Camp Club Girls: Bailey by Linda Carlblom

Title: Camp Club Girls: Bailey

Author: Linda Carlblom

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 1, 2019

Genre: Pre-teen Mysteries

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

GET A CLUE WITH THE CAMP CLUB GIRLS!

     Join Bailey and the Camp Club Girls as they embark on a series of clue-filled adventures and crack the case in this entertaining and action-packed 4-in-1 mystery collection.

     What’s the meaning of the mysterious messages beneath happy sheep coats at the Curly Q ranch? The Camp Club Girls are determined to uncover the close as they investigate a strange string of events. Will the girls discover the whereabouts of eccentric millionaire Marshall Gonzalez?

     Why are wild elk running amok in Estes Park? During a stay at the historic Stanley Hotel, Bailey and Kate encounter out-of-control stampedes that put the townsfolk and tourists in danger. Will the Camp Club Girls uncover the reason behind the unusual elk behavior before someone gets hurt?

     Are the rumors surrounding a valuable turquoise mine true? When Bailey and Elizabeth travel to a Native American village in New Mexico to help out a distant cousin and her children in their pottery shop during the busy tourist season, mysterious rumors begin to stir. The Camp Club Girls have their suspicions about rightful ownership of the mine, but will they be able to prove it?

     Who’s responsible for the peril at Mermaid Park? When Bailey and Sydney are invited to spend part of the summer with Bailey’s grandmother in Florida, both girls are fascinated by the local attraction—Mermaid Park. When curious and frightening events begin to take place, will the Camp Club Girls solve the mystery and save the park before time runs out?

My review:

     This is a collection of four wonderful pre-teen mysteries.

     I loved reading all of these mysteries with Bailey Chang as the central, connecting element in them. In each one she is joined by one of her friends from camp. Once they come across a mystery they bring the rest of the group in by phone to help solve it.

     I thoroughly enjoy the fact that each girl has a special interest and ability that they use to help the group out.

     The four mysteries are very different from each other and they all held my attention. One of my favorite things about these stories is the fact that the girls pray, asking God for guidance and protection.

     This delightful book is getting a rating of 5 stars from me. I am definitely recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Sky Above Us (Sunrise at Normandy #2) by Sarah Sundin

Title: The Sky Above Us (Sunrise At Normandy #2)

Author: Sarah Sundin

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

About the book:

     Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

     Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

     Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can’t stay buried forever.

     Bestselling author Sarah Sundin returns readers to the shores of Normandy, this time in the, as the second Paxton brother prepares to face the past—and the most fearsome battle of his life.

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!

     The characters are extremely well developed. I connected with both Adler and Violet very quickly. They were both on journeys learning to trust God. They each had a great friend that supported and encouraged them.

     I was captivated by the story from the beginning. The period of WWII leading up to D-day is very compelling. It is hard facts to read about with all the lives lost on both sides. Yet I’m drawn to keep the history alive about what all the troops, in all branches of the service when through. This book did a marvelous job of that.

     The connection between this book and the first book in the series is fantastic. I love the way the author is presenting the three brother, their pasts, and the presence. I’m really looking forward to the third book, Clay’s story. The wait for it to come out is going to be hard.

     I have to give this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars. I am definitely highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years #1) by Jan Karon

Title: At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years #1)

Author: Jan Karon

Time: 19 hours, 20 minutes

Year: Print - 1994, Audio - 1996

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Format: Audio book (also available in paperback and eBook)

About the book:

     It’s easy to feel at home in Mitford, North Carolina. In these high, green hills, the air is pure, the village is charming, and the people are friendly. Yet, Father Tim, the bachelor rector, wants something more. Enter a dog the size of a sofa who moves in and won’t go away. Add an attractive neighbor who begins wearing a path through the hedge. Now, stir in a lovable but unloved boy, a mystifying jewel theft, and a secret that’s sixty years old. Suddenly, Father Tim gets more than he bargained for. And readers get a rich comedy about ordinary people and their ordinary lives.

My review:

     This is a charming look at small town life.

     I love the characters in this book. There is a wonderful variety among them. Many of them have very unusual quirks that kept me chuckling.

     The story spans a little over a year in the lives of the residents of Mitford. I thoroughly enjoyed the everyday life element. Most of it is just common occurrences. Then there will a be a notable event that takes place. The book just flows back and forth as time passes.

     The narrator did a magnificent job of making the story come to life. He didn’t just read the book. The various voices and accents he used for the different characters was incredible. It was very easy to tell when a different one was talking.

     I have decided that I have to give this charming book a rating of 5 stars. I’m highly recommending it.

A Search for Refuge (Haven Manor #0.5) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: A Search for Refuge (Haven Manor #0.5)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 129

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook

About the book:

     Margaretta Fortescue desperately needs to disappear from London society, and her only hope is to follow the rumors of another young woman who recently made a life for herself away from the glare of society. Her search leads her to the market town of Marlborough where, in spite of her efforts to avoid attention, she can’t seem to elude local solicitor, Nash Banfield.

     All Nash wants is a quiet, sedate life—no risks or surprises. When Margaretta, clearly on the run and unwilling to answer questions, interrupts his solitude, his curiosity and his principles won’t let him leave this determined woman without assistance.

     But will the truth of what Margaretta is running from be worth finally opening his heart up to a chance at love?

My review:

     This is a wonderful introduction to a new historical romance series!

     I love the main characters in this novella. Margaretta and Nash are extremely well developed. They are each dealing with very real emotional issues.

     I love the fact that they have both found a true friend in Mrs. Lancaster. She is the stalwart support and encouragement that everyone needs when they are going through intensely difficult times.

     I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

     I’m giving this charming story a rating of 5 stars. I’m definitely recommending it.

The Cumberland Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #5) by Shannon McNear

Title: The Cumberland Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #5)

Author: Shannon McNear

Pages: 256

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Thomas Bledsoe and Kate Gruener are traveling the Wilderness Road when conflicts between natives and settlers reach a peak that will require each of them to tap into a well of courage.

     In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness to farm untouched land, Kate is eager to live out her own story of adventure like he did during the War for Independence and see untamed lands. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas’s job is to get settlers safely across the Kentucky Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naive Kate’s inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict. Is there more to Thomas’s story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?

My review:

     I was captivated by this wonderful historical romance!

     The development of the characters was incredible. I felt an almost immediate connection with Kate as the book started off with her sneaking away to do something she had been told was a waste of time. She was writing down stories she had been told. I have always loved to “waste” time in reading.

     Thomas was torn between two lifestyles and two families. This really captured my interest and held it as he was trying to figure out where he fit in. It can be a very difficult journey to take for many different reasons.

     I loved all of the details given for how life was lived on the frontier in the 1790s. It was very interesting to read about the conflict between the Shawnee Indians and the settlers. 

     I am giving this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Taken in Texas (McKade's Law #4) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Taken in Texas (McKade’s Law #4)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 224

Release Date: February 5, 2019 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     A cowboy protector from her past.

     Working her first case as deputy sheriff with her ex-boyfriend, Detective Cord Goodwin, Kendall McKade is determined to track the kidnappers—even if it makes her a target. Desperate to find the abducted victim, his aunt, Cord must keep Kendall safe. . .while also caring for his recently orphaned nephew. Teaming up threatens to rekindle Cord and Kendall’s relationship, but first they must solve a life-threatening mystery.

My review:

     This romantic suspense novel is an incredible adrenaline rush!

     I loved this final visit to Trail’s End Ranch. It was great seeing what is going on with the main characters from the first 3 books now that their lives have settled down. I’m so happy that Kendall got her own story. She has been so helpful in the previous books. Now I know what happened that made her decide that she was going to remain single.

     It was also wonderful getting to know Cord and his nephew Lucas. They are dealing with so much pain and heartache. They were definitely in need of the loving McKade family coming around them to help them deal with things.

     The journeys that Kendall, Cord, and Lucas have to take to learn to let go of things and trust God were fantastic. I was able to learn some things along with them.

     The plot of the mystery was thrilling. It kept me guessing throughout the book. I had to take a few breaks to calm down because I was so caught up in it.

     This fantastic book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I am highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*