My Dear Miss Dupre (American Royalty Book One) by Grace Hitchcock

                                                                           Book Synopsis

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father's unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, plans changed. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan--find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society's elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is expected to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn't expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets Cullen Dempsey, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure. 

My thoughts:

My Dear Miss Dupre is a fun and charming read penned by Miss Hitchcock.  It was a unique twist on what a family is prepared to do to find the perfect husband for their daughter and it was unlike anything I have read before.  The Dupre family is far from needing to see Willow married for financial reasons, they are quite wealthy so it was fairly comical to see the story progress.

Willow has thirty prospective gentlemen to choose from in her quest to marry by a certain date, because the shareholders in her fathers’ sugar refinery are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man by her side.   I loved Willow, she is a much stronger character than I expected her to be, especially given the time period.  The suitors were fun to get to know and the dialog has bits of humor that made this such a great read. Highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

 

Braced for Love (Brothers in Arms #1) by Mary Connealy

 

                                                                      Book Synopsis

Left with little back in Missouri, Kevin Hunt takes his younger siblings on a journey to Wyoming when he receives news that he's inheriting part of a ranch. The catch is that the ranch is also being given to a half brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin's supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life.

But danger seems to track Kevin along the way, and he wonders if his half brother, Wyatt, is behind the attacks. Finally arriving at the ranch, everyone is at each other's throats and the only one willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, a nearby schoolmarm.

Despite being a long-time friend to Wyatt, Winona can't help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin--and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody's dangerous plot. Will they all be able to put aside their differences long enough to keep anyone from getting truly hurt? 

My thoughts:

Embraced for Love is the first book in a new series by Mary Connealy and what a fantastic start it is!  I love a novel with family drama and boy, does this one has much more than I anticipated, but, in a good and entertaining way.  It’s a page turner from beginning to end.

There are three brothers who have no idea the others exist; they share a father who didn’t win any father of the year awards, but when they meet in an unusual manner, it’s quite entertaining.   I loved meeting the cast of characters in the story, they were all pretty terrific which made choosing a favorite, impossible for me.  I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.  Highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from the publisher. 

Dreams Rekindled (Mesquite Springs #2) by Amanda Cabot

 

                                                                          About the book

When a dashing newspaper man comes to Mesquite Springs, aspiring writer Dorothy Clark sees her dreams coming true--until a man arrives with altogether different plans for the town and its newspaper.

My thoughts:

I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this second book. As a longtime fan of Amanda Cabot, I knew it would be easy to get caught up in the story and it really was. 

Dorothy Clark and Brandon Holloway are both easy to like and care about, which is why I didn’t mind missing out on the first book in the series. As an animal lover, I confess to having had a soft spot for Nutmeg.

Overall, thought this was a great read, with wonderful characters and an interesting storyline.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher

 

The Robin's Greeting (Amish Greenhouse Mystery #3) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

                                                                       Book Synopsis

A Season of Hope Is Coming 

For the past two years Belinda King, along with her two grown daughters and teenage son, has been struggling to keep the family greenhouse running. Despite disconcerting events that have threatened to put them out of business, they have survived two growing seasons. And now Belinda can focus on the two suitors vying for her attention. Herschel Fisher, a new acquaintance, makes her feel relaxed, and Monroe Esh, an admirer from her past, reminds her of her youth.

But just when Belinda thinks she can choose between her suitors, life throws more trials her way. Her son, Henry, becomes bitter about the idea of her dating anyone. Her daughter-in-law finds her missing mother. Belinda gets sick. And attacks on the greenhouse start again.

When can Belinda hope to experience the peace and love her weary heart longs for?

My thoughts:

The Amish Greenhouse Mystery series was interesting, kept me guessing and introduced readers to a new cast of characters.  At times sad, as the family struggles with the loss of loved ones, at times sweet and at other times maddening as one of the characters was rather annoying.

Belinda King was my favorite in this book, it was enjoyable seeing her spending time with her two admirers, I had a clear favorite and hoped Belinda would make the right choice.  She had been through too much to settle for the wrong man.  I won’t say that I was surprised when the culprit was revealed, but I was surprised when something was revealed that I never expected.

Overall, I thought this was a nice conclusion to the series.  I suggest reading the series in order to get to know the King family and their friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Framed in Death Valley (Desert Justice #1) by Dana Mentink

 

                                                                         Book Synopsis

A killer who will stop at nothing…

Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

My thoughts:

I get so happy when I know there is a new book penned by Ms. Mentink and even happier when it’s part a six-book series.  Yes, she is absolutely one of my favorite authors, she crafts suspenseful storylines, terrific characters and manages to pull me in from the very beginning and holds my attention until the end.

Framed in Death Valley has everything I have come to expect from the author, drama, a family-owned business, enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat, and a murder mystery.  I found myself rooting for Beckett and Laney, even if he was ready to give up, I certainly had high hopes for this couple.  The love Beckett has had for Laney was so special and the sacrifices he was willing to make for her safety and happiness warmed my heart, but his reasons for those sacrifices are chilling. 

I finished this book as fast as I could, I had to know who the killer was and boy was I surprised when the person was revealed.  I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Shadows of the White City (The Windy City Saga 2) by Jocelyn Green

 

                                                                          Book Synopsis

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.

Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.

From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

My thoughts:

Ms. Green takes her readers on whirlwind trip to the Windy City, in this novel. It’s 1893, the Chicago Worlds Fair has created excitement, anticipation and some very unexpected things. I loved the descriptions of the sights, sounds and the characters, everything about this book was pretty perfect.

I think most of us would agree that family is important, but family doesn’t always have to be blood relatives, and that was an important element in this storyline. I thought this book would take quite sometime for me to read, but once I became interested, the time just flew by.   If you like historical fiction, you will want to read this one.

I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook: A Collection of Over 200 Recipes for Simple and Hearty Meals, Including Advice and Stories

                                                                         Book Synopsis

Ever feel as famished as a farmer and long for simple country cooking ideas?

Brand new, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a must-have cookbook from the heart of Amish Country. Amish cooks, who know how to please their hard-working family members, contributed over 200 recipes in traditional categories from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks. Also included are kitchen tips and stories from growing up on Amish farms. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home cooks of all ages will be delighted to add this cookbook to their collections.
  
 My thoughts:

I love the Amish, love cookbooks and so I was so happy to get my hands on this one. The quality of Ms. Brunstetter's cookbooks are amazing, the photography, the recipes and the helpful tips she shares are always a delight.  There is something for everyone in this book, even for a picky eater like myself.

I really enjoyed the home remedies she included in this collection and wish that I could find an entire book containing home remedies from the Amish.  

Overall, I think this cookbook would make a wonderful addition to any home and would make a great gift to anyone looking for simple recipes and for those who collect cookbooks.

I received a copy from the publisher,  All opinions are completely my own.

The Lady In Residence (Doors to the Past) by Allison Pittman

 

                                                                      Book Synopsis

Can a Legacy of Sadness be Broken at the Menger Hotel?

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Young widow Hedda Krause checks into the Menger Hotel in 1915 with a trunk full of dresses, a case full of jewels, and enough cash to pay for a two-month stay, which she hopes will be long enough to meet, charm, and attach herself to a new, rich husband. Her plans are derailed when a ghostly apparition lures her into a long, dark hallway, and Hedda returns to her room to find her precious jewelry has been stolen. She falls immediately under a cloud of suspicion with her haunting tale, but true ghost enthusiasts bring her expensive pieces of jewelry in an attempt to lure the ghost to appear again.

In 2017, Dini Blackstone is a fifth-generation magician, who performs at private parties, but she also gives ghost walk tours, narrating the more tragic historical events of San Antonio with familial affection. Above all, her favorite is the tale of Hedda Krause who, in Dini’s estimation, succeeded in perpetrating the world’s longest con, dying old and wealthy from her ghost story. But then Dini meets Quinn Carmichael, great-great-grandson of the detective who originally investigated Hedda’s case, who’s come to the Alamo City with a box full of clues that might lead to Hedda’s exoneration. Can Dini see another side of the story that is worthy of God’s grace?

My thoughts:

What a fascinating new novel penned by Allison Pittman.  I am a huge fan of time slip novels and even more so after reading The Lady in Residence. 

The story of Hedda Krause in 1915 was so interesting that I couldn’t wait to get back to it..  Don’t get me wrong, I loved Dini Blackstone and Quinn Carmichael in 2017, but Hedda, the Menger Hotel and the mysterious disappearance of her jewels had me turning pages as fast as I could so I could go back to 1915. It’s not just Hedda who held my interest during her stay at the Menger, it was meeting the manager, the bartender and the story of why she was staying there.

Overall, I thought this is one of the best and most interesting books in this genre that I have had the pleasure of reading.  Ms. Pittman has written a fantastic mystery, filled with memorable characters that pulled me in from the very beginning. I loved the dialog and could easily imagine her characters speaking the words she wrote.

Pick up a copy and spend some time with these wonderful characters.

This is the start of a new series that will be published by Barbour Publishing, so, I’m definitely looking forward to the entire series. I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

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Sing in the Sunlight (Chaparral Hearts #2) by Kathleen Denly

 

                                                                       Book Synopsis

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they're married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda's not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

My thoughts:

This is the second book in the Chaparral Hearts series by Ms. Denly, but can be read as a standalone.  I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Clarinda Humphrey and Richard Stevens.  I’ll be honest, it took some time for me to get interested, but once I did, it was hard to put down.

My heart ached for Clarinda for both her physical and emotional scars which are both so difficult for her to overcome. I loved Richard immediately, he’s the reason why I kept reading as fast as I possibly could.  I was surprised and happy to reconnect with a couple of characters from the first book Waltz in the Wilderness.

Overall, I thought the premise was interesting, the characters proved to be memorable and the authors writing pulled me into her story.

An e-book was provided to me from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.