In the Shelter of Hollythorne House (The House of Yorkshire #2) by Sarah E. Ladd

 

Young widow Charlotte Grey faces an uncertain future . . . until a chance encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed to never turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony Welbourne chose to follow his goals and immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish them harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face to face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to feel again, and she struggles to trust Anthony’s intentions. Are Walstead’s Watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge, danger arises, and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right past wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

My thoughts:

Ms. Ladd has penned another amazing novel set in the regency era, filled with memorable characters, mystery, and suspense.  The pace is perfect, the writing is top-notch and I got caught up in the storyline from the very beginning.

Charlotte had much more strength and courage than she ever imagined after the unexpected death of her husband as she returns to her childhood home with her baby.  I expected to feel bad for her with all of the changes in her life but instead started to admire her for her dignity. The unexpected return of her first love and fierce protector was a wonderful surprise which added to the plot and my need to find out exactly what would happen in the end.

Overall, I thought this novel was exceptional.  The author is a gifted storyteller, weaving suspense, mystery and romance seamlessly   

I received a copy of this book from the publisher though Netgalley.  Opinions are my own.

 

Sycamore Circle (The Rumors in Ross County #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

There's a lot going on in Joy Howard's life. She's got an ex-husband who starts acting like he doesn't want to be an ex anymore, a sixteen-year-old daughter in need of a guiding hand and a lot of rides to dance practice, more orders for paintings than she has time to paint, and a roster of tutoring clients who sometimes need far more than she can give.

What she doesn't have is time for a new relationship.

Samuel Bo Beauman is a lot of things. He's a counselor for transitioning ex-cons, a good friend to many, a construction worker, a brother and son, and even a part-time model for a high-end sportswear catalog. He's also a man searching for redemption.

One thing he isn't is a man in need of a girlfriend.

But none of that seems to matter when Bo hears Joy's kind voice in a crowded coffee shop. He instantly knows she's someone he wants to know better. The two of them hit it off--much to the dismay of practically everyone they know--but Bo doesn't care what other people think. He feels at peace whenever he's with Joy, and he won't let her go without a fight.

When Joy starts getting mysterious texts and phone calls from unknown numbers, she tries to ignore it. But instead of going away, the messages escalate and Joy realizes she can't handle it alone. But she is juggling a jealous ex-husband, a handful of students with little to lose, and a brand-new boyfriend who spent several years behind bars. Who can she trust?

My thoughts:

If Amish fiction is the only genre you have read by Ms. Gray, you are in for a very pleasant surprise when you read this novel.  It’s the second in The Rumors of Cross County series but can be read as a standalone however you’ll be missing out in my opinion. This is the story of Bo and Joy.

Bo is rather persistent and Joy is very patient which seems like they would be at odds with each other and they are to a certain extent.  Joy is a divorced mother of teenaged daughter, she teaches adults to read, and still manages to run her household.  Bo is a little rough around the edges in my opinion but he has a good heart and that’s all that matters.

There’s a little mystery and some edge of my seat moments that added to my overall enjoyment of this book.

As much as I enjoyed their story, I admit I found the story of Joy’s daughter and her new Amish friend to be more to my liking and I hope to read more about them.

I voluntarily reviewed a complementary copy of this book. Opinions are my own

A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) by Jen Turano

 Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.

Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for his unruly motherless children. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

My thoughts:

A Match in the Making is the delightful first book in The Matchmakers series by Jen Turano.  If you have read any of her work in the past, you are familiar with the wit, charming characters  and marvelous scenarios Ms. Turano is known for.  This novel is everything I have come to expect from one of my favorite authors.

Gwendolyn Brinley accepts a temporary position of a paid companion, well as it turns out she is needed to assist as a matchmaker and it’s safe to say hilarity ensues as she tries to match her clients.  Gwendolyn is so sweet, so funny and tries so hard.  She was definitely my favorite character, until I got to know Walter Townsend and his rambunctious children.  I loved the way Gwendolyn interacted with them.

There are so many fun and amusing characters within the pages of this book that it’s hard to put down once you pick it up.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy from the publisher.  Opinions are my own.

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

 In the year since he lost his wife in a tragic accident, Lester Lehman has found healing and purpose—helping construct Dale Kraybill’s new bulk store, enjoying the Kuhn sisters’ hearty meals, and settling into a tiny, built-for-one lakeside house. Falling in love again is surely not on Lester’s mind. Yet despite his firm “no,” two available ladies have set their on the handsome widower—in a boisterous rivalry that weaves mayhem among the wedding festivities . . .

 
A welcome escape comes from a fresh-faced newcomer. Marlene Fisher disarms Lester with her witty quips on his romantic predicament, while her sparkling eyes inspire surprising thoughts of a shared future. But the heartbreak that brought Marlene to Promise Lodge runs deep, and the pretty believes she’s not meant to marry. In a season of vows to love and honor, scripture holds the key to building their happiness together: love is kind, and above all . . . .

My thoughts:

I am always happy to return to Promise Lodge, the homey atmosphere and the warm welcome offered to newcomers and visitors are a just a few things that make me want to revisit every chance I get.

That’s not to say that everyday is idyllic because it certainly isn’t especially not for Lester Lehman who lost his wife in a tragic accident. He is a resident of Promise Lodge, helping with construction and living a peaceful life in a tiny home but all that changes when out of town guests arrive for a wedding. As soon as Elverta and Agnes arrive there is a rivalry between the two ladies who are both trying to win Lester’s heart, unfortunately he has no interest in either one of them which I found funny but Lester was not amused.

I loved the added characters of Marlene and Mose who have moved to Promise Lodge, like most of the residents they are escaping their former bishop who should not be a bishop.  The friendship that forms between Lester and Marlene is sweet, and so well written I could imagine their conversations.  Every time I read another book about this loving community, I loved it more.  I don’t think I will ever grow tired of this wonderful group of faithful, kind, generous people.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions are my own

 

Forged in Love (Wyoming Sunrise #1) by Mary Connealy

In 1870, Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she's on, killing her father and brother. As she takes over her father's blacksmith business and attempts to move forward, the old-fashioned townspeople meet her new occupation with disdain.

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to Western Wyoming from the painful memories he left back east. In the hope of a new life, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with a harsh welcome from the townsfolk who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the similar trials they face in a new town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

Mary Connealy steals you away to the atmospheric American West with an adventure-filled, charming nineteenth-century tale.

Mt thoughts:

Forged in Love is the first book in a new series by Mary Connealy and I have to say, it is a page turning, edge of your seat must read. It begins with an attack on a stagecoach with Mariah Stover being the lone survivor and the suspense builds as the Deadeye Gang knows she can identify one of the robbers and wants to silence her.

I admired Mariah, her dedication to keeping her father’s blacksmith business open and her resilience.  I loved Clint Richards; he is in love with Mariah and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.  As usual the author added a lot of humor in the storyline most of it coming from Clint and the names of food he makes in his restaurant. That is another aspect I enjoyed, the female blacksmith and the male who opens a diner, something I didn’t expect given the time period but something that added a unique twist. That’s not to say that Clint served typical diner fare, he was a gourmet chef.

There are a lot of close calls for Mariah, but with Clint, her two best friends and a dog on loan to protect her she feels safer while trying to keep from encountering the man she can identify from the stage coach robbery

There is so much to love about this book, from the suspense to the sweet love story to the wonderful characters who will tug at your heart.  If you love historical romance with a lot of action, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Forged in Love.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

 

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

My thoughts:

I loved The Sound of Light, the latest novel penned by Ms. Sundin.  I have been a fan of this gifted story teller for a long time and after reading this one, I may be a bigger fan.

The setting of Denmark during WW2 was different as this was my first time reading of the Danish Resistance. It really kept me on the edge of my seat as Else and Hemming sacrificed their own safety to publish and distribute resistance newspapers.  There were times when my stomach was in knots fearing what would happen to them which proved to me once again that the author knows how to draw her readers in from beginning to end.  

I voluntarily reviewed complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

 

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

My thoughts:

I loved The Sound of Light, the latest novel penned by Ms. Sundin.  I have been a fan of this gifted story teller for a long time and after reading this one, I may be a bigger fan.

The setting of Denmark during WW2 was different as this was my first time reading of the Danish Resistance. It really kept me on the edge of my seat as Else and Hemming sacrificed their own safety to publish and distribute resistance newspapers.  There were times when my stomach was in knots fearing what would happen to them which proved to me once again that the author knows how to draw her readers in from beginning to end.  

I voluntarily reviewed complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Falling for the Amish Bad Boy by Emma Miller

 

She knows all about his reputation…

But is she ready to know the truth?

When Beth Koffman finds out her family has hired Jack Lehman to build their new store, she’s furious. The far-too-charming Amish bachelor is known in their community as a heartbreaker, and Beth doesn’t want him near her sisters. But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes hating Jack might prove difficult when she’s falling for him at the same time…

My thoughts:

Some people get a bad reputation, some deservedly, others unfairly. So begins the story of Jack Lehman, a hardworking young man hired to build a new store for Koffman family, much to the disapproval of Beth Koffman. Jack is not the person some people think he is, as it turns out he really is a nice guy and not a bad boy at all.

I loved Jack and Beth; they were both a little leery of each other but the one thing that they had in common was how they cared for and looked out for Beth’s father who was suffering with dementia.  Jack turned out to be the hero as the story flowed at a great pace.  The sisters are all protective of their father, work hard and the love they share is joyful to see.

Overall, I thought this was a sweet, well written book. Suitable for all ages so it can read by the young and the young at heart.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  Opinions are my own.

 

Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

 

An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.

My thoughts:

It’s been a long time since I read a novel written by Ms. Bartels so I was happy to get a copy of this one.  It took some time for me to get interested in this one, but once I did it was hard to put down.  I love reading about family dynamics, conflicts, and friendships.

Each chapter is a track which was clever since the storyline is about the musical talents of the characters. The flawless writing and memorable characters made for a lovely reading experience.

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

Hearts of Steele (The Blackstone Lagacy #3) by Elizabeth Camden

 Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company, but when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work.

Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortune for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous waters ahead, but their crusade could cost them everything.

My thoughts:I have loved this series so much and each book gets better as far as I’m concerned which leads me to confess this is my favorite in the series. I had been waiting for Liam to get his story and what a story it is and well worth the wait. With a blend of fictional and actual characters it was easy to get caught up in this fascinating novel.  I had no idea that ice was such a hot commodity in the 1900’s but businesses found out they were held hostage by the greed and hatefulness of one petty man who controls the price of ice. 

It was heartbreaking to see how so many people lost their livelihoods when they were forced to close their business due to their inability to pay the exorbitant price of what was needed to keep the doors open on restaurants, hotels pharmacies, etc.   It was mindboggling to me as I read the lengths someone would go to out of spite and greed, it was also heartwarming to see people banding together to do what they could to help each other.

This is a compelling story penned by one of my favorite historical fiction authors and one I highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions are my own.

Every Good Gift (Amish Blessings#3) by Kelly Irvin

 

During the most difficult season of her life, how could she know whether their meeting was a gift from God—or another temptation?

Maisy never expected that a Plain girl like her could have her heart stolen by an Englisch boy. But when her rumspringa ends and Maisy realizes she’s pregnant, the reality of their choices—and their differences—sets in.

Maisy knows she will never leave her faith to marry her baby’s father. But she also knows the road to acceptance as an unwed mother in an Amish community will be long and hard. To protect her family from the scandal, she goes to live with her cousin in Haven, Kansas, where she will have some solitude to figure out what kind of future she might have.

In Haven Maisy begins to find her way—thanks in no small part to Joshua Lapp, a Plain man who’s made it clear he isn’t bothered by her situation or ashamed to be seen with her, despite the bishop’s warnings. But Joshua has struggled with his faith ever since the death of his twin brother, leaving Maisy to wonder: How can two people who are so lost ever help each other discover Gott’s plans for their future?

My thoughts:

Kelly Irvin never disappoints and she went above my expectations in her new novel.  I have loved this series, but this one is my favorite in the trilogy.  I thought the author penned an emotional storyline, leaving me feel nothing by compassion for her characters.

Maisy and Joshua Lapp are sweet, kind people who are each struggling with very different challenges in their lives but to their credit they do the best they can.  I enjoyed watching their friendship strengthen and how caring Joshua was to Maisy.

One of the many things I absolutely loved is the character driven story which captured my attention from the very beginning.  This clean Amish romance can be read as a standalone and added to your TBR stack as soon as possible.  Filled with memorable characters, love, forgiveness and faith this novel is one of my favorite books I have recently read.

My thanks to the publisher for providing a copy through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.