Review: The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall

Amazon Blur---"A trip home from England to Maryland in 1812 finds Emeline Baratt a captive on a British warship and forced to declare her allegiance between the British and Americans. Remaining somewhat politically neutral on a ship where her nursing skills are desperately needed is fairly easy—until she starts to have feelings for the first lieutenant who becomes her protector. However, when the captain sends her and Lieutenant Owen Masters on land to spy, she must choose between her love for him and her love for her country."

I'm giving this book 4 stars. It was an excellent story, but it wasn't until I got over halfway through that I "couldn't put it down." The first half was just as good, but something about it just didn't keep my attention. That being said, you should definitely read this book. It is thrilling. I have always felt like there wasn't enough material set around the War of 1812, and that's why I was so extra excited to get my hands on The Liberty Bride. The characters were amazing! Even the supporting characters had depth and meaning to them. I feel like the author did a crazy good job of getting emotion to leap from the pages. And if you love a war story with a strong female lead to help save the day... well, just look no further! Fans of the Daughters of the Mayflower series will enjoy reading this installment and travelling with Emeline through the thick of battle. Danger, love, and dangerous love will thrill you to your toes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

Review: The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

Goodreads blurb--- "When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family?"

This book deserves its five stars. I didn't even know that the Shakers existed until I read about them in one of Tracie Peterson's books. Since then I've been very curious. The Refuge was a wealth of information hidden inside a stunning story. This story is full of children and babies and that was the first thing to endear it to my heart. The story has an incredible plot, with a couple curveballs that will keep you reading right through supper ;) The narrative is half third-person and half first-person, so if that is gonna mess with your head... well, you just got your warning. The story is a journey, and you don't want to miss it. From fun-loving little Leatrice, to the grouchy Eldress Maria, each person in this story is going to evoke a response. (Maybe not a positive one...) The characters all come to life, and the backstories are so well developed. It was a joy to read. 

I received this book free from the publisher.

Review: The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

Goodreads blurb-- "Four women captured King Solomon's heart in different ways, and he indulges his desires despite warnings. For all his wisdom, did Solomon or the women he loved ever find what they were searching for?"

I'm giving this book 4 stars. I was a little hesitant to grab this one, considering... well, it is Solomon. And yes, it was a little much at times, but let's be honest, Solomon was a bit much at times. That being said, this book kept my attention while I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of family for a much wanted visit, and I can't remember the last book that was able to distract me from my impatience. The book starts out sweet...and ends sad. Jill definitely has a way of bringing the Bible to life through her vivid characters. Her books are always sooooo researched. Of course, there is a little guesswork, but you can tell it's educated guesses. If you are looking for a story that will take you back to Bible times then Jill is an excellent option. I can't wait to share this book with my cousin, since she's my Jill buddy! This book is longer than the others, but it's definitely not painful to read more! ;) The only thing I wish were a little different is that I wish that as we moved on through the book that we still got to hear from the characters we got to know at the beginning of the book.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere

Official blurb- "Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a carefree artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist's brother--a handsome but arrogant earl forcing his brother back to a "respectable" life.

Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His younger brother is the one person who can save their family, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara's mysterious background, Henry sees she's a positive influence on his brother and on Henry's young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate. 

But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster."
This is the most stunning conclusion to the London Beginnings series that I could have imagined. I had thought that Rosalyn would be my favorite of the three, but Cara's story had me captivated. I was not willing to put it down! The setting was, of course, stunning. The cover- exquisite! The storyline- unimaginable! Each character brought life and meaning to the story, whether they were on every page or only one. Even the most minor of characters added depth to the story. There was no fluff in the book. Only what made me want to devour it more. Some highlights for me include- Cara's special bond with Amelia, the incredible last chapter and epilogue, all the little historical facts which sneaked into the pages, and the surprising twist near the end. The character arcs will make you want to squeal with delight, and you really won't get enough of this story before you find it is drawing to a close. So enjoy it while it lasts!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Hidden Legacy by Lynn Huggins Blackburn

Caroline just wants to stay with her almost-adopted, two-weeks-left-in-the-process, son, Henry, and live a peaceful life. Go to work, spend time with family, normal people stuff. Well, all that changes when someone starts taking shots at them. And tampers with the water heater and CO detectors, and.... other stuff that I can't say, cause that would be spoiling. What's worse is that the attack seems to be targeting not her, but Henry. Her main protector during these threats just happens to be the man that broke her heart 13 years ago, and if she isn't careful, he'll have her heart again.




I'm giving this book 5 stars.

1: This is a new to me author, but I absolutely loved her! And I could tell from what backstory there was in this book that I would have loved book one too. I'm going to have to find it.

2: The plot was really good. It was pretty unique, and had lots of angles. This guy working for those guys, who had that guy kill that guy, because this guy promised them something from that guy. Yeah.... one I'll remember for a long time.... maybe because who would hire a hit on a baby!?!?!?!?!!? For real????

3: There is a great subplot of forgiveness woven in and around this story. Along with trust, and growing faith in God, and His sovereignty. It was great!

4: Mama Drake.... was hilarious and lovable and funny. I loved her. And Heidi, who was only present in the last couple of chapters was someone else I loved. (She was mentioned throughout, just not present.) I really need to read book one, because I need to know more about her.

5: What a great ending! I really hope that there are more books to come in this series, cause I'd like to have a little glimpse back into Caroline and Jason & Heidi and Blake's lives.

Series Review: Ada's House by Cindy Woodsmall

Ada's House is a trilogy that follow several Amish couples through different struggles and romantic ups and downs. I started out the series listening to the audiobook, and while the reader was good, I was soon so caught up in the story that she just couldn't read fast enough. One of the main characters is Cara, whose Amish mother died without telling Cara about her Amish roots. Cara has a lot of bitterness built up toward her father and her Amish aunts and uncles who never came for her and left her to her fate in foster care. Deborah's fiancé left the Amish life. Sylvia is running from her former fiancé, and his wife, her sister. Lena is ashamed of her birthmark and afraid that no one will ever be able to see the real her beneath the mark. All of them find rest and comfort through the Bible and through Ada, a widow in her 40s who becomes surrogate mom to Cara, and who is definitely on Lena's widower father's radar. All in all, this is a delightful series that makes you wish for more. I want so many sequels. I need more than three books, because I've fallen in love with all the characters and I want to know more about them. Anything about them. I'm giving this series 4.5 stars.

Review: A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Blurb from Goodreads` *For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?*

This book has been high on my TBR list since I first saw the cover. Imagine my delight when I was accepted onto the launch team! A Silken Thread was my "spring break project" but really that's code for "I actually have time for leisure reading!" Of course, I was NOT disappointed! One thing I love about Kim's books is that they often hit on events in history that I either have not heard of or that I am not overly familiar with. It's the best way to learn new things. The characters in this book were so diverse and well-written. I adored Laurel and her Mama. Willie and his dad. The cat! And especially the friendship between Willie and Quincy! The issue of interracial friendships, especially in the deep south during this time, was well dealt with. The craft of the writing made this a joy to read. You won't be able to help falling in love with all the characters. (Okay, so you may fall in hate with a few...) Honestly, I think if you are still looking for a gift for your mama for Mothers' Day, you should consider getting this book. What a tribute Kim has written! 4.5 Stars for this wonderfully sweet read with deeper threads than you'd first imagine.

I received this book as part of the launch team. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise. (As always.....)