Category: Historical Romance

The Secrets of Emberwild

By Stephenia McGee

MY REVIEW



This was a book that I really wanted to get my hands on. I heard a lot of positive buzz on social media for this book. I enjoyed the writing. The author was very descriptive and made the scenes come alive.

I just didn’t like Nora, the female lead. She was a whiner and complainer because she was limited for being a woman. I actually felt this way once, but I grew up. Taking a girl in the early 1900’s and having her say and do things that don’t fit the era just wasn’t appealing. I’ll also admit to feeling this topic is too overdone in Christian Fiction. The victim hood of women has been a common theme in a lot of CF in the last several years so I guess I have read too much of it. I think for others who have not been bombarded with it, I can see why they would like the main character. I would have liked her too if character growth was there. It was not.

I did like that the Mother’s character grew throughout the novel as well as other secondary characters. I’ll also admit that I am not a big horse fan. So I am thinking that perhaps I am not the reader this book needed.

My daughter does not look for the depth that I do, and she has loved reading horse books since a young girl. So I am passing it on to her thinking perhaps a teen that loves horses is more the target audience.

It was a sweet story and a well written one. I would have liked to see some spiritual depth, character growth, and more of a faith thread. If you like horse books then give it a try. It just might be a book you really like. I’m interested to see what my daughter thinks.

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

by Regina Jennings

GUEST REVIEW BY MY DAUGHTER- Abby Paige

A beautiful story.

My favorite part was with Olive and the two kids. She fell right in to taking care of them. They had a wonderful relationship.


I liked the construction and how it was described. It was well done. The scenery involved was very nice. The romance was not too overly done, I actually thought that it was a bit funny, in a good way. I like those kind of stories. The book had a bit of a mystery which always makes for a better book.


The one downer is, it didn’t have as strong a faith theme as some of her books do. It did get better throughout.
The writing was engaging and I would say one of her best written novels. A very sweet, caring, funny, sad, and happily ever after story! Much enjoyed.

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

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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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