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.

A Haven for Her Heart (Redemption's Light #1) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: A Haven for Her Heart (Redemption’s Light #1)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 368

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

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:

     Homeless after being released from a women’s reformatory in 1939 Toronto, Olivia Rosetti is taken in by an angel of mercy, Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful past and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

     Despite the success of the home, Olivia is haunted by her inhumane treatment at the reformatory and the way her newborn son was taken from her. She feels undeserving of love—until she meets businessman Darius Reed. Although his attention makes her heart soar, he can never learn of her past.

     Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother. He’ll ensure her future by marrying a woman from a respected Toronto family. But when Darius meets Olivia, he’s immediately drawn to her beauty and compassion.

     Can love prove stronger than prejudice and past mistakes? Or will Olivia’s secrets destroy any chance at a future together?

My review:

     This is a very deep, thought provoking historical romance.

     Both Olivia and Darius are incredibly well developed and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both of them. The heartaches that they each carried into the beginning of their relationship were palpable. I desperately wanted each of them to grow past the pain and reach a place where they weren’t bogged down by it. 

     I love the fact that they both included times of prayer and seeking God to help them on their journey. It was wonderful to see them both talk with older adults to help with the process also.

     The subject matter of this book is much heavier than any book that the author previously wrote. She has done a marvelous job of handling it throughout the story.

     I’m 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 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 Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis

 

Title: The Stone Wall

Author: Beverly Lewis

Pages: 352

Release Date: September 8, 2020

Genre: Amish Fiction

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:

     Anna is eager to begin a new chapter in her life as a Lancaster County tour guide in the picturesque area where her Plain grandmother once stayed. Anna wishes she could talk with her grandmother about those long-ago days, but the elderly woman suffers from Alzheimer’s, and beyond a vague hint about an old stone wall, much about that time is a mystery. Thankfulls, Martin Nolt, a handsome Mennonite, takes the young Beachy Amish woman under his wing for her training, familiarizing her with the many local highlights, including Peaceful Meadows Horse Retreat, which serves children with special needs. The retreat’s mission so inspires Anna that she returns to volunteer, and she quickly strikes up a friendship with Gabe Allgyer, the young Amish widower who manages it.

     As Anna grows closer to both Martin and Gabe, she finds herself faced with a difficult choice—one in potential conflict with the expectations of her parents. Will Anna find true love and the truth about her grandmother’s past in Lancaster County? Or will she find only heartbreak.

My review:

     This is an amazing story about the plain people!

     I love the fact that this book includes characters from three distinctive religious groups that are part of the plain people community. They included the Old Order Amish, the Beachy Amish, and the Mennonites. I was fascinated by how the different ones interacted with each other. I had never before realized that there more than one different Amish groups. I love it when I learn something like this from a novel.

     The characters are incredibly well developed. Anna Beachy is the central character. She has moved to Strasburg to stay with distant cousins while she seeks God’s guidance for her life. Periodically throughout the book we have short looks at her grandmother, Mammi Eliza, who stayed in Strasburg to help her great aunt, 70 years before. I absolutely love Anna. She is so sweet to everyone she meets.

     One of the sweetest characters though is little Emmie. Anna meets her when she starts volunteering at a horse riding therapy facility. I truly enjoyed reading how the therapy sessions were handled. It was fascinating.

     There were a number of very emotionally intense moments in this book. One of the recurring themes was dealing with elderly relatives whose memories are failing. My heart broke for all of the characters who were dealing with this.

     The key throughout the book was having a relationship with God. Along with that is the question of how do you know His will for your life.

     I’m giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I’m so glad that I have gone back to reading something by this author. It has been way too long since I have done so.

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.*