Giver of Wonders by Roseanna M. White

Title: Giver of Wonders

Author: Roseanna M. White

Pages: 266

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?

     Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed…and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.

     Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires…and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.

     Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus’s father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.

     As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior’s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord’s greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others…and a centuries-long tradition will be born.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical fiction Christmas story!

     I was captivated by the first meeting we have with Cyprus Visibullis. She is a spunky girl who gets herself in trouble a few times in this book. It was upsetting to me to realize how daughters were viewed by their fathers. There were a number of times that I wanted to slap her father because of how he spoke to Cyprus and her sisters. I really liked how Cyprus and her two sisters stuck together and supported each other.

     I was fascinated by Nikolaos. He had such a solid relationship with God that I felt encouraged in my own relationship with Him. I had heard that Santa Claus was based on Saint Nicholas before. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the real man that evolved into Santa. I liked seeing the beginning of some of the traditions that began in other cultures too.

     I am giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

Title: Christmas in Winter Hill

Author: Melody Carlson

Narrated by: Marisa Blake

Length: 3 hours, 52 minutes

Year: 2019

Genre: Christmas Story

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Format: Audiobook (also available eBook and hardcover)

About the book:

     Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

     As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn’t always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, “Where’s the snow?” Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista’s Christmas spirit before the big day?

     Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you’ll never forget—and never want to leave.

My review:

     This is a charming small town Christmas story.

     I enjoyed getting to know Krista and her daughter Emily. They are working to adjust to their new life in Winter Hill when they move just before Thanksgiving. They have arrived just before the busiest time of the year in the small town. I liked seeing how some of the residents just opened their hearts and welcomed them in, befriending them from the first time they meet.

     I like the fact that Krista is willing to deal with hard issues at work to make things better for the small town and all of the residents. She stands up for what is right even though it brings difficulties for her personally.

     I really like the narrator and will be looking for more books that she has done. She changes her voice for the different characters which helps to follow the story. It isn’t drastic differences but it is noticeable.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars and recommending it.

The Blended Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

Title: The Blended Quilt 

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

Pages: 288

Release Date: November 1, 2020

Genre: Amish Romance

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:

     Will pursuing Sadie’s dreams mean leaving a romance behind?

     Sadie Kuhns has a lot happening in her life. She is creating a unique quilt by blending a traditional Amish pattern with a Hawaiian pattern as a tribute to her time spent in the islands, and she is working on a self-published book. But her relationship with Wyman Kauffman has stagnated after six months of courtship. He can’t seem to commit to a profession that would secure a future, and he is jealous of the time Sadie gives to her own pursuits. Is there really any reason to drag this courtship out? Only time will tell in this new novel from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, writing with her daughter-in-law Jean Brunstetter.

My review:

     This is a wonderful Amish fiction book.

     I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both Sadie Kuhns and Wyman Kaufman. They each have some personal problems that they need to work through. At the same time they are trying to figure out how to make a relationship with each other work. 

     The biggest question that they had to work out individually was sorting out their own priorities. Once they had that answered then they just needed to make each decision they were faced with based on that answer. This is a universal question that everyone has to deal with. I loved watching their growth as they processed it and figured out what mattered most in their lives.

     They each have a number of people surrounding them helping them grow. Some of them were only providing listening ears as they wrestled with their problems. I loved seeing the variety of people that were supporting them even while dealing with their own problems. This is truly what being part of a community is all about.

     I am giving this incredible book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely recommend it. Though it is not listed anywhere as a series. I think that it should be read after the 2 books in the Hawaiian Series: The Hawaiian Quilt and The Hawaiian Discovery. I wish that I had done so myself.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

To Steal a Heart (The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency #1) by Jen Turano

Title: To Steal a Heart (The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency #1)

Author: Jen Turano

Pages: 361

Release Date: November 17, 2020

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

About the book:

     After spending her childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. Using her old skills to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella unexpectedly encounters Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend—until he abandoned her.

     After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as his heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

     As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.

My review:

     This is a delightfully funny historical romance.

     I really enjoyed getting to know Gabriella Goodhue. She is a remarkably strong woman. She had a very difficult past that is presented throughout the book. I loved meeting her friends, most of whom are her fellow boarders at the boarding house on Bleeker Street.

     It was fun getting to know Nicholas Quinn too. I was really amused to see the relationship between Gabriella and Nicholas as it went through many changes over the course of the story.

     The cast of characters was large and the personalities were very different. There were a number of them with very different quirks that kept me entertained. The numerous antics came from the four legged characters as much as from the humans.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. It will be fun to see what is coming next for the ladies of Bleeker Street.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn

 

Title: Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy

Author: Janice Lynn

Narrated by: Rachel Jacobs and Alexander Cendese

Pages: 336

Length: 8 hours 17 minutes

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Genre: Christmas Romance

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing

Format: Audiobook (also available in paperback and eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook 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:

     When Sophie Davis sorts through a box of donated books to her church, she’s surprised to discover a soldier’s journal. As the daughter of a veteran who watched her father struggle over the years, she feels a deep connection to the man who wrote the emotional entries.

     Former Marine Cole Aaron battled to find peace after returning to civilian life. He’s always needs to protect others. Now, fighting fires in Pine Hill, Kentucky helps him put out the demons within him. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal from when he’d first returned stateside, Cole can’t believe it was in the box he’d donated. Not wanting to face painful memories, he tells her to trash it.

     Sophie and Cole are drawn together as they both volunteer for their community, but it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future. . .one touched by joy?

     This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.

My review:

     This is a delightful Christmas romance!

     I love both of the main characters. Cole and Sophie and incredibly well developed and easy to connect with. I love the fact that they were connected by veterans. Cole is a veteran with huge emotional wounds from his time in the military. Sophie on the other hand has many memories of her father, who was a veteran with huge emotional wounds.

     I loved seeing how their friendship developed. Sophie was doing all she could to befriend Cole while he was doing everything to prevent becoming her friend. There were many moments that had me laughing out loud while I was listening to this audiobook.

     I had never heard of the Quilts of Love Foundation before reading this wonderful story. It is a marvelous organization and Sophie is deeply involved in it. I learned a lot about it and the work that they do.

     The book is written from alternating viewpoints. It goes back and forth from Sophie to Cole. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that this audiobook has two narrators. They both did a wonderful job making the story come to life.

     I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have decided to give it a rating of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn

Title: Burden of Proof

Author: Davis Bunn

Pages: 320

Release Date: November 3, 2020

Genre: Intrigue

Publisher: Revell

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:

     Three weeks after his twenty-third birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother’s life when he was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become. His days play out a beat too slow, his mind replaying the scene of his failure again and again.

     But when his brother’s widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother’s death, Ethan is stunned to hear that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew—one that threatens the global power structure. As Ethan joins the search for answers, he will enter into his own past—and discover a means of redeeming his future.

     Bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn invites you into a world of intrigue as a man held captive by his failure learns how to move forward with hope.

My review:

     Slow start, but captivating once it’s going.

     Ethan Barrett was handed a very hard task to deal with, and to make others understand. He had great motivation to take it on with his displeasure with his own choices and how his life was going. He was living with a ton of regrets and had a chance to change some of them.

     There was a group of characters that he was able to bring in to help him. I enjoyed getting to know them and see how they interacted with each other throughout this book. It wasn’t easy on any of them and they each grew as the story progressed. I really like Hennie. He was very wise and shared his wisdom with Ethan.

     The beginning of this book took a little longer to lay the groundwork for the situation that Ethan was in then I’m used to. The plot was definitely intriguing and kept me engaged once it got going. There were a couple of points in the story when there was a very detailed scientific explanation that totally lost me. I struggled to get through them.

     I have decided to give this great book a rating of 5 stars. I’m sure that if you stick with it you will enjoy the ride. I definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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 Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson; Narrated by Kate Rudd

 

Title: The Cul-de-Sac War

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Narrator: Kate Rudd

Pages: 336

Duration: 8 hours 8 minutes

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Format: Audiobook (also available in paperback and eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook 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:

     All’s fair in love and prank wars.

     Bree Leake doesn’t want to be tied down. She’s had more jobs than she can count, and she plans to move as soon as the curtains fall on her less-than-minor stage role at The Barter—the oldest live performance theater in the US. But just when it’s time to move on again, Bree’s parents make her an offer: hold steady for a full year, and they will give her the one thing she’s always wanted—her grandmother’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her come curve balls.

     And then there’s Chip McBride—her handsome and infuriating next-door neighbor.

     Chip just might be the only person whose stubborn streak can match Bree’s. She would move heaven and earth to have him off her cul-de-sac and out of her life, but according to the bargain she’s struck, she can’t move out of her house and away from the man who’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast.

     Bree isn’t the only one who’s a tad competitive, and Chip is more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur—and their heated rivalry threatens to take a hilarious, heartwarming, and romantic new turn.

My review:

     I loved this wonderful romantic comedy!

     Both of the main characters are extremely well developed. They each have some self doubts. Most of them are connected to family issues. I enjoyed seeing their growth by the end of the book as they dealt with their families.

     Then there is a large dog that throws in a lot of hilarious moments and initiates the conflict between Bree and Chip. The ideas that they both come up with for pranks to pull on each other are amazing. I wouldn’t want to live by either of them and have them decide to prank me.

     Add to that the problems that they are both dealing with in the jobs and I found this book to be very entertaining.

     The narrator did a fabulous job of making the story come to life. She was a lot of fun to listen to because she managed to sound different for each character when they were speaking. Alternating chapters are written from the viewpoint of Bree and Chip. That means that she had to speak from two distinctly different voices for large portions of the book. It was incredible. I will be looking for more audiobooks that she has narrated.

     I’m giving this marvelous 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 or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree (Piper Green #1) by Ellen Potter; Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

Title: Piper Green and the Fairy Tree (Piper Green #1)

Author: Ellen Potter

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Pages: 112

Duration: 56 minutes

Year: 2015

Genre: Beginning Reader Chapter Book

Publisher: Knopf Books (print)

      Live Oak Media (audiobook)

Format: audiobook (also available in paperback and eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook 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:

     There are three things you should know about Piper Green:

1. She always says what’s on her mind (even when she probably shouldn’t).

2. She rides a lobster boat to school.

3. There is a Fairy Tree in her front yard.

     Life on an island in Maine is always interesting. But when a new teacher starts at Piper’s school—and doesn’t appreciate the special, um, accessory that Piper has decided to wear—there may be trouble on the horizon. Then Piper discovers the Fairy Tree in her front yard. Is the Fairy Tree really magic? And can it fix Piper’s problems?

My review:

     This is a delightful beginning readers chapter book!

     I loved Piper. She is a charming character and very open about her thoughts and feelings. She is dealing with a difficult change at home. No one seems to understand though. I thoroughly enjoyed how she learned to adjust to it.

     The narrator did a wonderful job. The wide variety of voices she used really made the story come to life. I am amazed that she not only changed from men to women, but also from adults to children.

     I’m giving this sweet book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. In fact I think I will be buying it for some of my grandchildren.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

What You Said to Me (Tree of Life #4) by Olivia Newport

Title: What You Said to Me (Tree of Life #4)

Author: Olivia Newport

Pages: 256

Release Date: November 1, 2020

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.

     When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past.

My review:

     This is a fantastic duel-time novel.

     At the beginning of the book I was very frustrated with Tisha and her attitude. I completely related with Jillian on how she viewed her. As the story progressed I found that I was able to connect with Tisha also.

     I loved the historical sections of this book. I felt so bad for Clifford Brandt and his daughter Missouri. I never knew anything about the silver mining in Colorado and how it ended. Now I am very curious and want to look into the history of 1893.

     Throughout the book I was captivated by the thought that the two seemingly separate storylines would have to connect in some way. It was incredible when the connection was revealed.

     I really hope that the author writes more books in this series. I’m giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I do suggest that this series be read in order. There are things in Jillian’s life that progress and are discussed in later books that begin in the early ones.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

Heart of a Princess (Daughters of Peverell #2) by Hannah Currie

 

Title: Heart of a Princess (Daughters of Peverell #2)

Author: Hannah Currie

Pages: 257

Release Date: July 15, 2020

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Princess Story

Publisher: WhiteSpark Publishing

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     To the watching world, Princess Alina has it all — maids to serve her, a kingdom to revere her, a prince to marry her, and a wardrobe filled with enough frills, flounces and shades of pink to rival a flower shop. But behind the smiles and designer clothes, Alina has a secret. She’s barely holding it together.

     After a moment of panic almost ends in tragedy, Alina is sent to a refuge far from the palace to recuperate. Her family claim it’s for her own good but — faced with cows, knife-beaked ducks and far too many of her own insecurities — Alina is pretty sure it will kill her first. And Joha Samson, infuriating man that he is, will laugh as it does.

     Only there’s more to Joha than she realizes, and more to herself too. When the time comes to make a stand, will she find the courage?

My review:

     This is an amazing contemporary romance, princess story!

     I went through so many different emotions reading this book. I was angry at, and frustrated with, a number of the characters at different times. My heart broke for all of the doubts and anxieties that Alina felt. I loved the simple acceptance that she found from many of the people at The Well.

     I was completely caught up in this story. I kept rooting for Alina to find her way to a place where she was at peace and comfortable with her life.

     I loved this story and will be looking for more books by this author.

Dead-End Detective (Piper and Porter Mystery #1) by Amanda Flower

Title: Dead-End Detective (Piper and Porter Mystery #1)

Author: Amanda Flower

Narrator: Laura Faye Smith

Pages: 227

Length: 7 hours

Release Date: August 25, 2020

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing (book) Dreamscape (audio)

Format: audiobook (also available in paperback and eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook 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:

     They were the Two Girls Detective Agency. Now, one of them is dead, and the other is suspected of murder. Darby Piper is in shock. Samantha Porter—her mentor and business partner at Two Girls Detective Agency—has died in a car crash, and it doesn’t look like an accident. In fact, evidence is pointing toward Darby. Darby had expected to inherit Samantha’s half of the agency, but Samantha had recently changed the will to leave it to Tate Porter, her nephew, who returns to town. Tate is no P.I. He’s a veteran, a world traveler, and something of a mystery himself. But as he helps Darby delve into secret histories and real estate development plans, he does seem to have a knack for the job. Will the agency have a future. . .even it Darby can prove her innocence in time?

My review:

This is a wonderful cozy mystery!

I really like both of the main characters. Both Darby and Tate are very well developed. Then there is a whole cast of supporting characters. Some of them have some definite quirks that make them very fun to meet. One of my favorites has to be Darby’s mother, the librarian. I loved how she was always encouraging everyone to read.

The mystery is very well crafted. Plenty of twists and turns. Enough suspects to keep the reader guessing. Then a revelation very near the end of the book that completely caught me by surprise.

The narrator was absolutely fabulous! She did an incredible job of switching voices and accents as each character was talking. I was amazed at how well she did then voices of the men too. She truly made the story come to life. I hope that she narrates a lot more audiobooks.

I am giving this marvelous story a rating of 5 stars both for the story and for the narration. 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 or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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 Red Ribbon (True Colors Series) by Pepper Basham

 

Title: The Red Ribbon (True Colors Series)

Author: Pepper Basham

Pages: 256

Release Date: October 1, 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of the 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:

     An Appalachian feud blows up in 1912.

     Step into True Colors — a new series of historical stories of romance and American crime.

     In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned.

     The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

My review:

     This is a marvelous fictional story of a true crime.

     I made one slight mistake at the very beginning. I read the cast of characters given before the story begins. I then found myself trying to remember each one. As soon as I realized that and let go of those details I was sucked into the story very quickly.

     I absolutely loved both Ava and Jeremiah. They are incredibly well developed and their history, individually and as friends, is slowly revealed. My heart broke for Ava and all the heartache she suffered as a girl. I was so glad she had Jeremiah, and others, as friends through all of it.

     All of the anger and violence that flows through the plot put me in mind of the old Hatfield-McCoy feud. It was entertaining to read but I definitely wouldn’t want to be around it.

     I’m giving this wonderful 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 or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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 Table (Christmas Hope #10) by Donna VanLiere

 

Title: The Christmas Table (Christmas Hope #10)

Author: Donna VanLiere

Pages: 240

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Genre: Holiday Story

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Format: eBook (also available in 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:

     In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife Joan a kitchen table. His largest project to date had been picture frames but he promises to have the table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the table Joan turns to her mother’s recipes she had given to Joan when she and John married.

     In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she’s pregnant. Gloria, Miriam, and the rest of her friends at Glory’s Place begin to pitch in, helping Lauren prepare their home for the baby. On a visit to the local furniture builder, Lauren finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once home, a drawer is discovered under the table which contains a stack of recipe cards. Growing up in one foster home after another, Lauren never learned to cook and is fascinated as she reads through the cards. Personal notes have been written on each one from the mother to her daughter and time and again Lauren wonders where they lived, when they lived, and in a strange way, she feels connected to this mother and her daughter and wants to make the mother proud.

     The story continues back and forth from 1972 to 2012 as Joan battles breast cancer and Lauren learns to cook, preparing for the baby’s arrival. As Christmas nears, can Lauren unlock the mystery of the table, and find the peace she’s always longed for?

My review:

     This is a delightful holiday story.

     The story takes place in two different years, 1972 and 2012. The situation in each on is very different. They are both incredibly easy to immerse yourself in. The characters in both years were easy to connect with. At times throughout the book my heart broke for what was going on. Other times I was filled with joy.

     The story makes we wish I lived in a small town like Grandon. It is wonderful how everyone works together to help whoever needs it.

     I’m giving this wonderfully emotional 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 or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

A Viscount's Proposal (The Regency Spies of London #2) by Melanie Dickerson

 

Title: A Viscount’s Proposal (The Regency Spies of London #1)

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Narrator: Anna Parker-Naples

Pages: 288

Length: 8 hours, 25 minutes

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Waterfall Press (print & eBook)

      Brilliance Audio (audiobook)

Format: Audiobook (also available in eBook and paperback)

About the book:

     Leorah Langdon has no patience for Regency society’s shallow hypocrisy and unnecessary rules, especially for women. She’s determined to defy convention by marrying for grand passion instead of settling for a loveless union like her parents—or wedding a stuffy, pompous gentleman like Edward, the Viscount Withinghall. But when a chance meeting in the countryside leads to Leorah and Withinghall being discovered in his overturned carriage—alone and after dark—the ensuing gossip may force them together.

     Withinghall has his reasons for clinging to propriety; his father perished in a duel with his mistress’s husband, and Edward must avoid scandal himself if he wants to become prime minister. He certainly has no time for a reckless hoyden like Miss Langdon. But soon the two discover that Withinghall’s coach “accident” was no such thing: the vehicle was sabotaged.

     Can the culprit be brought to justice? Strong-willed Leorah and duty-driven Withinghall will have to work together if they have any hope of saving her reputation, his political career—and his life.

My review:

     This is a fantastic historical romance.

     I love both of the main characters in this book. Leorah and Edward learn a lot about themselves and how they should treat others as the story progresses. This all happens as they each learn how to see beyond the faults of the other person, to their strengths.

     Thrown into the middle of the romance is a wonderful light mystery. There are a number of clues as to who is trying to kill Lord Withinghall. We only find out what the motive is very near the end of the book.

     The narrator for this book did an excellent job of making the story come alive. The various voices and intonations she used are great.

     I’m giving this delightful audiobook 5 stars on both the story and the narration. I highly recommend it.