Category: Historical Romance

Evermore

by Jody Hedlund

Terrific YA fairytale read by Jody Hedlund. Though I’m no YA, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters, terrific story, suspense, and a fantastic backdrop with knights, kings, and queens the reader is drawn into an exciting tale of a Princess who needs to regain her kingdom and become queen.

Some surprising twists and turns make this an even better read. I love the important morals and choices that are made, and the message that is given to young readers through this story. 

I definitely am looking forward to the rest of the series, and I do recommend the novella that sets up the story. I rarely say they are necessary, but to get a complete picture I highly recommend reading the novella “Always” before reading this one.

I bought the paperbacks, and they are gorgeous! Go get your ebook or paperback and be enchanted into another time and place!

The book Evermore and the novella that begins the series Always.

Spice King

by Elizabeth Camden

“God led us here,” Annabelle whispered. “ He planted a hope in your heart that was strong enough to send us a thousand miles across the country. There is a reason, and we’ll keep going until we find it. We can’t falter now.”

There is so much fascinating history in this read which is why I really enjoy this author’s novels. I never really considered that at one time salt and pepper was spicing up a dish-because it’s what they had. In this book, I really could feel the joy Annabelle experienced as she tried so many new spices and fruits that were incredibly rare in the early 1900’s.

The historical information about foods, Department of Agriculture, Smithsonian Institute, and so many other things made for a terrific and unique book setting. The Department of Agriculture played a huge role in our food supply-a much larger one than i ever knew.The characters are incredibly well done. I’m hoping for more from these characters in the future. This book combines so many good elements: It’s historical information and backdrop, information about the blind, incredibly well written and developed characters, and a forgiveness faith theme. All of the intertwined to make for a superb and enjoyable read.

In this case you can judge the book by its cover, and the cover is magnificent!

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

I never wanted to be blind, but if it’s the price I must pay to have found Walter Talbot…then I’m glad it happened.”

Diamond in the Rough

by Jen Turano

Another just plain fun book from this author. I could sympathize with the main character. I’m a klutz…have been all my life. She gets involved in so many “catastrophes” that her grandmother is seeking help. Poppy is such a great main character, and I love the things that come into play from previous books…especially the mention of someone getting stuck because of an interesting bustle! This author is always sure to get giggles and outright laughter from her books. Reginald is wonderful opposite Poppy. The story, characters, and faith theme all combine for another winner of a read from Ms. Turano. No one in Christian Fiction produces a novel like hers. Go buy any of her reads…and have fun! This is one of her best yet.

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

The Express Bride

by Kimberley Woodhouse

“…at twenty eight, he had nothing to show for himself except wealth. That thought in light of eternity didn’t make him feel like he’d accomplished much of anything.”

This is another terrific novel in the Mayflower Bride series! The characters are so well done and set in a fascinating historical setting. It had mystery, suspense, and a terrific faith theme. All the elements combine to make a book that I just wish had been longer.

I don’t want to say it’s my favorite in the series, but if it isn’t-it’s close! The authors notes on The Pony Express are interesting and not widely known so don’t miss those. Definitely do not miss this next book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series! 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“Why God had chosen to spare him when he’d been such an atrocious human being was beyond his comprehension. But he was grateful.”

“ Thank you, God. For forgiveness. For grace. For a wonderful mom and dad.”

A Reluctant Belle

by Beth White

A terrific novel from this Author! It had just the right mixture of suspense, wit, humor, romance, and faith to produce an entertaining read that was at times incredibly funny and at others infuriating and tense.

Set during the very volatile time after the Civil War, the historical setting is incredibly well done and creates the suspenseful backdrop and circumstances surrounding a love triangle story where one angle clearly wasn’t IN the triangle. Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre ( though some days I might tell you it’s suspense) , and the historical backdrop is done so well. I love the strong faith theme present in this book. I take a special interest in that at the moment as a book I read recently had none. This author did a great job of weaving the message of faith through dialogue and other natural elements in the story.

It’s a hard to put down a novel with all the wonderful necessary threads needed to create a good read. This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf. If you enjoy historical fiction, go grab a copy. It’s a story that begs to be read and savored.

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

My Dearest Dietrich

by Amanda Barratt

MY REVIEW

I think every reader starts a book with certain expectations. I expected this book to be good because I knew about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Haven’t most? This book wasn’t just good, it was unforgettable.

I found it amazing how enthralled I was with the story, knowing the outcome. It takes a special kind of writing to want to enjoy and savor a book where there really aren’t any spoilers. I knew the ending ; yet I so enjoyed the journey, the blessed journey of this couple..so beautifully written.

The scenes are painted with intricate detail…as they tried to visit in prison with others looking on, the reader can feel the tension and the hesitancy of the actors, the characters. They are alive…so real and vibrant. I knew the happily ever after would never come, that darkness was abundant. However, it doesn’t overtake the beautiful love story, and the love God gave these two for each other. This book makes Mr. Bonhoeffer more a man than a minister…more human, and more relatable.

The book has prose as beautiful as poetry, and tells of a beautiful love story…but in a way that I’ve never quite read before.

This book finds its place on my forever shelves, and I definitely plan on visiting Maria and Dietrich again!

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

The Noble Guardian

by Michelle Griep

BOOK SUMMARY

 Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, love is finally within reach. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentleman bachelors in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But to him she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her on the rest of her journey. He refuses until she offers him the thing he desperately needs to achieve his goal: money. Delivering her safely will earn him more than enough to settle into a quiet life.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

MY REVIEW

“ I respect your caution in sparing my sensibilities, sir, but I believe God provides us with fellow sojourners to help lighten our heavy loads through prayer and encouragement.”

I have so enjoyed this series by Michelle Griep! Lots of action, adventure, and love written on a page and woven into intriguing tales. The Noble Guardian for me was all about the characters .

Abigail is an endearing character full of spunk. She actually reminds me of a dear highschool friend so I really felt as if I knew her. She always makes the most of situations. Her character is so well done that the readers emotions are definitely highly invested in her outcome.

Samuel can be a bit of an enigma, unless you know a man with a harsh exterior and a heart as soft as a pillow. So he’s not so different from many men. His character is well done, and he brings a lot of mood and tension to the read.

With a brooding man who exudes a harsh exterior, a woman who needs his protection to get to her fiancé , and a little one who needs them to survive, all of this wrapped up in a story of magistrates, highway men, and a man wanting to kill for revenge…you don’t want to miss book number three of the Bow Street Runners.

“…ye can safely leave them in God’s hands. Not that He can’t use yer gun, though, mind he. There’s no sin in wanting to protect them. The fault lies when he think ye’re their sole protector. Aye?

“It’s more noble to love, even if it’s not returned, than to live without it.”

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

Having some fun with photography!

My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge:Laurel’s Dream

by Pepper Basham


Pepper has written a beautiful novel…just as beautifully written as the picture she describes of her precious mountains. The main characters are sweet and take your heart. It has the good of people and the evil, the sweetness and the temper. The writing evokes so many emotions as the reader gets to know the beautiful Appalachian mountains and it’s people.

If you have followed this author for any length of time you know she has a special love for Appalachia. Her passion for the place, people, and her roots really comes through in this read. I have followed this author from her first book, and I think this may be her best yet.

It’s so incredibly done, and it has a special place in this readers heart!

I received this book from the author. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.