Rise and Shine- Sandra D. Bricker

My Rating: 4 Stars

Description: Shannon Malone thought she'd found her happy ending when she married Edmund Ridgeway, but a diving accident on their honeymoon left her in a coma. Waking up to the news that she's thirty years old would have been daunting enough . . . but she also learns that Edmund has lost his interim battle with cancer and the world has marched on without her. Her gorgeous doctor, Daniel Petros, seems to know everything about her and becomes Shannon's tour guide into a whole new world of madness where reality television has taken over the planet and everyone's life appears to revolve around a tiny screen on their cell phones!

As Shannon struggles to navigate through the changes-both in the world and in her-she also must discern real memories from imagined ones. Did she really ever wear capris pants and entertain in her living room, or was that Laura Petrie from her favorite classic TV show? And where is her beloved dog, Freeway? Oh, wait! That was Jonathan and Jennifer Hart's dog, not hers.

Shannon's three elderly aunts flit through her life in true Sleeping Beauty style with her well-being always a priority. And Edmund's sister Millicent descends like the Evil Queen she is, trying to extract Shannon from any claim on the Ridgeway family fortune. When a tornado moves through town and Shannon is knocked unconscious, will Daniel's kiss awaken her once and for all?

My Thoughts: I have only ever read one other Sleeping Beauty retelling and must say that I like this one better. Coming up with a reason for someone to be asleep for a long time is difficult, and I believe that Sandra came up with a good reason. It is also terribly sad, with everything Shannon must then wake up to.

I found the way Sandra handled someone waking up after ten years in a coma to be realistic in the changes one would face, while also bringing a touch of humor. Imagining what someone's reaction to different technological devises would be if they had never seen them had me laughing and realizing just how much I rely on my smartphone.

Overall, Rise and Shine is a very sweet romance that had a bittersweet beginning. I hope to see more fairy tale retellings from Sandra Bricker soon.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Shadow Hand- Anne Elisabeth Stengl

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Description: She will take your own two hands
to save your ancient, sorrowing lands.

By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. Unable to bear the future she sees as her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living memory.

But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal fey parasite . . . .

A world that is hauntingly familiar.

My Thoughts: The world of Goldstone world only becomes more complex and wondrous with every book. In Shadow Hand, we meet so many characters and learn so many secrets of the South Lands that it is nearly too many to take in. Which makes it seem all the more real and adventurous. At first, I struggled to understand what was going on with Daylily and the Bronze, but once I figured it out, I was completely taken with the story.

Shadow Hand follows the paths of Daylily and Foxbrush. It also brings back the paths of Lionheart, Sun Eagle (!), and our favorite bard Eanrin. Were many novels with the many POVs can feel overloaded, Anne Elisabeth manages to make it all fit together like a masterful puzzle.

As I said, I did struggle at first with Daylily's story because I could not make sense of what was happening to her. But once I did, it was more than worth it.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Firstborn- Lorie Ann Grover

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Description: Tiadone has been forced to live her entire life as a female accepted as male in her community in order to survive as a firstborn child. But when she needs to pass the rites of manhood, she finds the Creator may have use for her feminine traits after all.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book and hope there is a second. The concept of gendercide is one that is rarely touched, that I have seen, and with the target being firstborn females (which I am) it had a bit of personal involvement for me.

What lowered the stars was that there were some gross parts to it. Not much violence or sexual content, but female issues. Ones that I could not imagine giving to my brother to read and that I did not want to read myself necessarily. Okay─ not at all. That, and I wish that it would have been made more clear at the end how much time had passed. I got the idea that it was supposed to be about a year, but then the characters seem to be fully grown by the end, even though they had started out just before puberty.

Discovering who you are and who you want to be is important. I have read some complaints that the villain was not explained or defeated. But I don't think that Sleene, or anyone else for the matter, was the actual villain in this story. I think it was a society that dictated what Tiadone could think, feel, believe, and even be on account of her gender and birth order. And in the end, that was what Tiadone overcame.

If it were not for the before mentioned issues, I do think I would have given this book five stars. As it is, I still will look forward to a sequel.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn- Lori Benton

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Description:Western North Carolina, 1787 ~ To escape a threatening stepfather and an unwanted marriage, Tamsen Littlejohn enlists the aid of Jesse Bird, a frontiersman she barely knows, to spirit her away from Morganton, North Carolina, west beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Trouble pursues, as the two men intent on seeing her recovered prove relentless in their hunt. Trouble awaits in the form of a divided frontier community. Across the mountains the State of Franklin has been declared, yet many settlers remain loyal to North Carolina. Chaos reigns, thwarting Tamsen and Jesse’s hastily cobbled plan to keep her safe.

With her pursuers ever nearing, the region in turmoil, neighbors grown suspicious of her presence, Tamsen’s safety is soon put in greater jeopardy. Gaining the freedom she longs for will mean running yet again, to the most unlikely refuge imaginable—the Cherokees, a people balanced on the knife edge of war.


But the biggest complication may prove to be Tamsen’s growing bond with her knight in greasy buckskins, Jesse Bird. Falling in love was never part of the plan.

My Thoughts: This is the second book of Lori's that I have read and I have to say that I have just fallen in love with her writing style. The amount of historical detail that she works seamlessly into the plot is beautiful. And she treats all of her Indian characters as people, rather than stereotypes. (I want a book about Catches Bears!).

There was never a moment that I felt jerked from the story, instead it seemed like I was there with the characters. I could perfectly see the forest with all of the animals and the people. The story of Franklin was one that I had heard of before, but she brought to life.

My one complaint was that the story seemed to a little too perfectly, with every single thread tide up, even those that I had not realized were loose. While I like happy endings, it was somewhat too perfect. Not that it will stop anyone from loving this story.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Queen's Handmaiden- T. L. Higley and Kindle Giveaway!

Description:  From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

My Thoughts: The Queen's Handmaiden takes you through Egypt, Rome, and Judea. It takes you into the courts of Cleopatra, Marc Antony, and Herod and shows you the inner workings of their lives. The story of Herod's family was not one that I had known before.

Lydia is the handmaiden who has served in all of these households and it is through her eyes that we see the events unfold. Unfortunately, she rarely actually took part in any of the action. As the main character, I had thought that she would play a major role in events, but instead she only watched while the adventure she was to supposed be on was put on hold for years.

The events of Herod's rule were enlightening and filled with conflict. Lydia's task was potentially dangerous and would have made an awesome story─ if told on its own. With no developments for years at a time and its being told along side Herod's family drama, it felt less than important and I often forgot about the scrolls entirely.

There were great parts of the story. The characters drew me to their history. But the two different story arcs divided my attention in a way that stole much of the excitement. I am glad that I read it and hope for a follow up, 
 
I received this title through litfuse in exchange for an honest review.
 

Tracy L. Higley is celebrating the release of The Queen's Handmaid with a fun giveaway.

Retailers + Resources gave it this glowing review: "Rich in historic detail, Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that swirled through the ancient world as alliances were built and broken on the calculated schemes of power-mad monarchs." 

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced April 21st on Tracy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Tracy's blog on April 21st to see if you won.

One Realm Beyond- Donita K. Paul

My Rating: 3 Stars

Description: Cantor D Ahma waited his whole life for this day. Born with a gift to jump between worlds, the young realm walker is finally ready to leave his elderly mentor and accept his role as protector and defender of the realms. But mere hours after he steps through his first portal, Cantor discovers that his job will be more dangerous and difficult than he ever imagined. The realms are plagued with crime and cruelty, and even members of the once-noble Realm Walkers Guild can no longer be trusted. To make matters worse, his first assignment---finding a dragon to assist him on his quest---has led him to Bridger, who is clearly inept and won t leave him alone. With the help of his new friends Bixby and Dukmee, Cantor must uncover the secrets of the corrupt guild before they become too powerful to be stopped. But his skills aren't progressing as fast as he would like, and as he finds himself deeper and deeper in the guild's layers of deceit, Cantor struggles to determine where his true allegiance lies.


My Thoughts: I had thought that this would be a much like Donita's other books, the Dragon Keeper Chronicles, which I loved. In some ways it was, but not enough to keep me wholly interested. The things that I didn't like included the dragons. The shape-shifting was not something I liked, especially with the forms they took (e.g. Hay bale, old dog, stretcher). I'm sure they were meant to be amusing, but I didn't think that they were. I was not too fond of Bixby either, who behaved like a juvenile.

What brought this book to three stars was Cantor. He was the only character that I could relate with, his being somewhat normal. I completely understood his insistence that Bridger was not his dragon. Why none of the other characters understood that is beyond me. ( I also liked Jesha, Bridger's cat). In the end, there were some laughs from situational comedy, and I think that tweens would love this story, I just could not get into it myself.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Rachel- Jill Eileen Smith

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Description: Can true love overcome a legacy of betrayal?

Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household. Leah wishes her father would find a good man who would love her alone. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery. The man who wanted only one woman ends up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband. In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . . or will she?

Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.

My Thoughts: Do to the subject of this story, I was certain that there would be some level of heart break. I was not really prepared for how much I became invested in Rachel and Leah's relationship. Not just because they were married to a patriarch, but because they were sisters struggling with the choices of themselves and others.

Through out the story, I could not help but picture my own sister and I in this situation. How would we handle all that happened to Leah and Rachel? While I am sure that we would have not taken the route of Leah, to be stuck in either her or Rachel's shoes after the fact was something to think about.

Honestly, my only complaint was that the story had a lot of gaps over the years. I would have liked to see more of the seven years that Jacob worked for Leah. I think it would have given a better understanding of why Leah was willing to hurt her sister as she had and also gamble her own happiness on her choice.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In The Shadow of Jezebel- Mesu Andrews

My Rating: 4 Stars

Description: Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this story. Finally being able to sort out how a few generations of Judah and Israel's kings is terribly awesome. After reading this, those few chapters in the Bible on King Ahaziah and this relatives at last make sense.

Outside of now being able to interpret a few chapters of 2 Kings, the story is great as well. The conflict between the characters is masterful and sucks you in. You really come to care for people who are ordinarily written off as the villain because Mesu makes them human and relatable.

The one draw back for me was how openly evil Athaliah was and how she got away with it so much. I know that she is his ima, but if I were Hazi, I would have deposed of her once she started to threaten to kill my sister.

Other than that, I loved these characters and wish that there were more books with them!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Merlin's Shadow- Robert Treskillard

My Rating: 4 Stars

Description: After destroying the sinister Druid Stone and freeing his people from its dark control, Merlin finds himself a royal advisor without a king. Along with his friend Garth, and Natalenya, his betrothed, Merlin treks north with the orphaned Arthur in hopes of keeping the young king safe from soldiers misled by their turncoat captain. As the threat on all their lives increases, Merlin discovers their only hope is sailing to the lands of eternal darkness, and once again cleansing the world from an ancient and powerful evil.

My Thoughts: At last able to see, Merlin must flee to protect his future king. But what he sees leaves him with little faith or hope. Every turn seems to bring about the victory of his enemies, of murder and thieves. And he fails to see where God is in it all. Something that many people feel in their own trials.

Along with the spiritual message, Merlin's Shadow contains adventures that will keep you turning the pages. Merlin must over come many challenges to fulfill his vow and protect those he cares for.

Perhaps my favorite part of this story was the villains. Each had a depth that brought the story to life and made their deeds believable. I especially loved Ganieda's story, when I at last found out who she was to be.

My one complaint was that some of the scenes did not flow well together. At times the grandfather spied on Merlin, which for the hero was a weeks time, but it seemed like only a few hours for the grandfather. I found this a bit confusing, though it did not hinder my understanding of the story.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

One Realm Beyond- Donita K. Paul

Description: Cantor D'Ahma waited his whole life for this day. Born with a gift to jump between worlds, the young realm walker is finally ready to leave his elderly mentor and accept his role as protector and defender of the realms. But mere hours after he steps through his first portal, Cantor discovers that his job will be more dangerous and difficult than he ever imagined. The realms are plagued with crime and cruelty, and even members of the once-noble Realm Walkers Guild can no longer be trusted. To make matters worse, his first assignment---finding a dragon to assist him on his quest---has led him to Bridger, who is clearly inept and won't leave him alone. With the help of his new friends Bixby and Dukmee, Cantor must uncover the secrets of the corrupt guild before they become too powerful to be stopped. But his skills aren't progressing as fast as he would like, and as he finds himself deeper and deeper in the guild's layers of deceit, Cantor struggles to determine where his true allegiance lies.


 My Thoughts: I can not wait to read this book. It sounds like so much fun, and I already know that Donita is an amazing author.

Bio: Donita K. Paul retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. She says, “I feel blessed to be doing what I like best.”

She mentors all ages, teaching teenagers and weekly adult writing workshops.

“God must have imprinted 'teacher' on me clear down to the bone. I taught in public school, then home schooled my children, and worked in private schools. Now my writing week isn’t very productive unless I include some time with kids.”

Her two grown children make her proud, and her two grandsons make her laugh.

You can learn more about Donita here.

And you can buy the book here. 

Check out other in the tour and see what they have to say:

  Julie Bihn 

  Keanan Brand

  Beckie Burnham  

Mike Coville  

Pauline Creeden 

  Vicky DealSharingAunt 

Carol Gehringer 

Rebekah Gyger  

Janeen Ippolito

  Jason Joyner 

Carol Keen 

  Krystine Kercher

  Emileigh Latham 

  Jennette Mbewe 

Shannon McDermott 

Meagan @ Blooming with Books 

  Melanie @ Christian Bookshelf Reviews 

Rebecca LuElla Miller 

Joan Nienhuis  

Nissa  

Donita K. Paul 

  Audrey Sauble 

Chawna Schroeder 

James Somers 

  Jojo Sutis 

  Jessica Thomas 

  Steve Trower 

  Shane Werlinger  

Jill Williamson 

Deborah Wilson

Outcasts- Jill Williamson

My Rating: 4 Stars

Description: The remnant from Glenrock is now living as rebels within the Safe Lands, looking for a way to find purpose in their lives. When a young rebel is murdered and his death points to a rebel leader, it's hard to know who to trust.

Levi tries to organize a plan to free the children and fights for respect as elder over those who'd rather go their own way. Omar tries to change his image of a traitor by donning a costume and going out into the night as a vigilante hero. And Mason stumbles onto a shocking secret about the Safe Lands meds, but his investigation just might get them all liberated.

My Thoughts: Outcasts offers a very real view of sibling rivalry and the temptations of the world. The oldest of four, I felt for each of these characters. Levi, who just wanted to protect his brothers. Omar, who did not want to live in Levi's shadow. And Mason, who wanted the freedom to choose his own path. I understood their pain because I saw a little of each of my siblings and my self in each of the brothers.

The world's temptations are difficult to fight, and the brothers show different was that temptations affect us. How they can ruin our lives. I liked that each brother struggled in his own way and that none are perfect.

I wish that Jill had gone more in depth with the science of the plague. As a medic, Mason should have had more to say about it. I also have to say that the "Owl" seemed silly to me. I would have preferred that he did something more along the lines of what Shay did (can't tell you what because that is a spoiler).

Still, I enjoyed the conflict the brothers and the world they have found themselves in. I can't wait for the next story.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet- Stephanie Morrill

My Rating: 4 Stars

Description: For once, Ellie Sweet has it all together. Her hair now curls instead of fuzzes, she’s tamed the former bad-boy, Chase Cervantes (she has, right?), and her debut novel will hit shelves in less than a year. Even her ex-friends are leaving her alone. Well, except for Palmer Davis, but it can’t be helped that he works at her grandmother’s nursing home.

Life should feel perfect. And yet, it’s not that easy. Ellie’s editor loves her, but the rest of the publishing biz? Not so much. And they’re not shy about sharing their distrust over Ellie’s unlikely debut.

Ellie has always been able to escape reality in the pages of her novel, but with the stress of major edits and rocky relationships, her words dry up. In fiction, everything always comes together, but in real life, it seems to Ellie that hard work isn’t always enough, the people you love can’t always be trusted, and the dream-come-true of publishing her book could be the biggest mistake she’s made yet.

My Thoughts: This book answered questions left from the first book, The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet. Does Ellie get away with the things she wrote about her classmates? Does she end up with Chase?

Just as with the first, I was drawn into Ellie's story and her dramatic high school career. I just was not able to connect with her as much as in the first. I am not published, nor have I dealt with much of the same things as she did in this novel.

Yet I still enjoyed reading it. If there happens to be a third, I will be sure to read it and get lost in another Ellie Sweet adventure.

Elusive Hope- MaryLu Tyndall

My Rating: 4 Stars

Description: In a colony named New Hope, while their friends are seeking a southern utopia...

Hayden is seeking revenge. Relentlessly.

After years of all but selling his soul to track down his scoundrel of a father, Hayden Gale discovers his search must continue in South America, where his father is reported to be helping colonize Brazil. Hayden has nothing more to lose, certainly not a good reputation, and vows to keep pursuing--at any cost--the vile man who he believes killed his mother.

Magnolia is seeking a way out. Desperately.

She's in the jungles of Brazil against her will, but what choice does Magnolia Scott have? Her father insisted on uprooting their family to escape the uncertainty of Southern life after the Civil War. But how will she survive without all she holds dear--wealthy suitors, beautiful clothes, summer balls, and slaves waiting on her every whim? She vows to find a way to get back home--and attaches herself to handsome Hayden Gale.

As they journey toward Rio de Janeiro, they each seek to use the other for their own purposes. Deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans....

My Thoughts: Amazingly, I have never read a novel set in the jungle before. I wish that I had. All of the flora and fauna made for a unique setting. I also enjoyed the supernatural elements, which have not played much into any of MaryLu's other series. I can't wait to see how that continues to unfold in the next book. The only thing I would have changed would have been to have the supernatural take more of a part in Hayden and Magnolia's story.

And speaking of their story, might I just say that it was rife with tension. There was bickering, attraction, and betrayal. What made it all the more interesting was that their fatal flaws were the other's most loathed vice. Hayden uses people, Magnolia has been used all her life and is tired of it. Magnolia lies to get what she wants, Hayden hates being lied to because it reminds him of his own faults. The conflict kept me enthralled and I could not put it down until I knew the end.


I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Cress- Marrissa Meyer

My Rating:  5 Stars

Description: Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

My Thoughts: Soo, I read it in a day. That's right, all 560 pages of it, because it was that amazing.

Usually, I am not much a fan of many different plot lines. However, Meyer managed to pull all of them together in a way that I loved. The plot lines did not feel like different stories, but parts of the same story perfectly woven together.

Cress was a great addition to the cast of characters, even though I do not know much about Rapunzel. And the end of the book! I did not want it to be the last page. I was far too into the story and things were going wonderfully. But then it ended, and now I must wait for Winter... At least I did not need to wait for February for Cress. ;)

The Sinner's Garden- William Sirls

My Rating: 5 Stars

Description: In a small town where hope and tragedy intermingle, things—and people—are not always what they seem.

Andy Kemp has suffered most of his life from both physical and emotional scars, and he believes that the scars on his face are proof that God doesn’t love him. Andy has grown into a withdrawn teenager, keeping to himself, until his uncle, ex-con Gerald Ripley, shows up and wants to be a mentor to Andy. Rip has turned his life around and wants to do everything he can to help mend Andy’s pain and the rift in his relationship with his sister.

Meanwhile, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering episode in one of the poorest homes in town. The masked man makes the sign of the cross, escapes, and Heather soon realizes that he has left $5,000 in gift cards to a local grocery store. As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy begins to hear strange and beautiful music, and Rip is convinced that he is hearing the voice of God.

As the lives and stories of the townspeople of Benning Township intertwine, extraordinary circumstances emerge and long-kept secrets are revealed.

My Thoughts: I think that my heart stopped for moment when I finished reading the prologue. And then I spent the next hour a bit depressed about it. I wish that I could say what happened, but that would ruin the effect.

God is everywhere and in every situation, a fact that is a tough pile to swallow. For anyone, but especially Andy. That message is powerful, and I loved how it was displayed in this book. Each of these characters could have been someone I knew. They lived in real life and had real problems. And God showed up in a miraculous way.

I find it a bit difficult to describe why I enjoyed this novel, other than to say that it gave me a lot to think about. And it reminded me to believe just a little bit more; in God, in prayer, and in miracles.

I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Burning Sky- Lori Benton

My Rating:  4.5 Stars

Description:  Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage--the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again.

My Thoughts:  I absolutely love books with Indians, so you can imagine how excited I was to see this book up for review. And completely met my expectations. Willa is a woman who spent twelve years with the Mohawks and during that time, she learned the good and the bad of both the reds and whites. Neil is a man who has suffered at the hands of the Indians, but still finds it in him to forgive. And Joseph...he won me over in the beginning just by being full blooded Indian and a possible love interest. I am shocked by how rarely that happens.

This book was beautifully depicted and immediately captivating. If not for school and work, I probably would have finished it in only a couple of days. You could feel the seasons and the dirt on Willa's skin. You felt her pain and the men's frustration. Lovely is the only way that I can describe it.

Toward the end I felt that it took a little too long to get to the resolution, but I loved it enough to continue on. Hopefully, Lori will have another book like coming soon.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.

Goddess Tithe- Anne Elisabeth Stengl

My Rating: 4 Stars

Description: THE VENGEFUL GODDESS DEMANDS HER TITHE

When a stowaway is discovered aboard the merchant ship Kulap Kanya, Munny, a cabin boy on his first voyage, knows what must be done. All stowaways are sacrificed to Risafeth, the evil goddess of the sea. Such is her right, and the Kulap Kanya's only hope to return safely home.

Yet, to the horror of his crew, Captain Sunan vows to protect the stowaway, a foreigner in clown's garb. A curse falls upon the ship and all who sail with her, for Risafeth will stop at nothing to claim her tithe.

Will Munny find the courage to trust his captain and to protect the strange clown who has become his friend?

My Thoughts: This story goes into one of Lionheart's adventures during his travels that is not described in the novels. Though it is told from Munny's perspective, Lionheart is a central character. The moment I realized that he was in this novella, I think I might have screamed... and scared my dog.

The new culture described in this novella, that of seafarers, was amazing and added a new depth to the world of The Tales of Goldstone World. The action was brilliant and some of Lionheart's comments were hilarious.

My one complaint was that it was not long enough. There were a few things that felt as though they should have been explained better or had their own plot twist (the peonies for example). Perhaps they will make an appearance in a later novel? (Looks as Anne Elisabeth in question).

A Bride for Keeps- Melissa Jagears

My Rating: 3 Stars

Description: Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won't humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again--not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She's the prettiest woman he's ever seen, and it's just not possible she's there to marry a simple homesteader like him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she's determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.

Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?

My Thoughts: I had thought for sure, by the description that I would love this novel. Mail-order bride stories always enthralled me, and this one had really good conflict between the characters, but nothing else. Everett and Julia had a lot to work through from their pasts in order to love each other. They both had fears and hurts to deal with.

Yet there was almost no outward conflict. From the first chapter, I thought there was a hint at a reappearance of Julia's past, but that never happened. And their current problems never boiled over. If either of these had happened, the novel would have been easily four stars, if not five. There were some other issues I wish had been addressed (like Rachel's meddling), but were of lesser importance.

Those who prefer a sweeter romance, with little external conflict, this book would be a keeper. The main characters were contently at odds and Everett was one of the most patient men I have ever read about.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Beloved- Robin Hatcher

My Rating: 3.5 Stars


Description:  Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for seven years, Diana's infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom. He agrees with one condition----she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

My Thoughts:  This was a sweet read. Tyson and Diana had a cute reunion. Really, everything was cute, from their parents to the pets. I kept reading because the relationships were beautiful. However, their was little excitement.

Of everything that happened, I continuously envisioned something grander. The villains and love rivals could have caused so much more damage to the main characters. If the situations had lived up to their potential, this novel could have been riveting, rather than cute.

I would still suggest this novel to anyone looking for an adorable romance. The writing was beautiful and I loved the characters. I just wish that their had been more of the adventure promised in the back cover copy.

I received a copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.


Robin Lee Hatcher is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Beloved, with an iPad Mini giveaway! 

 
  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 15th. Winner will be announced November 16th at Robin's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin's blog on the 16th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)!

Gunpowder Tea- Margaret Brownley

My Rating: 5 Stars


Description:In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

My Thoughts: I do not know just how to tell how much I loved this book. This novel had some of the best situational irony I have ever read. Two detectives who continuously get in each others way because they do not know the other is a detective. It was too funny.

Not only that, but the cast of characters was great. Everyone had their own personality, even the rarely mentioned ranch hands. And behind every character and suspicion lies a beautiful theme: "I once was blind, but now I see."

Annie and Branch are blinded by their assumptions and pasts. It keeps them from seeing what is right under their noses and what the future could bring. For private eyes, being blind can cost them their jobs... and their lives. But worse, it can cost them the plans God has for them.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Margaret Brownley's latest release, Gunpowder Tea, is receiving high praise, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a "Tea with Margaret" Facebook party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea with Margaret" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 7th. Connect with Margaret and friends for an evening of book chat, prizes, and get an exclusive look at Margaret's next book!

So grab your copy of Gunpowder Tea and join Margaret on the evening of November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 11/7!