An Elegant Facade (Hawthorne House #2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: An Elegant Facade (Hawthorne House #2)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 369

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Bethany House

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 of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.

     With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he’s irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.

     What Colin doesn’t know is that Georgina’s desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina’s plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make.

My review:

     This is an extremely funny historical romance!

     I love reading books by this author. She is one of my go-to writers when I need something lighthearted and good for a laugh. This book definitely delivered on the laughter side. At the same time there was a side that caused me to think whenever Lady Georgina’s difficulty came into play.

     I had gotten into the story quite aways before it became apparent that she had an actual problem that she was working to hide. Until then she just made me angry with her seemingly self centered attitude. Many times early on I just wanted to shake her and tell her that the world didn’t revolve around her.

     I loved getting to see how the Hawthorne family was doing. It was nice seeing the final part of the previous book from a different character’s perspective. Since the two books overlapped there really wasn’t any lapse in the family progression. We did get a very nice look at the family dynamics and how the siblings relate to with each other, especially Georgina, the younger daughter.

     I have to give this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I just wish I had had time to read it sooner. The plus side of that is that the rest of the series is already written. 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.*

The White City (True Colors Series) by Grace Hitchcock

Title: The White City (True Colors Series)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Pages: 256

Year: 2019

Genre: Romantic Mystery

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 of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

Mysterious Disappearance Tain the Chicago World’s Fair

Step Into True Colors — a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

     While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman for bodyguard.

     Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

My review:

     This is an amazing mystery!

     I absolutely love both Winnifred Wylde and Jude Thorpe! They are incredible characters and I connected with both of them from the very beginning.

     The plot of this book is fantastic! I was caught up in the mystery and kept trying to figure out all of the details. I lost track of how many times I readjusted my thinking about who the culprit was and how the crimes were being committed.

     The details of the World’s Fair were great. I actually found myself looking for a book with pictures from it so that I could see what was being described. 

     I will definitely be looking for any future books by this author. I’m so glad that I started with her debut novel. I won’t have to be trying to catch up.

     This wonderful book is getting a 5 star rating from me. 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.*

The Inn at Hidden Run (Tree of Life #1) by Olivia Newport

Title: The Inn at Hidden Run (Tree of Life #1)

Author: Olivia Newport

Pages: 256

Year: 2019

Genre: Duel-Time Novel

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

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 of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees

     Meri’s family has been producing doctors for so many generations that no one remembers why, so when she flunks out of medical school, she runs as far from her parents as she can get. In the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. And waits. It’s only a matter of time.

     What she doesn’t count on is genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, having her back when it takes everything she has not to bolt again but to stay and face the truth that only unfolding her family’s history will reveal. While Nolan works on keeping Meri calm—and in town—Jillian pulls out of her gems of information she doesn’t know she has and arranges the puzzle pieces.

     But none of that changes the fact Meri’s family is closing in to haul her back to her “real” life. When their arrival inflames tensions and Meri finally does bolt, Nolan and Jillian may be out of time.

     The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.

My review:

     This is an incredible duel-time novel!

     I was caught up in Meri’s story and wanted to find out what the bottom line problem was in her family relationships. She was very well developed and my heart went out to her from very early in the story.

     I was absolutely fascinated by the historical portion of this book. It was set in 1878 Memphis, Tennessee, during the Yellow Fever epidemic. The amount of details given about what life was like for those who lived through it is amazing. This was a historical event that I knew nothing about. I was horrified to think about the terror people lived with and the conditions surrounding them. 

     I love it when an author can teach me history in such an enjoyable way. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

     I am definitely giving this wonderful book a 5 star rating and 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.*

The Christmas Star (Christmas Hope #9) by Donna VanLiere

Title: The Christmas Star (Christmas Hope #9)

Author: Donna VanLiere

Pages: 240

Year: 2018

Genre: Holiday Romance

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback and hardcover)

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

About the book:

     From the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series comes another heartwarming, inspirational story for the holidays.

     Thirty-two-year-old Amy Denison volunteers at Glory’s Place, an after school program where she meets seven-year-old Maddie, a precocious young girl who has spent her childhood in foster care. Unbeknownst to Amy, Maggie is a mini-matchmaker, with her eye on just the right man for Amy at Grandon Elementary School, where she is a student. Amy is hesitant - she’s been hurt before, and isn’t sure she’s ready to lose her heart again - but an unexpected surprise makes her reconsider her lonely lifestyle.

     As Christmas nears and the town is blanketed in snow and beautiful decorations, Maddie and the charming staff at Glory’s Place help Amy to see that romance can be more than heartache and broken promises.

     In The Christmas Star, Donna VanLiere delivers yet another sweet, joyous story that is sure to capture readers’ hearts.

My review:

     This is a delightful holiday romance!

     I love the cast of characters in this book. They talk a lot about a family being made up of a group of friends that you love. By the end of this book I felt like they were my family too.

     I thoroughly enjoyed how the kids that go to Glory’s Place after school are included in the lives of the adults. Maddie is my favorite on of the children and the characters in general.

     This charming 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.*

Unscripted by Davis Bunn

Title: Unscripted

Author: Davis Bunn

Pages: 368

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Genre: Contemporary Story

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 of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Young line producer Danny Byrd is well-known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner—and former best friend—makes off with their investors’ money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

     LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to her impossible bosses only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it—even though she’s not entirely clear what “it” is.

     Danny and Megan are each other’s best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other’s best hope for love.

     Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn takes you into the beating heart of Hollywood with two characters determined to thrive in a cutthroat business.

My review:

     WOW! This is an extremely deep contemporary novel!

     I was drawn into the lives of the people in this story from the very beginning. Their personalities are so varied that I was caught up trying to understand each of them and their emotions throughout the book. I loved the way that the core group of characters had each other’s backs and were working together to pull off an amazing feat.

     I was fascinated with the descriptions of film making. It gave me a glimpse at the world behind the shows and movies that I’ve seen. I also was caught up in the legal meetings and all the details involved with them.

     I love it when a book touches me emotionally to the point that I’m reaching for tissues. This wonderful book has done that.

     I barely finished this book and jumped online to order a copy to give to one of my daughters that I thought would love it. I absolutely have to give it a 5 star rating. 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.*

The Alamo Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #7) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Title: The Alamo Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #7)

Author: Kathleen Y'Barbo

Pages: 256

Year: 2019

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. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

Will Ellis Lose All at the Alamo?

     Ellis Dumont finds a man in New Orleans Gray unconscious on Dumont property in 1836. As his fevers rage, the man mutters strange things about treasures and war. Either Claiborne Gentry has lost his mind or he’s a spy for the American president—or worse, for the Mexican enemy that threatens their very lives. With the men of her family away, Ellis must stand courageous and decide who she can trust. Will she put her selfish wants ahead of the future of the republic or travel with Clay to Mission San Jose to help end the war?

My review:

     This is a captivating historical romance!

     I love both of the main characters in this book. Ellis fascinated me. She had been trained by her mother as a healer. She was strong and resilient. She was willing to help anyone in need whether they were friend or foe. Clay Gentry is a little more difficult to understand since he has lost his memory. He doesn’t even understand himself and because of that I kept wanting to see him remember and stand up for what was right.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that one of the things that connected Ellis and Clay was the fact that they had memorized the same verse of scripture. Many times throughout the book this verse came up and it helped them both stay focused on God and His care for them.

     I was totally caught up in this story. I have to give it a rating of 5 stars. I’m 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.*

Diamond in the Rough (American Heiresses #2) by Jen Turano

Title: Diamond in the Rough (American Heiresses #2)

Author: Jen Turano

Pages: 349

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Genre: Historical Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Bethany House

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 of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     When Miss Poppy Garrison accepts her grandmother’s offer of financial help for her family in exchange for Poppy joining the New York social season, she quickly realizes she is far less equipped to mingle with the New York Four Hundred than even she knew. As she becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, becoming the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs her to be looks more impossible by the day.

     Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, is in New York to help his cousin find an American heiress who can help save his family’s estate. But when his very proper British manners lead Poppy’s grandmother to request he teach etiquette to Poppy, he quickly finds himself in for much more than he bargained for.

     And while they couldn’t be more opposite, Reginald and Poppy just might find they have more to teach each other than they ever could have expected.

My review:

     This is an absolutely hysterical historical romantic comedy!

     This wonderful story can easily be renamed Poppy’s Madcap Adventures. It kept me laughing from start to finish.

     I fell in love with Poppy and her unconventional way of moving through high society from the beginning. Reading the reactions of “proper” society people was just as amusing. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how many of the other characters developed and came into their own as the story progressed.

     It wouldn’t be a Jen Turano novel if there weren’t high society ladies carrying around pistols. I love how she always manages to write such quirky characters that it fits with the story though. The other tidbit that I’ve come to expect from this author are funny animal scenes. In this story they were at least about typical household pets.

     If you are in need of a good laugh you don’t need to look any further. This wonderful book is getting a rating of 5 stars from me. 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.*

Until the Mountains Fall (Cities of Refuge #3) by Connilyn Cossette

Title: Until the Mountains Fall (Cities of Refuge #3)

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Pages: 352

Year: 2019

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

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 of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband’s brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protection of her father, Kedesh’s head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

     Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother’s death would mean wedding her. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with war looming over Israel, Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

     As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from within and without Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek!

My review:

     This is a wonderful biblical novel!

     The characters in this book are incredible. The author has done a fabulous job of developing them. Many times I found myself talking to Rivkah. I was desperately trying to help her make smarter choices.

     This book is set in Israel during the years just after Joshua died. The time period and how the Cities of Refuge were run came to life for me. I have read the Old Testament a few times. This book helped me to see more fully the slippery slope into idolatry that Israel traveled down.

     I’m giving this marvelous story 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.*

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Title: Deadly Intentions

Author: Lisa Harris

Pages: 322

Release Date: August 6, 2019 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim’s husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

     Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn’s theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife’s life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn’s team—and what their end game is—before it’s too late.

     In this nail-biting thriller, award-winning author Lisa Harris will have you believing that there’s no such thing as random.

My review:

     This is an intricately woven romantic suspense novel!

     I fell in love with both of the main characters. They are very well developed and presented. They both have a lot of emotional hurt that they are carrying. Caitlyn’s wounds came as a child. Josh’s heart was broken in the beginning of the book when his wife was brutally murdered.

     The plot is wonderful. It is filled with lots of twists and turns that kept my interest. Life interrupted my reading time but I HAD to come back every time I had a few minuted. The story stayed in my head and the plot kept me trying to figure things out even when I didn’t have time to read.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that both Caitlyn and Josh repeatedly thought about God and were trying to figure out how their situations could be in God’s plan and how they could trust Him to get them through it.

     This wonderful book is getting a 5 star rating from me. 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.*