An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Griffith, the Duke of Riverton, likes things logical and orderly, so he naturally wants to apply his logic skills towards finding a wife. He has decided that the most sensible choice for a spouse would be Frederica St Claire, but he can't seem to get her stunning beautiful cousin, Isabella Breckenridge out of his head.

Isabella Breckenridge is in London for her first season, sponsored by her Uncle Percy. Her Uncle is sponsoring her season in London to help her struggling family, as well as to serve his own purposes as the figurehead of the Apothecary Act.

Isabella wants to do her duty to help her family, even if it means possibly letting go of any dreams of a future with Griffith.

I really liked Frederica, she is a kind and headstrong young woman who knows her own heart. She loves another man and is not interested in Griffith, whether or not he is a Duke. She instead directs his interest to Isabella.

Isabella is a bright and beautiful young woman, she and Griffith quickly strike up a comfortable friendship. And he likes that she is the only young woman outside of his family who treats him like a regular man, and speaks freely with him of her love of plants and flowers. But she is riddled with guilt  for what she has done going along with her Uncle's plan, making her own way instead of trusting God.

I like how Griffith has a good group of friends, mainly Ryland, who give him good advice. Griffith is an honorable fellow, full of integrity, and lives his faith. I like that he is a man of action and when he knows what to do he doesn't tarry.

A fantastic read from beginning to end, I love how Griffith is a gentleman like Mr. Knightley who doesn't lead women on. And Frederica is my favorite because she knows her heart and what is important. Definitely a must read for fans of the previous Hawthorne House books, or for anyone who loves a well done Regency 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."

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Declan Grey is investigating a terrorist plot with illegal arms smuggling, the FBI teams him up with Tanner Snow. Tanner is a gifted agent, with the remarkable ability to put almost anyone at ease in multiple languages. She was born in Israel, and after serving time in their military she immigrated to the United States, went to school, and now works to help people live in safety.

I admired Tanner for her faith and inner strength. Declan surprises Tanner by lightening up tense moments, she likes how he really listens to her and values her opinions. I love how Tanner and Declan work together to unravel the clues left by a late agent to catch the terrorists and protect many innocents.

Meanwhile CCI has been hired by their old coach to find out who is stealing money from the investment firm and framing the coach.

Declan is honorable and lives his faith, he does his best to respectfully protect Tanner, while knowing that she has his back too.

This is a fast paced read that was pretty much impossible to put down. I loved how Tanner and Declan bring out the best in each other, and how her faith really shine in how she treats others. Fantastic 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."

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Trish Bailey has her hands full working a demanding job and caring for her mother, who was chronically injured in a car accident that took both their husbands. Trish  teaches art at a school for the underprivileged, and her mother runs a charitable foundation, with the help of their accountant Matt Parker. Trish is shocked when her mother dies suddenly.

Detective Colin Flynn tries to be sensitive to Trish's feelings, but he believes the death to be of natural causes. When the tox screening comes back positive, he knows that he must dig deeper to find answers.

I like that Trish tries not to dwell on the new information, but when she is attacked in the parking lot of the school, she can't ignore the fact that she is in danger. Colin rushes to her aid, and suggests that they take a deeper look at everything, and that Matt's strange behavior is worth a second glance.

I like that Trish holds to her faith, and is open about her faith with Colin. I like that she has someone that she can trust and depend on in Colin, and that they find that they enjoy spending time together. I really liked how they got to know each other.

I think that they title is very fitting for this book, and it definitely makes more sense as the story progresses. I really admired Trish and her determination in the midst of a tough situation. She doesn't care much for money, but wants to help others. This was a thrilling read from beginning to end, with many twists and turns along the way. Fantastic, and hard to put 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."

Home All Along by Beth Wiseman ~ Review

My Review:

When Charlotte's long lost sister Andrea shows up at their mother's funeral she is shocked. Andrea is in some trouble of her own, and decides to crash with Charlotte. Charlotte doesn't have much to spare, but she tries to make her sister, and her niece, Bella feel welcome.

Meanwhile Charlotte struggles with the decision about her and Daniel's relationship looming in their future, as they cannot continue as they are forever. Lena's family deals with her cancer diagnosis, and Daniel's family is shaken to their core when complications with his mother's pregnancy force them to make choices they never thought they'd ever have to face.

The third in a series, Home All Along is a great conclusion to this heart felt tale of family, love, and forgiveness. I would definitely recommend reading the other books in the series before reading this one, as it would definitely be a bit tricky at first if you didn't know what was going on.

I really like how Annie matures over the course of this book, and really puts her past behind her, and being strong for her family.

Charlotte and Daniel have to make some tough decisions about where their relationship is going, and they are forced to think about what they are willing to sacrifice for their love.

Andrea was a surprising character, and her daughter Bella is adorable. Andrea is quick thinking, smart, and skeptical. I like her spunk, and despite her dishonesty at first, she did win me over by the end.

Overall, a really great conclusion to the story arch, heartbreaking at times, I loved the way that Charlotte's friends are there for her and each other. 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."

Christmas on the Ranch by Arlene James and Lois Richer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

The Rancher's Christmas Baby
Dixon has gotten used to coming home to an empty house since his mother left when he was eighteen, so he is surprised to come home to a young woman holding a baby, and a frail older woman standing in his kitchen.

Fawn Amber quickly sets Dixon straight on a lot of things, she left her sister and her job to help her friend Jackie make amends with her son.

Jackie has a bad heart and lost her husband she wants to reconnect with Dixon in hopes that he will care for his baby sister when she is gone.

I like Fawn, she is plucky and outspoken, she challenges Dixon to try and see his mother's side of things.

I like how Dixon's heart softens towards his mother and younger sister as he get's to know them.

This is a great fast moving story with great characters, is romantic, with great touches of humor.

Christmas Eve Cowboy
Dr. Elizabeth Kendall and her daughter are enjoying the Christmas festivities of Snowflake, where they meet Brett Carlisle who is selling puppies. One of the puppies promptly falls in love with Zoey, but Elizabeth is not interested in having a puppy.

Brett helps Elizabeth and Zoey adjust to life in a small town, he is also in charge of the children's Christmas choir. Elizabeth loves music, but her ex had always been very judgmental of all of her attempts.

Brett has always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, and now he's torn, because he has been given the opportunity to leave Snowflake and make his dreams come true, just when he's found a reason to stay.

Elizabeth and Brett are both believers and they encourage each other to look past their pasts and believe in second chances. Great 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."

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Kate Sullivan is an attorney representing the families of patients who died of brain tumors caused by the drug Celix. When she is named lead counsel strange things start happening to her, she feels like she is being followed and someone slashes her tires. So she hires private investigator, Landon James, to look into the drug company after one employee tips her off that it may be bigger than just one drug.

I like that Landon takes Kate's security seriously and warns her to take precautions, as well as bringing in his friends to help him out. Landon is an ex-Army Ranger, he is haunted by what happened on his last tour, he blames himself and believes that God abandoned him.

I really didn't like Ethan, who went to law school with Kate, he is representing the pharmaceutical and is unafraid to try and use their "friendship" to his advantage.

Kate is my favorite, she believes in what she is doing and wants to help the victims that she represents. She is courageous, and refuses to back down in the face of danger. She has her own struggles, but her faith is strong. I like how she is able to keep her head in the moment when things get crazy.

Overall this was an entertaining read, with a tension filled plot, and several twists. I liked Kate and Landon, they have great interaction as they get to know each other and work towards a resolution.


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 Second Chance Bride Collection by Lauralee Bliss, Angela Breidenbach, Ramona K. Cecil, Pamela Griffin, Pam Hillman, Laura V. Hilton, Grace Hitchcock, Tiffany Amber Stockton, Liz Tolzma ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

I love this collection of novellas, it covers a vast amount of different time periods over the nine stories where people get a second chance at love.

Love in the Crossfire 
Gretchen cares for a man that she finds in the barn. Jacob is a scout for George Washington, as they get to know each other they find that they have a lot in common.

Fanned Embers
Lukas is a foreman at the mine, he is a hard worker of integrity. He promises to keep his men from bothering the newly widowed Juliana. She is hoping to leave as soon as she has the money to leave. But will Lukas change her mind? An action packed ending!

Daughter of Orion
Matilda signs on as a cabin boy on a whaling vessel, she shares her faith with Tom and he admires her faith, thinking her to be a young boy. However her secret cannot stay a secret forever...

The Substitute Husband and the Unexpected Bride
Cecily and Garret marry for convenience. He has a son, and she a  younger sister that she watches over. She fears that she doesn't measure up to Garret's first wife. For his part he respects her space and gives her time to warm to him. This is a really sweet story, I liked how they came to trust each other and commit to their marriage.

The Widow of St Charles Ave.
Colette wants to do more with her life than attend parties and wear pretty dresses, so she volunteers at an orphanage, and opens a school in her home, with the help of her friend Malcom. But when a flame from the past returns wanting to reignite the spark she has a choice to make.

The Prickly Pear Bride
This one was one of my favorites. Cole is looking for a good place to put down roots with a ranch of his own, and he meets a sheepherder that he can't forget. Evelyn has been watching the sheep since her grandfather broke his leg, Cole is worried about Evelyn and he does what he can to help them out, delivering supplies, which gives him time to get to know Evelyn.

Married by Mistake
Bessie wants to be married, but she doesn't like the traditional courtship rituals. Thomas really likes Bessie, but he doesn't think he will ever marry because the mistakes of his past. So his friend Archies takes it into his mind to help them out!

Love in Disguise
Anna is one of my favorite characters, she has made a life for herself in Colorado and has found a way to help the local Natives by selling their goods in her store. But when a face from her past walks through her front door, as Trevor gets to know Anna better he admires the woman that has become and her independence.

What the Heart Sees
Miriam recognizes a prisoner of war that she met before the start of WWII in Germany. Paul is a man of faith, and he works hard to prove himself. Miriam's father disapproves and wants her to marry their neighbor. But Paul and Miriam get their second chance?

I loved how all of these stories had a theme of second chances and love and faith in various situations.


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."

Amish Christmas Twins by Patricia Davids ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

John Miller offers a ride to a woman and her two small girls, he is a blacksmith who restores old sleighs and is on his way to make a delivery.

Willa Lapp accepts the ride for the sake of her twins, Megan and Lucy. Willa just lost her husband and is afraid that his parents will try to take the girls away so she is headed to her grandfather's place. Willa grew up Amish, but when her parents left, they took her with them, and it's been years since she's seen her grandfather. But when her grandfather won't let them stay with them, John takes them home to his mother.

John's mother Vera is a very kind and welcoming person, she is happy to take care of Willa and the girls, and encourages them to stay. It's clear that she also may have some matchmaking in mind!

The girls are so cute, Lucy is more talkative and outgoing, and takes to John despite his gruff demeanor. Megan is more cautious and thoughtful, and she is a quick learner when John start teaching them some German words.

At first John tries to avoid Willa, but he wants to help her, and slowly but surely they become friends. He finds that he able to tease her, and loves her snappy retorts. Willa enjoys John's company and is especially taken with the way that he interacts with her daughters.

A wonderful read from beginning to end, I like how John and Willa and get to know each other, and how he helps her to confront her fears and embrace her faith. A well written and read, with great characters and adorable girls!

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."

Christmas Amnesia by Laura Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Maddy Callahan is an assistant district attorney, and the only girl in the Callahan Clan.

Police Officer Noah Sinclair recognizes Maddy as soon as he sees her in the hospital, when he learns that she was attacked, he vows to keep her safe. He is stunned that she doesn't remember him as he was her twin brother's partner before her brother, Matt, transferred to the K-9 unit, it turns out that she is suffering from amnesia and doesn't remember anything about the attack.

Noah thinks that the attack is connected the drug case that she was working on before that attack. Noah insists on taking her home, but when they are almost run over on the way home, they know that it is just the beginning.

I like how Noah takes charge and helps to get Maddy to a safe house, until her brother can come and help them. they talk alot and get reacquainted while laying low, as well as work on the case. Maddy wants to get to know Noah better, but he puts up walls, saying that he doesn't do relationships, and he blames himself for mistakes in the past. Noah is very passionate about putting the drug dealers away, and is good at what he does.

Even though Maddy can't remember much, even about her family, she does remember her faith, and holds fast to it throughout. Maddy feels safe with Noah, and I like how they are able to work together.

A great read, with a fast hook in the beginning, I loved coming back to the Callahans, and the camaraderie between Maddy and her brothers, and Noah too. I didn't want to put this book down, a great read, and a must read if you enjoyed the other Callahan Clan books!

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."

Mail-Order Marriage Promise by Regina Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

I loved revisiting Wallin Landing. Now that all the older brothers are married and the younger siblings are grown, Beth has decided to play matchmaker for her brother, John. She begins corresponding with a mail-order bride on John's behalf--without his knowledge.

But when Dottie Tyrrell arrives things don't go as well as Beth had planned. Dottie is determined to make a better life for herself and her young son, away from the city.

John wants to help Dottie, even though he doesn't want to marry her, or anyone else for that matter. He's been burned in the past, and doesn't want to think about marriage again. But he offers her a place to stay, and he moves back in with his family.

I like how John instantly takes to Peter, he enjoys holding him stories. As John and Dottie get to know each other, they find that they have more in common than he thought, they share a passion for books and literature.

I've always liked John, he is a peacemaker, and has always been more quiet, but he knows how to tell a captivating story. I love how Dottie comes to love his quiet strength, listening ear, and gentle way with her son.

This is a great read from beginning to end, I really liked John and how he is able to quietly stand out, and is comfortable in the man that he is. Dottie and John bring out the best in each other. This was a well written book with great characters and a fast moving plot. 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."