The Holiday season is almost here. I read mostly Advanced Reader Copies and all reviews are my own opinion. Feel free to contact me if you have a questions or want me to read one of your books. Please post to my blog and/or subscribe. I love hearing from you! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come! May God bless and keep you this year!
The characters of Marie and Jacob are defined by their rudeness and arrogance. Marie, an explosive child, lacks the emotional control expected in polite society and easily takes offense at Jacob's remarks. Jacob, despite being protective, is undeniably arrogant. He seems to delight in instigating Marie, making her "fire off like a cannon." This isn't just about his status as an Earl; he possesses a clear mean streak that finds satisfaction in feeling superior to her. In the end, these two are meant for each other and will make each other endlessly unhappy as they take glee in torturing each other.
The jump from rake to murderer feels jarringly fast. The ending's timeline is problematic, though the climax is exciting. The blank space after the gunshots creates confusion. The two-year leap in the epilogue is a letdown, leaving key questions unanswered about her father and his sister. Marianne is too docile for a heroine, making Logan's backbone in the end a welcome change. It's a shame Philip was unaware of the Earl's true plans. The story juggles too many plots and has significant pacing issues. While entertaining to a degree, the inheritance of a title through a daughter's son is incorrect, as titles typically follow the male line. The author never clarified if Philip's lineage was through the Duke or Duchess.
The story of a French emigrant who washes up on England's shores, the daughter of a Duke... She is hiding as a servant, but she can't hide the aristocracy within herself. The Duke of Berkshire, Dan, sees her even though she is acting as a lady's maid; no lady's maid ever looked like her. The story has a weak plot, and the storyline lacks information as to why Mrs. Paige did such a horrid thing while making it seem like she was helping the girl. Furthermore, if the viscount's wife knew who she was, why did she not have a servant in her employ who knew her secrets? This would have ensured that when everything went south with the viscount, Violet had someplace to fall. The story lacked imagination and was historically inaccurate as to how England took in émigrés.
The idea had merit, but even Christian women aren't that good. The Bible verses used to give credence to both of these women's thought patterns were the typically used and popular ones. The story played out so there was no confrontation or any real drama. Personally, I would be offended by what Percy's mom and sister did. They upended two women's lives for them to come out and marry Percy, not even telling him beforehand what they had done. Fortunately, Percy is a good man and upends his life to accommodate these two women, hoping that their lives will be salvageable.
Rating: ⭐⭐
Despite any other interpretation, this is not a love story; it is about vengeance, manipulation, and murder. While there is a happy ending, it is likely not the one anticipated. The ending and the climax were extremely disappointing; however, the author skillfully executes the twist in this story.
Intriguing for the time period, this story introduces John of Normandy, unwavering in his loyalty yet possessing simple needs. His reward: a child bride and the lands of the Saxon he felled in battle – her father. His bride is a passionate woman, her spirit a beacon to a man like him. Rowena is stubborn, determined that this Norman will not harm her people as she takes her place as lady of the manor. Passion flares between them, yet she strives to instill in him the Saxon ways of managing their estate. Unseen by either, a darkness gathers, poised to overthrow the Norman King, a danger that shadows them both. Theirs is an adventure set in perilous times, the journey of two adversaries learning to love and live alongside each other.
Heather, a dutiful woman, meets Charles, a quiet man. They are both honorable and quietly enjoy each other's company. Aunt Cordelia's setup leads to Charles' brother being bound to marry Heather. Alfred is quite animatedly opposed to this. Charles steps in and marries Heather. She thinks Charles is all about duty and honor, while she quietly falls in love with everything he does for her. She helps his family during his mother's sickness and comes to understand his family through it all. What she doesn't understand is that a quiet man doesn't do the things he does unless he loves that person. It's the reason he rushes to his mother's side when she is sick. It's why he listens to his wife at breakfast, even when he probably couldn't care less. Heather, not having any brothers, doesn't see this side of a man or even understand it. This is why communication is the key to happiness in any marriage. This is a wonderful story about everyday people who struggle with their own insecurities and try to live a contented life, hoping for more. The problem here is they already have it.
The cattle baron is the villain in this story. His daughter, Rose, raised in isolation and darkness, is central to the unfolding events. Sheriff Wilson schemes to bring Montgomery to justice. Ethan Harper steps into a dangerous deception, replacing Rose's jailed fiancé, Vincent Westbrook, whom she has never met. Driven by his own agenda, Ethan is searching for his sister, Hannah, who is entangled in a secret romance with Sanderson, the ranch foreman. The intricate web of relationships and hidden motives creates a perilous atmosphere. The climax promises to be exciting, delivering an unexpected twist that will irrevocably alter the lives of all involved. While the characters may believe they are profiting from their actions, the narrative suggests that their mistakes will trigger a dramatic and inevitable downfall.
A story filled with emotion unfolds as a ruinous brother refuses his rightful place. The younger brother, stepping up to fulfill a contract, falls in love with Lady Everleigh, and she with him. A betrayal occurs when Francis steals his brother's love via the old contract. While the anger and rage displayed by some characters are intense, Gideon's love and decorum remain steadfast. Though some might perceive him as weak, his strong faith guides his actions. He and his grandfather hold fast to the family motto: "Love Holds True." For Gideon, the final straw is discovering Francis is taking his betrothed to dens of debauchery; his love compels him to prevent Francis from ruining her and their family.
This is the second series I've started with this author. I find Titus to be not very personable, but willing to socialize for his job. He doesn't have much of a personal life, and it shows when he is asked to take medical leave. He has nowhere to go and ends up in Norman, Oklahoma, near a friend who got out of the Agency. Titus is just learning what it means to be a Christian, but finds it hard even to pray. His first experience in buying a Bible is to ask a woman who is looking to buy one for her study group. He buys the same one she does. He starts to attend church every Sunday, but, with an assassin after him, he is looking behind every tree and at every Middle Easterner. Titus can't stay out of the business and helps the Norman detective on her case. Since it's about the murder of a Middle Eastern woman, he thinks the person that killed her might be his assassin. Titus, as himself, is boring, but his life certainly is not. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Two opposites in most ways, but their hearts call each other. She thinks his art is garbage and refuses to honor her father's contract with Leon. Leon thinks she is small minded as far as his art is considered, but he finds Sophie calling to his heart and intriguing his mind. Sophie tries to help Leon out, but his bills are due and he has no money. Leon tries to show Sophie what she is missing and gets her to sit for a portrait. She hates that too, and the manager of the art studio puts it up on the wall beside the front door and does a video which goes viral. Painting sold, and Leon has a new set of artwork commissioned. Yeah for the bills, but things are getting serious with Sophie. Leon does the runner when things get really serious and his past catches up with him spiraling him into depression with emotions he doesn't know how to handle. Although, both are Christians and try to live out their faith, sometimes emotions are hard to handle. It's when we recognize our emotions and define them that we can face what they mean and how to face our past for our future.
This mail-order bride story presents an unusual scenario: the bride and her cousin arrive, but the groom himself never placed the advertisement. There's a clear deception, as his brother, who did place the ad, omitted any mention of raising children. Further complicating matters, Martha's cousin answers the ad without disclosing her pregnancy. George generously allows the women to stay in his bunkhouse while they figure out how to proceed out west. Martha takes on the responsibilities of the house and George's children. Meanwhile, her cousin tends the garden and engages in a flirtatious relationship with George's brother. The town is portrayed as filled with backstabbing and gossiping individuals who identify as Christians, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. This portrayal contrasts sharply with biblical teachings about rumormongering. The narrative includes significant adventure as George gradually re-opens his heart and allows Martha into his life. This development deviates from Martha's initial plans, which involved settling her cousin and then seeking a teaching position elsewhere. Ultimately, the story suggests a divine intervention that redirects Martha's path away from her self-determined plans.
Ostensibly, this is a very good story. Henry is a man stuck in his books and wants to share everything he learns. His mother wants him to court, but his discourse sends most women into hysterics or makes them sick. His favorite discussions are on ancient burial techniques. He hires Sophia to teach him social etiquette. Sophia is considered a bluestocking and her dream is to open a girls school. They agree on an appropriate employer/employee relationship. A connection grows between Sophia and Henry, as she begins to understand him, and he finds someone who finally understands him. It's important for a person to be seen and understood. This is the beginning of love. It sees who we are and understands us. Sophia sees Henry and once seen she cannot un-see. It moves Sophia to try and help Henry even more. The problem is Henry enjoys conversing with Sophia and begins to develop an attachment to her. Through Sophia's understanding, he begins to see Agnes, whom he was supposed to be courting, for who she truly is and to understand her motives. The reality in all of this is because he is a Viscount and she has scandal in her history, she is not eligible to be his wife. This is where the injustice of their situation becomes apparent. because both actually are outcasts from society. Henry because of his academic peculiarities and Sophia for her failed engagement because of her bluestocking ways. Logically, their shared outcast status and academic interests make them a perfect match. In the end, love is all that really matters.
This story feels like a much better take on the rather nasty Rumpelstiltskin. At least in this version, everyone's happy, except for the Duke. Frankly, nothing could truly make that man happy, and after he terrorized Elara and her father, why would she ever marry him? Running away with the illegitimate Prince, who actually helped Elara, seems like a far better choice.
This romantic comedy takes a serious turn. This debutante believes she can go anywhere without trouble, but that's simply not true. The Duke of Hanworth immediately recognizes the casino patron is a woman. He helps her locate her brother, but discovers others seek to harm him due to debts. Caroline, far from a shrinking miss, gets into deep trouble, including with Martin, in her desperation. The title is questionable, as the woman is a Marquess's daughter, not a Marchioness, implying a marital status. The story is entertaining, with moments of disbelief. The Duke and Caroline's steamy connection explains his protective actions
This story illustrates the impact of holding onto anger. Elizabeth's walk with God falters when her childhood sweetheart breaks up with her before leaving for college. Despite his attempts to reconcile, she consistently ignored or avoided him. For ten years, this anger held her captive, a reality she could no longer endure, particularly with Logan's return to town. Upon forgiving Logan, the love and peace she once knew flooded back into her heart. Logan seeks a second chance, recognizing that ending their relationship without discussing their future was the gravest mistake of his life. Trust and communication are vital aspects of love, essential for a couple to experience the marriage God intends.
This story features multiple plots targeting one couple. Hired as the school teacher from New York, our heroine arrives in town, where our hero is the local blacksmith and widower with a son. Plot one involves the town's matron and Luca's neighbor scheming to take Tommy away from him. Plot two introduces Amelia's estranged mother, who reappears after abandoning her to an orphanage and attempts to exploit her for money. Meanwhile, Henry, the town's wealthy and dissolute son, torments Luca to force the sale of his blacksmith shop. Despite the intense action, the couple finds time to fall in love. The well-developed characters rely on their faith to navigate these trials and learn that love encompasses forgiving even their worst adversaries.
Upon re-establishing his medical practice in his hometown, Doctor Ezra Draper discovers the new school teacher, a mail-order bride promised to Hank and a teaching position, was jilted. The situation worsens with the appearance of a baby on her doorstep, fueling town gossip about the unmarried teacher. Ezra, his mother, and the housekeeper befriend Alice, helping with the unexpected child. The baby's subsequent disappearance ignites further uproar. The town will eventually learn the truth about Hank and the baby, but the revelations will be painful. Amidst this turmoil, Alice and Ezra find solace and strive to do what is right, despite the potential heartache. Hank's motivation for trying to reclaim Amelia feels disconnected from the established logic of the story, especially since jilting her isn't illegal and her lack of funds was the reason he abandoned her in the first place.
In route to Newborn, Texas, Peggy and her family journey to claim land under the Homestead Act. Steve Harrison guides the wagon trail alongside his son, Will. During their travels, Peggy is kidnapped by Indians, a scheme orchestrated by Will's father for ransom. Deception weaves a tangled web with unexpected repercussions. Amidst being captured by Indians, rescued by a slaver, and ultimately sold to Will's father, Peggy and Will find themselves collaborating, maintaining composure, and falling in love amidst the unpredictable realities of the trail, where the wagon master becomes the least anticipated element. The narrative's core lies not in the plot's intricacies, but in the way Peggy and Will unite, remain level-headed, and develop their affection for one another.
Tyler, a deceitful young man, decides to escort his bride-to-be across the country, disguising himself as the stagecoach driver because he dislikes his father's arranged marriage. He may have picked up a debutante in Boston, but by the time they arrive home on his ranch, their many adventures will have changed them both. The plot sounds alright until you realize this woman is falling in love with a man who continues to lie about his identity. Can love overcome that kind of deception? By the end of this book, the woman would have lost all trust in him due to his ruse, forever suspecting his future actions. The plot falls short with such a conclusion. It's a shame, because the characters are well developed.
A father dies. A will is read. For the Willenshire family to receive their inheritance, all the children must marry. For any to receive their inheritance, Lady Katherine must marry first. Lady Katherine must decide whether to marry for title and wealth or for the love of a good man. Either way, Katherine will receive her inheritance, but her father is dead and would never have approved of Timothy, if he were alive. The will states marriage, not wealth or title. Maybe, in this one, she can defy her father. Strong plot and well-developed characters make this first book in the series a great read.
