His Holiday Prayer

Sometimes it takes a decision to shake you from your comfortableness, to set your priorities straight, and cause you to examine your feelings. Tucker Rainbolt and Jena Harper are best friends who run a veterinary clinic in the town of Rebel, Oklahoma. When Tucker decides to move away they each realize that things they took for granted will never be the same. 

Tucker’s restlessness caused him to want to make a change and decide to move away from his close knit family who sometimes is too much in his business. His hasty decision of taking a job in Texas without consulting Jena or his family began to come to light as Tucker realized how deeply this would affect all of his relationships. I admired him because it takes a wise and humble man to admit when he is wrong, to accept help, and to change. He also showed great strength and helping Jena accept God’s love and forgiveness when she needed him most. 

Watching Jena ’s transformation from being a shy and extreme introvert was so encouraging to see as she tackled her fears. Her passion and determination to find a solution and not give up had me rooting for her as she took on the daunting task of raising money for the animal rescue shelter. Being vulnerable and sharing things as Jena did previously were not easy for her. I was so happy to see that she trusted God and Tucker’s thoughtful advice to see her through. “Every time I feel overwhelmed by life, the Lord pins back my ears and says the same thing and I don’t mean in an audible voice. I mean in my gut. “Either you trust me or you don’t, Tucker. Either you are with me or you walk away.”’

This beautiful love story of Jena and Tucker is a stand alone book, but you really don’t want to miss out on the others about the loving Rainbolt family and the town of Rebel. I recommend this book if you like any of these elements: a faith-filled message, romance, fun characters, or a small town setting.

Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Curiosity Keeper

Something strange is going on in the shop that Camille Iverness takes care of while her father is away each day. In fact, her father is acting strange too. So begins the story of a young lady who gets caught in a web of deceit and intrigue. A costly stolen Bevoy ruby is at the heart of the story as Jonathan Gilchrist is charged by his father to locate it or face financial ruin for the family's estate. 

A defender, protector, and selfless, Jonathan is a man who sees beyond the social class and lifestyle his family is attempting to maintain. Helping others less fortunate and those in need make him a wonderful partner for Camille. Spunky, inquisitive, and caring, Camille is trying to find the Bevoy for her father, but as more information comes to light, she is torn in her loyalties. As Camille and Jonathan discover things about the ruby each must decide what is most important, their family or their relationship. 

The mystery, romance, and plot twists made this a book worth reading more than once. In fact, I have listened to an audio version of it twice and I am sure I will read it again, I think it is that good! If you are a fan of historical novels with an element of mystery and  love, I highly recommend this first book in A Treasures of Surrey series. 

About the Book: 

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. A second son, he was content to work as the village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may be the answer to his many questions.

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille must allow a mysterious stranger to come to her aid.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, these two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, they will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

A Proper Scandal

Grace Sinclair has a problem and only two weeks to solve it. She must find a gentleman man who is willing to marry her or else she will be homeless. So begins Grace's hunt for that man. The only man who she thinks is suitable is Nathaniel Barton who helped her in a potentially dangerous situation when first arriving in London. 

I enjoyed Grace's attempts at trying to entrap Nate into marrying her. She is inexperienced in social situations and speaking to men and the advice that her younger cousin, Georgiana gives her backfires. Grace bumbles, both literally and figuratively while being with Nate, which makes the story lighthearted and entertaining. I am glad she found her own way of being who she really was instead of what others wanted her to be. 

This was a fun book as Nathaniel tries his best to escape Grace's schemes of matrimony.  I found Nate to be a wonderful man of integrity and of high moral principles, even when facing his growing affection for Grace. "His life had been a drudgery before she entered it. But it was a controlled drudgery. A drudgery he had chosen and even truthfully enjoyed. One thing was certain: life was simpler and his breathing more normal when Miss Sinclair was not around."

This is the first book in the Proper Scandals series.  There are several characters who have been introduced that I hope they have their own story in the near future. I would recommend this book if you like clean Regency romances. 

The Lost Lieutenant

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the Serendipity and Secrets series by Erica Vetsch. Evan Eldridge finds himself thrust into peerage after he saves the life of the Prince Regent's godson on the battlefield. He is s a noble man, defending those who cannot do this themselves, This includes the beautiful Diana Seaton to whom he finds himself unexpectedly wed. Evan also is strong as he must battle the nightmares of the war and overcome his fears and trust Diana.

The plot of a spy and the memory loss that Evan has and it beginning to be restored  make this an intriguing tale. The suspense that occurs when Prinny is visiting Evan and Diana's estate was well done. It has edge of your seat action as the spy is discovered at the manor and a chase ensues. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the other two stories that are a part of the series.

About the Book: 

He’s doing what he can to save the Prince Regent’s life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well? Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn’t think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry. Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn’t have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there’s something he can’t quite remember. It’s important, dangerous--and if he doesn’t recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone’s very life.Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

Friends and Foes

This is the first book in the Jonquil Brothers series and what a great way to begin! Philip Jonquil has a persona of a dandy as a guise for being a secret British agent of the crown. While acting like he cares for nothing more than fashion aids Philip in gathering information, it also causes Sorrel Kendrick to draw the wrong conclusion about him.  Because of their rocky first meeting, Philip and Sorrel must overcome their differences to find who the person is behind the cascades each of them have built. 

Action, adventure, and a dangerous enemy on the loose, this is a page turner and a hold everything kind of book. I enjoyed seeing Sorrel change throughout the book. I also liked that she had grit and determination. She would not give up when she was in tremendous pain when those closest to her dealt with her disability in ways that were unhelpful. Seeing Philip believe in her gave her the courage to do things she did not think were she was capable of when she needed it most.

I am looking forward to reading more in the series because there are unanswered questions that I look forward to learning about in future books. I recommend reading this book if you like well crafted stories with adventure and some romance. 

About the Book: 

After five years of tracking and capturing spies on English soil, Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lampton, is in pursuit of his last quarry. But at a traveler’s inn, he encounters an unexpected and far more maddening foe: Sorrel Kendrick, a young lady who is strikingly pretty, shockingly outspoken, and entirely unimpressed with him. Indeed, Sorrel cannot believe the nerve of this gentleman, who rudely accuses her of theft and insults her feminine dignity. Doubly annoyed when they both end up at a party hosted by mutual friends, Philip and Sorrel privately declare war on one another. But Philip’s tactics, which range from flirting to indifference, soon backfire as he finds himself reluctantly enjoying Sorrel’s company; and, much to her dismay, Sorrel finds Philip’s odd manner to be increasingly endearing. 

In the midst of this waning war and growing attraction, Philip catches wind of the French spy he’s been tracking, and Sorrel inadvertently stumbles upon a crucial piece of the puzzle, making her indispensable to the mission. But can two proud hearts negotiate a ceasefire when cooperation matters most?

On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor

Wow! What an incredible dual timeline Jaime Jo Wright has given readers with rumors of vast amounts of  Confederate gold hidden in an isolated manor overlooking Lake Superior.  Having Gothic elements and ghosts, mystery, murder, and love, this book was hard to put down!

With centuries-old secrets, Foxglove Manor is foreboding and does not easily give up what it has concealed from so many others who have sought its treasure. Kailey Gibson (present day) and her family experienced great tragedy after vacationing there and it is the love that she has for her autistic brother, Jude, that drives her back to seek answers for him and herself. The relationship that she has with Jude was special and made me like Kailey all the more. 

Adria Fontaine (1885) was sent to Foxglove Manor for a very different purpose than what she thought. She intended to be free from her father’s control and manipulation, but what actually happened was that she found self-worth, liberty and love with the help of Phineas Crayne. While we see both Adria and Phones as weak-willed creatures, what they go through and become is amazing.

There were so many great quotes throughout the book by Phineas Crayne that are a reminder of what is important. Here are several I found inspirational. 

“We all have a choice to do the right thing.”  

“I daresay, God brought you here to bring life and renewed hope and dignity into my soul.”

“We continue to move forward. That’s all there is. That is what God asks of us, I think. To learn from the roads we have walked, and to keep walking them.”

“We must build our weak lives on a foundation that does not shift. Like the rock on which we stand.  On love.  Love that is eternal."

This was an amazing book and I highly recommend it and other books written by Jaime Jo Wright. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

Are you wondering about the picture with the pieces of paper that say Lucy and have random letters?  You'll have to read the book to find out. :)

Bridge of Gold

 

Sunken ships, murder, mystery and deceit are all things that Kayla Richardson and Steven Michaels must face while they are working on underwater projects of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

I found this well-written book to be exciting, fascinating, and fast-paced. This historical dual timeline kept me glued to my seat and furiously reading as I had to find out whose skeletons were inside the wreckage near the bridge. With just enough details given for each timeline, I found the story to be riveting and wanting a happy ending, but at the same time dreading reading the outcome in case things had gone badly in the past. 

Kimberly Woodhouse tells a terrific story that is filled with suspenseful scenes and seeing what horrible consequences decisions can bring to individuals and families. I enjoyed sewing how Kayla and Steven's trust and relationship developed throughout their investigation.  I can see the two of them continue with more cases as they are such a great team. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Ms. Woodhouse’s books. 

This part of the Doors to the Past series, books that feature American landmarks full of "mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance."  I highly recommend this book if you like writers such as Abigail Wilson or Jaime Jo Wright. 

Thank you to Barbour Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book.  All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Book: 

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.
 
Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. But as the investigation heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge still ignite an obsession worth killing for?