Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd ~ Review + Giveaway

My Review:

Rebecca Ravenshaw returns from the mission field of India to find that another has come before her, claiming her identity...

This book grabbed me from the very first page, and swept away to Hampshire, not letting me go until the final page had been turned down. It's the first book that I have read within 24hrs in a long time, and I stayed up wwwaaaaayyyyy too late reading this one, I started it at 12:34am and kept reading until 3:47am when I decided to take a nap. Then first thing in the morning I was reading it again!

I loved absolutely everything about this book, from Rebecca's backround growing up in India, to the "chill" that wove itself into the tapestry of the storyline. I never knew who to trust, who might be lying to protect another, or who might want to cause Rebecca harm, and what they would gain.

My favorite, besides Rebecca, had to be Captain Whitfield. Strong, kind, yet with secrets and regrets in his past that haunt him, clever, honorable to his core, but mysterious and dangerous as well. I found myself looking forward to the scenes between Rebecca and Captain Whitfield the most, because of their inevitable connection and the mystery surrounding them both.

The setting was like that of a Jane Austen novel, yet with the darker twist of Jane Eyre woven into the undertones, making it everything and more that I could have ever wished for in a Victorian gothic novel. Mystery, romance, murder, faith, and wrongful impersonation, what more could you possibly want?

Overall, I cannot stop raving about Sandra Byrd's newest book, it's by far the best book I have read this year. I loved everything about this spellbindingly beautiful, and intrigue-filled novel from beginning to end. I already recommended it to my mother, and she can't wait to get started reading it. Highly recommend!


Thank you to Howard Publishing for providing me with a copy of this wonderful book to read and review.

About the Book: 

In the first of a brand new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands. 

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her… and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca’s name, but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father’s investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives–does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, would she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

The book can be purchased here: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Mist-of-Midnight/Sandra-Byrd/The-Daughters-of-Hampshire/9781476717869 

About the Author: 

Sandra Byrd is a best-selling author and has earned Library Journal's Best Books of the year pick twice, in 2011 for To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, and in 2012 for The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr.  She's twice been a Christy Award finalist, for To Die For and for Let Them Eat Cake: A Novel. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I published April 2013

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My Heart Stood Still by Lori Copeland ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

The second book the Sisters of Mercy Flats Series, but even if you haven't read the first  book in the series, you will be able to quickly catch on.

Anne-Marie and her sisters are on their way to jail, dressed as nuns trying to sell cattle they didn't own. But along the way, each of the sisters is rescued by a different man.

Anne-Marie's rescuer is Creed Walker, an Indian working for the Union Army. He rescues her because he thinks that she is nun, and becomes very upset when he finds out that isn't the case, and find himself in jail with her.
Come join Anne-Marie and Creed in their wild western adventure!

Filled with action, and plenty of misunderstandings along the way. I liked how Creed helped Anne-Marie realize the error in her "Robin Hood-like" ways. One of my favorite parts of the book was the relationship between Creed and his best friend Quincy, and how they went back and forth giving the other a hard time, which added plenty of humor to the story.

Creed is a strong and honorable hero, while Anne-Marie is quick witted and capable, and Quincy is a true friend tot hem both.

Overall, this was a wild west adventure to be sure. The only thing that I didn't really like was the dialogue between the bad guys, I kinda like to be surprised along with the main characters, so this was just mainly my personal opinion. A great read for fans of Lori Copeland!




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."

Would-Be Wilderness Wife by Regina Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

I really enjoyed this book, and from the beginning it reminded me of Seven Bride for Seven Brothers. The youngest brother sneaks a young woman into the back of the wagon, without his older brother, Drew knowing.

Catherine came to Seattle on the Mercer ship, she paid her own way and refuses to be pressured towards marriage. I liked the way that he handled being captured, initially she was upset, but she agreed to stay and care for the brothers' ailing mother and help them out.

I loved how close Drew was to his family and how his brothers, and sister finally convince him to court Miss Catherine.

I loved how were not only fantastic character relationships, but the action and dangers that they faced from nature.

Overall, this was an amazing book that I devoured in one huge gulp. I didn't want to put it down, and I didn't! I just really liked how genuine the relationships felt, not just with Catherine and Drew, but also with the whole family. 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."

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

I loved this book from beginning to end, and I didn't want to put it down in between!

Maggie and Tru had perfect chemistry, and I felt the spark between them when they first met. Tru bets Maggie that he can teach anyone to ride a cutting horse, so Maggie takes him up on his bet, thinking that even he will find it challenging to teach a city girl to ride.

I really liked how Maggie had a column where she tries her best to give hope to her readers, and answers every single letter personally. And she does her best to encourage them and show them that they can try new things too!

I really liked the sides stories and characters, especially Pops who the brothers of Four Hearts Ranch, do their best to include in he work.

The interaction between Maggie and Tru was really well done and I loved how patient, and straightforward Tru was while teaching Maggie to ride.

Overall, this is an excellent book with a "true cowboy hero", filled with action, horses, great themes, and well developed characters. 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."

About the book:

Betting on Hope (Thomas Nelson, February 2015)

A bet gone wrong. A small town's meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career---and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up onthe bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do-for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Lv6bBc  

About the author:

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton

Saddle up for a new romance from novelist Debra Clopton, Betting on Hope! In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.

Enter to win a Kindle Fire HD 6 to celebrate the release of Betting on Hope! 

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of Betting on Hope

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra's blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Patience Cavanaugh comes to Nevada City, Montana to  fix up, and re-open the Creekside Inn left to her by her grandmother. The man that she loved is dead, and love is the last thing on Patience's mind. But when Jedediah Jones "The Hanging Lawman" becomes one of her boarders, it seems like a practical arrangement. He needs food and a place to lay his head for himself and his prisoners, while she needs a strong back to help her keep the place running.
But will they find more than they bargained for, with this arranged marriage?

This is a nice western romance, with a good setting and wonderful side characters. I liked the Jed, really admired Patience from the beginning, even if her didn't know how to express it at first. He is a man who has a strong believe in justice and the law, so he take his job seriously.

Patience is a strong woman, who knows how to help others, and also how to take her own advice when confronted with pain from the past.

Overall, this was a nice read, though a bit more on the predictable side. This is a story that tells of a small town and the life therein. So if you are looking for a nice western romance, it may be worth a shot :)



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 Homestead Brides Collection: 9 Pioneering Couples Risk It All For Love by Mary Connealy, DiAnn Mills, Erica Vetsch, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Darlene Franklin, Carla Olsen Gade, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman & Becca Whitham ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A wonderful collection of novellas with a common theme yet each one is different and diverse.

Some of the stories are about second chances and finding love again, with glimpses into life on the prairies of Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, and highlight the harsh realities of surviving on the plain.

I loved how there were strong heroes like Lasso in This Land is Our Land and Cyrus in A Palace on the Plains. And great humor like in Homestead on the Range.

I really liked the preacher's wife in Flaming Star, and how she was such a good friend. I also loved the Scandinavian flavor of stories like  Proving Up & Waiting on a Promise.

Prairie Promises was one of my favorites, about a young man who comes to rescue his mother from the wild west and ends up finding the things in life that he didn't even know that he was missing.

Overall, this was a wonderful collection, filled with stories of strong women, that celebrate the pioneer spirit and the people who called the prairie their home.



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 Outlaw Takes a Bride by Susan Page Davis ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Sally has agreed to be a mail-order bride to a man by the name of Mark Paynter, little does she know that Mark is dead, and that his brother Johnny who is on the run from the law for a murder that he did not commit has assumed his identity. Now if that isn't a good set up for a story, I don't know what is!

Sally is a strong woman, who has had a tough life, with a difficult first marriage, yet she is willing to give marriage another shot. Mark was a good man, and she would have liked him if she had been able to meet him.

I liked that Johnny was respectful of Sally, and kept his distance, because he felt that what he was doing was wrong.

This book was a bit slow to start, but quickly picked up and was well worth the read. Sally and Johnny forge a friendship, and help each other grow as people.

Overall, this was a very good book, perfect for fans of mail order bride stories and a nice western romance. Definitely worth checking out :)



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."

Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki ~ Review

My Review:

 The Halsburgs are the reigning family, with and empire from Austria, Russia, and Germany, to Italy. So when Franz Joseph, the young emperor is looking to marry  his mother sends for his cousin Helene, a studious and quiet girl, to become his betrothed. Along with Helene comes her younger sister, Elizabeth "Sisi" who captivates the young emperor, which leads him to rescind his proposal engage himself to Sisi instead.
Yet the turmoil has only begun...

Based on a little known true story, this story is sure to captivate fans of the intrigue and betrayal of the Tudor and French courts, this will not disappoint. Lush with detail and culture, Ms. Pataki sweeps the reader away to a treacherous court and perilous position, with the young woman who won the emperor's heart.

Overall, a rich historical novel with many layers, that make the characters come to life. I have long been a fan of Tudor court novels and this was a nice change, full of history and peeks into the past. Now I want to know more about Sisi, and I'm hoping that there will be another book about her, I feel like the author hinted that one is coming, so I hope so!


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."

Set-Apart Motherhood by Leslie Ludy ~ Review

My Review:

I pretty much grew up  reading books by Eric and Leslie Ludy in my teen years, and so when I saw this book offered for review I thought I'd give it a go. Now I will tell you now that I am not a mother, or even married, but I feel like this book doesn't have to be restricted to married people or mothers alone. After reading this book, I really felt that while this does talk some about children and learning to accept the chaos that at times is inevitable, it also talks about priorities in marriage and life.

This book would be a great read for expectant mothers, young wives, and engaged young women--of which I am none of these, yet I feel that this book would be perfect for some of my friends who are getting married and starting their families.

And while I can't really say that I will be applying all of the things in the book to my life in the near or even distant future, I still feel that I got some great things out of the book. I feel that it is a great topic for Mrs. Ludy to write about, as this is a book more reflective of where she and her husband are in their lives right now.

Overall, a great book definitely worth checking out, filled with encouragement, and Christ centered advice, great for wives, mothers, and engaged women.



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 Cowboy's Forever Family by Deb Kastner ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

Laney Beckett doesn't want anything to do with her late husband's rodeoing best friend, Slade Mckenna. She blames him and his rough and wild ways for her husband's accident.
Slade knows that Laney doesn't approve of him and his way of life, and that she blames it from the loss of her husband, but Slade sees a need, and figures that the least he can do is help her find her feet and teach her to take care of the ranch.
But what they find together may just surprise them both.

When this book started out it was a little tough to figure out what was going on, but once I had that straightened out it was a terrific read.

I loved that Slade just wanted to do his best to help Laney, and even when he over stepped his boundaries, he only did it out of purely noble intentions.

Slade is a new Christian who had recently accepted Christ along with Brody, Laney's husband, before the accident, and he struggles with what the "Christian thing to do" is, and instead of turning away from God in hardship, he finds his fledgling faith growing.He is hardworking, and changes a lot oer the course of the book,

Laney has been through a lot but she is determined to keep the ranch going like Brody would have wanted her to, and ever so slowly she begins to admire and respect the man that Slade ha become.

Overall, a well written western romance, sure to warm the heart, and put a smile on your face. I really like how Slade and Laney's relationship grew out of grudging friendship, and how they bot grow ad come to depend on each other. Definitely a great book for those who like cowboys in their romances :)



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."