Once Upon a Dickens Christmas (3 Novellas) by Michelle Griep

Title: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas (3 Novellas)

Author: Michelle Griep

Pages: 450

Year: 2019

Genre: Victorian Christmas Romances

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:

     Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

     Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

A Tale of Two Hearts

     Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?

The Old Lace Shop

     Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

My review:

     This book includes 3 Novellas. There were a few common things running from story to story. I enjoyed watching for them. The main one was the fact that in one way or another Charles Dickens is spoken of or actually appears in each one of them. That made for a fun point to keep my eye out for.

     Each of these Novellas is a wonderful Victorian Christmas romance!

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

     This book is filled with well developed and very strange characters. I love the two main ones, Clara and Ben. As we get to know them as well as the rest of the assorted house guests at Bleakly Manor a mystery starts to present itself. 

     Clara and Ben are the only two that know each other before arriving at the manor. It was interesting to see how their past affects their stay at the manor. Their interaction with each of the other house guests was very interesting. At times I wanted to tell some of them to just shut up. 

A Tale of Two Hearts

     I love both of the main characters. Their hearts are in the right place, but their plans to go about achieving the desired results are very twisted. They needed to learn to trust that God was in control and would take care of things without their schemes. They each dealt with a lot of angst over the deception that they were undertaking. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that they each had a friend who was speaking encouragement and guidance to them along the way.

     The quotes from different books by Charles Dickens at the start of each chapter were great. Most of the books quoted I have never read. I did find myself adding many of them to my to-be-read list.

     It was fun to learn about some of the traditions of 1800s Christmas time. I’m very glad that the author included some notes at the end of the book about them.

The Old Lace Shop

     I absolutely love 3 special characters in this wonderful story. Bella and Edmund are both trying to move past very painful marriages. They are using different methods to do so but the fact that they aren’t just wallowing in the pain is incredible. I think that my favorite character is Flora though. She is sweet and joyful.

     The plot of this story is wonderful. I loved seeing how Bella struggled to try and find a place for herself in the man’s world of business. She had a lot of attitudes in others to try and work her way past. She kept trying to figure it out though.

     I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection of Novellas. I’m giving it a rating of 5 stars. 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.*

Storm Rising (The Book of the Wars #1) by Ronie Kendig

 

Title: Storm Rising (The Book of the Wars #1)

Author: Ronie Kendig

Pages: 382

Year: 2019

Genre: Action/Adventure & Military Thriller

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:

     Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets-and dangers-never before seen on earth.

     Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as “Viorica” snatches this volume right out from under them.

     Iskra “Viorica” Todorova îs determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most-freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives—entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in two-thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction.

My review:

     This is an incredible adrenaline rush inducing book!

     I think that there are equal parts Action/Adventure and Military Thriller packed into this wonderful story. I was completely sucked into it from the very beginning. The cast of characters are great. The author did an awesome job of developing them and making these hard core people vulnerable and easy to connect with.

     The plot of the story had my heart pounding multiple times. I was terrified that some of my favorite characters wouldn’t survive the dangerous situations that they sent into. The level of details that were given as to how they proceeded and reacted were fantastic. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Our heroes aren’t out of danger yet.

     I HAVE to give this book a rating of 5 stars! If I don’t I will be robbing the author of the credit she deserves. I highly recommend it. Based on the ending it is the start of a true series that needs to be read in order.

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 Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd

Title: The Weaver’s Daughter

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Pages: 368

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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:

     Kate’s loyalties bind her to the past. Henry’s loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

     Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder — including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father’s pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

     Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather’s goals to modernize his family’s wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family livelihood and legacy.

     Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry’s side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village’s future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls — even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

My review:

     This is an amazing historical romance novel!

     I absolutely love the main characters in this book. They are incredibly well developed. The interest between Kate and Henry develops slowly which is wonderful to see. Most of the book my heart ached for Kate and the position that she was placed in simply by having a soft heart and caring about people.

     The plot is mainly about the conflict between the weavers and the miill owners and workers. So much emotional damage is caused by people being stubborn and unwilling to talk rationally with others. That is truly something that everyone of us should be on guard against in our own lives.

     This is the first book that I have ever read by this author. I be definitely looking for more of her stories. 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.*

The Wish Book Christmas (If I Were You #2) by Lynn Austin

Title: The Wish Book Christmas (If I Were You #2)

Author: Lynn Austin

Pages: 304

Release Date: September 7, 2021

Genre: Christmas Story

Publisher: Tyndale House

Format: Hardcover (also available in eBook)

About the book:

     A holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve.

     Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday. They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor’s yellow Lab-since a dog topped the boys’ wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

My review:

     This is an absolutely delightful Christmas story!

     I love the entire cast of characters. I really felt a connection with Eve and Audrey and their desire to teach their sons that Christmas isn’t all about getting the gifts you want. It is a hard lesson to learn but a very important one for everyone to remember.

     The story was very sweet and heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how not only the two boys developed but also how their mothers learned their own lessons that helped them to mature.

     I didn’t realize that this was the second book in a series. I enjoyed it so much that I will be buying the first one and reading it as soon as I can. I’m giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Everywhere to Hide by Siri Mitchell

Title: Everywhere to Hide

Author: Siri Mitchell

Pages: 352

Year: 2020

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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:

     How does a woman protect herself from an enemy she can’t see?

     Law school graduate Whitney Garrison is a survivor. She admirable deals with her mother’s death, mounting student debt, dwindling job opportunities, an abusive boyfriend, and a rare neurological condition that prevents her from recognizing human faces.

     But witnessing a murder might be the crisis she can’t overcome.

     The killer has every advantage. Though Whitney saw him, she has no idea what he looks like. He knows where she lives and works. He anticipates her every move. Worst of all, he’s hiding in plain sight and believes she has information he needs. Information worth killing for. Again.

     As the hunter drives his prey into a net of terror and international intrigue, Whitney’s only ally, Detective Leo Baroni, is taken off the case. Stripped of all semblance of safety, Whitney must suspect everyone and trust no one—and fight to come out alive.

My review:

     This is an incredible romantic suspense novel!

     The idea that the witness to the murder couldn’t recognize faces terrified me. I can’t even imagine how frightening that was for her. The author did an amazing job of describing her fear. I really liked both Whitney and Leo. The fact that Whitney was able to trust Leo to help her and protect her was wonderful.

     The plot of the story was great. It kept me guessing right up to the end about who the murderer was. There were lots of people that were suspects at least for a short time. The fact that the witness couldn’t give the police a description made the whole process much more difficult.

     I was fascinated by the information that was included about face blindness and the problems that people with this condition deal with. A lot of the information included about cryptocurrency completely confused me. 

     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.*

My Dear Miss Dupre (American Royalty #1) by Grace Hitchcock

Title: My Dear Miss Dupre (American Royalty #1)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Pages: 364

Release Date: March 2, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

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:

     Willow Dupre never though she would have to marry, but with her father’s unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Deeper sugar refinery, plans changed. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan-find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the empire.

     Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society’s elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is expected to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry,, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn’t expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets Cullen Dempsey, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

My review:

     This is a a wonderful historical romance!

     I loved the premise of this story from the very beginning. I hadn’t read the back cover summary of it before starting the book. I picked up on the bachelorette theme immediately and was intrigued as to how it would turn out in the confines of 1883 New York high society. I was completely captivated by the whole process that Willow had to go through.

     The characters were wonderfully well developed. There were a lot of quirks among the different suitors that Willow had to weed through. I enjoyed what characteristics she picked up that helped her decide who to cut from the competition. There were a lot of scenes that were laugh-out-loud funny. Some of the antics from the different men seemed to be outrageous.

     I’m looking for forward to reading the next book in this series. I’m giving this book a rating of 5 stars. 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.*