but also helps Ryan to loosen up and have fun with his kids.

I loved how open Carly was about her faith, and even though she knew that Ryan wasn't a believer that didn't stop her from living her faith in an everyday way.

Overall, this was a wonderful book that I didn't want to put down, I fell in love with the characters. I really liked Carly's dad, and his wise words, as well as the interaction between Carly and Ryan, as they grew over the course of the book. This was a fantastic read, with characters that I will not soon forget!




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."