Category: Historical Fiction

In Love’s Time

By Kate Breslin

MY REVIEW

Marcus finally gets his story…and what a story! I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery plot in this one. It really keeps the reader engaged. The main characters are fantastic, and I love that old characters are well woven into this one. For me, though, this was plot driven with all the intrigue that was present in the story.

With a faith theme that was incredibly strong and so valuable to the story, it truly fits in the inspirational market. I have read quite a few books this year in which this particular element was disappointing. I really enjoyed the faith thread that was so well woven into the story.

I prefer less romance in my stories, but I think most readers will be pleased. The witty banter is well written, and the attraction is not on looks alone but on the character that lies beneath the surface.

History takes a bit of a back seat in this one for a Kate Breslin novel, but it is completely fascinating. I, of course, learned things I did not know. The reader really feels as if they are taking the journey themselves. The historical backdrop is wonderful. WWI isn’t as common as other wars so I really enjoyed the history.

The characters, fascinating history, strong faith theme, and intrigue plot all combine to create a wonderful novel.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Holding the Line

By Jennifer Delamere

MY REVIEW

Really enjoyed this book. The storyline was interesting and held my attention. It was a good conclusion to the series with the previous characters showing up in this one. 

The history was interesting, and I really liked the characters. Trying to be very independent is something to which I can relate. I tried up until I couldn’t be anymore.

The three stars is because the faith theme wasn’t as strong as it usually is in this author’s book. She did a good job of bringing it in at the end, but I really felt this story needed it from the beginning. A strong faith theme throughout is what I expect from Bethany House.

Other than that, it was a good story with strong characters. A good way to end this series of three. The reader can read this as a stand alone, but I do recommend that all three be read. It makes for a better reading experience.

i received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Falling for the Cowgirl

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

This book follows in the style of the previous three books in the series. A feisty girl and a guy who can’t decide what he wants to do. If you like a romance read, this is for you. It was an easy read for me, and I’m not big on the romance. This series seems to have that more at the center than previously written books by this author. I prefer more history…just my preference.

The plot seemed a bit weak in this one, but it has some interesting intrigue moments and a bit of suspense/mystery thrown in if ( like me) you like suspense in your stories. This book is definitely driven by the characters.

Ivy feels as if she doesn’t really have a place, but she does know exactly what she wants. I grew up doing the things my brothers did so I understand that part of her character. I wasn’t a huge Jericho fan, but he figures it out, of course.

If you are a romance fan and love Cowboy stories, you will enjoy this entire series by Jody Hedlund.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.


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Worthy of Legend

By Roseanne White

MY REVIEW

This was a wonderful end to such a fun series. I really enjoyed the main characters and their slow build romance-friends to lovers. The group of friends are so fun, and these stories have been a real joy.

It had a good faith thread in it, though the “worthy” thread felt rather modern. I understand the main female character struggled with her self image due to her families terrible treatment. Watching her grow was done so well, but only Christ is worthy. The forgiveness and other faith elements were so good and strong…really liked that about this book. One particular scene between siblings was my favorite, but no spoilers. Just to say that faith in action was a deep part of the storyline.

This book had everything I look for in a good novel. Great characters, good faith thread, storyline with a mystery, and a book that moved at a very good pace. I definitely recommend the entire series.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

By Michelle Griep

MY REVIEW

4.5 stars
Delightful and fun with so much wit…the characters are fantastic, and the story never stops. It’s such an incredibly fun novel from beginning to end.

This is the second book in a series of two, and I was thrilled when I found out a sequel to the first was releasing. Many books written in England are written about the elite and wealthy. This is a totally different kind of read, and probably far more realistic for most that lived during that time.

The characters are terrific, the mystery well written, the faith theme so very good and intrinsic to the tale, and the storyline is incredible. There is so much to like about this story.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own..

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Where the Road Bends

Rachel Fordham

MY REVIEW

Another sweet story from Rachel Fordham. It has an early twist so that it does not end up like one thinks at the beginning. After a few chapters it is pretty predictable, but a sweet storyline none-the-less.

I loved the characters in this story, and they are what endeared the book to me. Flawed characters that really touch the heart..both main and secondary characters are wonderful.

I do think in the last year or so that I have read so many stories of woman abused by men. I have to admit that story line is getting a bit old and redundant. At least in this story it isn’t steeped in that for which I am thankful.

There is an orphan boy in this one, and I love reading books with children as main characters. Something about the dynamic of having a child who needs love that adds much to a story. 

It is a sweet, simple story that touches the heart. I have enjoyed all the books I have read by this author. I have one I have not read, and I hope to rectify that soon.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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When the Meadow Blooms

By Ann H. Gabhart

MY REVIEW

Such a sweet story. This story was a good one for me. I’m bedridden much of the time, and my daughter has done so much of the work. I have had a difficult time with that so I really relate to Rose. It is hard to rest while one’s daughter is working, yet it must be done. I loved the attitude of the girls as they worked. My daughter handles the responsibility so incredibly well. I could so relate to that part of this lovely story.

This was a great read to come after a mafia story! I grew up in the city and now live in the country. I can totally relate to wanting to live or just visit a beautiful meadow. The girls are so sweet, and even as a reader I wanted to give them a hug.

Such a terrific faith theme woven in this book…hope, faith and forgiveness. Friendship and family, good times and tough times, all the things that make up our journey of life are in this story. It’s a sweet , heartfelt story…probably a new favorite from this author. 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Shadowed Loyalty

By Roseanna M. White

MY REVIEW

One thing I really did like about this book was that it was quite different from most books in this genre. This is the first historical I’ve read about the mafia. Some of the history and the beginnings of the mafia was quite fascinating.

I really couldn’t connect with the characters in this book, but I think that would be normal. I grew up in a very sheltered environment. These children did too, in a way, but the knew there was definitely something different about their families.

I liked Lorenzo , though I found his conduct hard to understand at times. The rosary bead mentions were a bit much for me, but I know that was holding to their history as well.

The storyline was well done and definitely keeps the readers turning the pages. It had a strong faith theme of forgiveness and hope, and though different-family was incredibly important. It was paced very well and will keep the readers attention to the very end.

One thing I really did like about this book was that it was quite different from most books in this genre. This is the first historical I’ve read about the mafia. Some of the history and the beginnings of the mafia was quite fascinating.

I really couldn’t connect with the characters in this book, but I think that would be normal. I grew up in a very sheltered environment. These children did too, in a way, but the knew there was definitely something different about their families.

I liked Lorenzo , though I found his conduct hard to understand at times. The rosary bead mentions were a bit much for me, but I know that was holding to their history as well.

The storyline was well done and definitely keeps the readers turning the pages. It had a strong faith theme of forgiveness and hope, and though different-family was incredibly important. It was paced very well and will keep the readers attention to the very end.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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To Tame a Cowboy

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

The characters are vivid and well done in this third book of the Colorado Cowboys. This author always does such a great job of making her characters come alive. Even the secondary characters become interesting for the reader.

The setting is a beautiful one. I’ve never been to Colorado, and this book may be the closest I get. 

I read historical fiction for the history. I love to learn as I read fiction. This book, to me, seemed much more about romance and the attraction between the main characters than it did about anything else. Since I’m not a reader of just romance novels that was not a bonus for me,

If you like historical fiction with swooning romance then this is definitely a book for you.

There is a faith theme present in this read which is what gave its value to me. Christian fiction should have something of Christian in its pages. It isn’t a large one, but it is present and well woven into the story.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Written on the Wind

by Elizabeth Camden

MY REVIEW

This was a wonderful read with the backdrop of the Trans-Siberian Railway. I have always been fascinated by Russian history so I was looking forward to this read. It did not disappoint.

For me,the characters are what made the story. The author did such a good job of bringing them to life and making them real. Both of the main characters are fantastic. They are not copycats, and they cause this story to be different from so many other historical fiction books. I can’t say more or I take the chance of spoilers.

The storyline is a good one with a Russian viewpoint, American viewpoint, and a good faith theme. This authors books are always interesting. This one is definitely my favorite in the series so far…I’m looking forward to book three! 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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