Tag: Fiction

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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The Spark of Love

By Amanda Cabot

MY REVIEW

This was an enjoyable book. I have enjoyed each book in this series. The characters are really enjoyable. The reader knows that secrets will come out eventually so it makes it interesting to find out how and what is going to ensue afterwards.

Then the book is full of suspense/mystery of things the reader doesn’t know. This kept me reading for a long while and finishing quickly. However,the town of Mesquite Springs and its interesting cast of characters is what really keeps the book moving…and intriguing. I really enjoy the relationships here…father and daughter, lovers, and all the interesting relationships that make up life.

The faith theme is good, and is a natural part of the story. It is well done.

I really enjoyed this book. I think the growing relationship between father and daughter is what really touched me. It was sweet. I’m close to my own daddy so this part of the story was what really kept me from wanting to put the book down. I enjoyed this series and recommend all three.

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

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To Disguise the Truth

By Jen Turano

MY REVIEW

An absolutely witty, amusing, and fantastic read from this author. I have read them all, and this is definitely one of my favorites. There are a lot of characters…so many fun ones- from Eunice (who has so many names) to Arthur to Ivan to Aunt Hazel. There is lots of entertainment and intrigue to be had with this cast. 

The plot was fascinating, the mystery was terrific, and the themes of love and forgiveness were very strong. I really enjoy this author’s books as she always gives a lot of humor. Her books are an amusing and lively escape. This one is no exception.

So, jump at the chance to read any of hers, but this truly is one of her best!

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

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As Dawn Breaks

By Kate Breslin

MY REVIEW

I so enjoyed this story as I have enjoyed every Kate Breslin novel. Her history is always amazing, and I love how much I learn when reading her novels. A WWI setting is not that common…then put it in Scotland, and the reader has a unique historical perspective of the ways and means they used to help win the war. 


The characters are wonderfully done, all of them. I enjoyed the main characters, but the secondary characters are so interwoven with the story. The reader feels the familial bonds, the grief of those bonds broken, and the struggling of those trying to hold on to those bonds of relationship during such unsettling times. The romance story is realistic, engaging, and slowly grows ( each looking for certain character traits in the other). It isn’t overdone either. The book strikes a very good balance.


It’s a wonderful storyline with suspense and intrigue. The characters are so realistic, and their struggles definitely relatable. The faith theme is an intrinsic part of the story as they pray to the One who controls it all even though it seems nothing is in control. The amount of history contained is wonderful, interesting, and definitely makes the reader feel as if much thought and research went into the novel. Thoroughly enjoyed, highly recommend.

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

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Lost in Darkness

By Michelle Griep

MY REVIEW

I have given very few five stars this year. I guess I am being stingy. My daughter told me that as much as I had discussed this book, its characters, and it’s depth that I should give it five…so I did. It has a fascinating plot and storyline, many interesting historical facts, intriguing characters, and such a wonderful faith theme!! These are what I love best in a well told story. This has a good and well written romance story as well, though that is not necessary for me to fall in love with a novel. 

I find it very interesting because this is really like no other book I have ever read. It was not at all predictable either which is SO nice. So many of the Inspirational fiction I have read lately has been shallow. Griep keeps to her style in writing a story that has depth and intrigue.

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical details given after the novel as well. I finished this book within 24 hours, and I have an extra copy of this one. I can highly recommend this read so I am looking forward to passing on to a friend.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as well as purchased a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Crosshairs

Patricia Bradley

MY REVIEW

Really enjoyed this novel. It was one of those that I had a hard time putting down. The characters were well done. In this series, the females were the main characters. There was good secondary characters in this one as well. The fact that the characters knew each other previously was something I really liked. It gave their relationship more depth than what usually occurs in a book.

The plot is interesting…and has several side trails throughout the storyline. The mystery holds some surprises even for the best reader sleuths. It also gives the viewpoint of one off the bad guys which makes the story intriguing.

There is a faith theme in the book, but not an overt one. That’s what I prefer in a book, but this was an incredibly fast paced book so the author did a good job with the faith theme as the book flies.

I somehow missed the middle book in this series, but each book stands well on its own. I hope to get the middle book as well.

Nicely paced, fast moving thrill ride with a back drop of faith and wonderful characters.

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

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The Heart of a Cowboy

Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

This is the second book in this series, Colorado Cowboys. It states it is Historical Fiction, but it really is far more a romance story

I liked the main characters in the story. I didn’t particularly care for their love story. There was a lot of physical attraction mentioned, and they kiss several times then decide to make nothing of it. I found that a bit strange for this historical time. Nowadays, that’s certainly a far more commonplace idea and happening. In the past, though, a kiss really meant something.

It was interesting to read how far they drove the cattle, the dangers along the way, what they did when water was scarce, and how they overcame other obstacles as they made their way on the Santa Fe Trail.

I also enjoyed the family dynamics in the story. They are interesting, really, for both the female and male heroine. There is more complexity in the hero’s story and family. I enjoyed getting to know Wyatt’s ( hero from the previous book) family in this book.

More history and deeper character development than romance is my “cup of tea”, but this book is a favorite among fans. For Jody Hedlund fans, her writing is vivid and detailed as always…and a bit of mystery to the story as well. So if you are interested in taking a historical trip on the Santa Fe trail, grab a copy.

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

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A View Most Glorious

Regina Scott

MY REVIEW

This was a fun, quick read. I really liked the main characters, and there are some wonderful secondary characters as well. They really come to life in the book. 

Lately I have really enjoyed the books that allow me to travel. The author does a great job with the setting and the history in the book.

The faith theme is a good one as well. It is quite strong in this book, and it is natural to the storyline. The book is a bit predictable, but I enjoyed the journey and seeing how things turned out for the characters.

An armchair travel book with wonderful, vivid characters; interesting and intriguing storyline, and an intrinsic faith theme is all wrapped up in a very enjoyable novel.

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

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A Deep Divide

Kimberley Woodhouse

MY REVIEW

I hadn’t heard anything about Harvey Girls until reading this book. The history of the restaurant chain was fascinating. I also enjoyed the historical characters added into the story. The author really did a great job of making the reader want to visit the restaurant and the Grand Canyon.

I enjoyed the characters in this book. The characters, plot, and storyline were very well done. The suspense keeps the reader turning the pages. The faith theme is a good one, and this read gets a higher rating because of it. The theme of over coming ones fears, and the scripture verses that are in the book do such a marvelous job of showing why we need not fear. The faith theme is an intricate part of the story, and it is so well done.

So take a trip to the Grand Canyon, learn some great history, and read about God’s Grace and love in this beautifully written story.

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

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