Love's Faithful Promise (Courage to Dream #3) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: Love’s Faithful Promise (Courage to Dream #3)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 400

Release Date: September 13, 2016

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     If two wounded souls can find healing, love may not be far behind.

     Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. When Deirdre O’Leary, a feisty New Yorker, arrives in Toronto requesting he use his skills to help her stricken mother, he won’t abandon either of these priorities to care for one older woman. However, when his daughter suffers a health scare and needs a respite, Deirdre offers a trade – they can escape to the peace of her family’s farm, if he will care for Mrs. O’Leary.

     Matthew agrees for his daughter’s sake, but is intent on staying as short a time as necessary. The sojourn at Irish Meadows does wonders for Phoebe, and as she begins to flourish, Matthew finds himself drawn to the O’Learys, especially to the captivating Deirdre. But since he has no intention of leaving his life up north forever, and Deirdre has sworn off marriage in favor of her career, how will they deal with the undeniable attraction between them?

My review:

     An incredible way to wrap up a wonderful series!

     In my mind this is the final book in a “true” series. All the same characters are here and their lives have progressed in a very normal way.

     It was wonderful to see how both Connor and Deirdre turned out now that they are all grown up. They were sweet as the much younger siblings in the first two books. But they have come into their own with dreams and love interests to sort out and.

     I found that I really liked both Matthew Clayborne and Jo Miller. They were both hard-working and dependable characters. They each had family issues that they had to sort out before they could look at the possibility of falling in love. The path that they each took was unique and well developed.

     I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how all the different family units within the O’Leary clan worked together to deal with difficulties. The support and encouragement that they gave to one another was fantastic.

     I LOVED this entire series and am highly recommending each and every book in it! It is a delightful way to spend some of your free time. This book (just like the previous two) is getting a rating of 5 stars from me.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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 Christmas Homecoming (Sunriver Dreams #2) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Title: A Christmas Homecoming (Sunriver Dreams #2)

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Pages: 190

Release Date: September 23, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Mountain Brook INK

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Can the mystery of Christmas unite two hurting hearts?

     Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. For some unexplained reason Mona has turned against her. At least not everyone is out to get her. A mysterious admirer is sending her cards and flowers. Could it be her boss’s son who’s recently returned home in time for the holidays?

     Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke and is surprised by the rift between his mom and Bailey, her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the family business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well as his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go?

My review:

     This is a delightful holiday romance.

     This is a stand-alone story. Some of the characters from the first book are in it as secondary characters though.

     Both Bailey and Stephen are extremely well developed. They are each carrying wounds from the past that have shaped who they are. They believe in God and that is a strong foundation for anyone to have.

     I really enjoyed the way the relationship between Bailey and Stephen slowly built from just meeting to friends and on. They were both willing to take things slowly and careful to not put themselves in a compromising position. This was a breath of fresh air for me.

     This is a very sweet story that is perfect for reading during the holidays. I’m giving it a rating of 5 stars as well as recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

She Walks in Power (Protectors of the Spear #1) by MaryLu Tyndall

Title: She Walks in Power (Protectors of the Spear #1)

Author: MaryLu Tyndall

Pages: 322

Release Date: September 2, 2016

Genre: Medieval Romance

Publisher: Ransom Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     From Award-Winning author, MaryLu Tyndall, comes an exciting medieval romance surrounding the Spear of Destiny!

     Alexia D’Clere didn’t ask to be Protector of the Spear, but after her dying mother gave her the tiny metal object and made her promise to keep it safe, she had no choice. Orphaned at age eight, she began to take over the running of her parent’s castle with the help of a trusted steward. Yet, when a plot to murder her was revealed, a friar whisked her away to live hidden in the forest. There, she learned to shoot expertly with bow and arrow and hone her skills to see into the spirit realm.

     Now, at eighteen, Alexia continues to keep the Spear protected, provide meat for the starving village, while secretly caring for her ill sister who still lives in the castle. With Alexia’s powers of spiritual discernment and her skill as an archer, she is no match for those who come for the spear. That is until she meets Ronar LePeine, one of the King’s elite guard.

     Ronar desires nothing more than to do his duty to God and King and pay penance for past sins. Yet a forest sprite with red, flaming hair blocks his every move, all the while enchanting him like no other. Something evil lurks at Castle Luxley, and both Ronar and Alexia are soon thrust into the middle of a spiritual battle which will not only test their very beliefs, but put them both in mortal danger.

My review:

     An absolutely incredible medieval romance!

     I loved the depth of the main characters and their individual pasts that are presented over the course of the story. Both Alexia D’Clere and Ronar LePeine have been through very hard times and that has shaped who they are at the start of the book. Alexia’s past is presented in bits and pieces from the very beginning. Ronar’s integrity and character is shown and painted in great detail and then much later we are told about his past that drives him to be the way he is.

     Throughout the novel there is a war going on between good and evil in the spiritual realm and there is never any doubt as to which character is on which side of this battle. I was captivated by the development of this battle and how both Alexia and Ronar grew in their understanding of God’s power and the need to trust in Him. I also liked the fact that they each had strong supportive friends that helped them right from the start.

     I have loved every book by MaryLu that I have read. This one is right up there with the others and it is getting a rating of 5 stars from me. I’m highly recommending it. There is a warlock and manifestations of demons so if this is something you don’t want to read about you may want to skip this book.

     You can find out more about MaryLu and her books on her website at: http://www.marylutyndall.com/

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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 Tapestry of Secrets (Appalachian Blessings #3) by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Title: A Tapestry of Secrets (Appalachian Blessings #3)

Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas

Pages: 296

Release Date: August 2, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     What is the weight of a secret? What happens when that burden becomes almost too much to bear?

     For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she’s prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?

     Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next.

My review:

     A charming story of small town living.

     I loved returning to Wise, West Virginia for the third time. It has been an absolute joy for me to see so many ways that the community has stayed the same over all the years. In many ways though this book feels more like it is just centering on the Phillips family and there isn’t quite as much interaction with the community as a whole.

     We see a new generation as they are trying to sort out their feelings and figure out who they are supposed to spend the rest of their lives with. Ella suddenly finds herself with two attractive men interested in spending time with her. Which one is the “right” one for her? There was a nice balance with also trying to figure out what God wanted for her and for the community.

     I found the times when Perla’s struggles with her limitations due to health to be very poignant. I can’t even imagine how frustrating it would be. She was trying so hard to know what God wanted her to do about a secret that she had kept for over 50 years.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the quilt art that Ella designed. I was amazed that she was able to work in shading and different textures with the different type of stitches that she used. I would love to see quilts like the ones described.

     This incredible book is getting a rating of 5 stars from me and I’m highly recommending it.

     You can find my review for Miracle in a Dry Season, book #1 in the series, at: http://godslittlebookworm.blogspot.com/2015/04/miracle-in-dry-season-appalachian.html

     My review for book #2, Until the Harvest, is at: http://godslittlebookworm.blogspot.com/2015/07/until-harvest-appalachian-blessings-2.html

     You can find out more about Sarah and her books on her website at: https://sarahloudinthomas.com/

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Without Warning (Elite Guardians #2) by Lynette Eason

Title: Without Warning (Elite Guardians #2)

Author: Lynette Eason

Pages: 346

Release Date: August 2, 2016

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Intensity. Skill. Tenacity. The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

     Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

     Daniel might be concerned, but he’s not convinced that a bodyguard—and a female one at that—is necessary. A new attack and his niece’s urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who’s behind the intimidation and threats—before a would-be killer strikes again.

My review:

     An incredibly well-crafted romantic suspense novel!

     This is a stand-alone story. Some of the characters are the same as in book one but the focus is on a different member of the Elite Guardians Agency.

     I thoroughly enjoyed finding out more about Katie Singleton and her past. It was wonderful to find out what led her to join this wonderful agency of women bodyguards. She has some very painful memories that affect how she deals with different situations and I really liked seeing how she learned to move past them and do the job that needed doing.

     Daniel Matthews has so much skill and strength of character going for him that he is used to not needing anyone’s help. I found it delightful to find out that he was able to put that all aside and accept help from Katie and her friends just knowing that it would make his niece Riley feel better having them around. I love it when a strong man is willing to do something just to help someone he loves cope in a trying situation.

     The story is fantastic. There were so many twists and turns to it that I was kept guessing until very late in the book as to who the villain was. That is always going to keep me reading and totally engaged in the book.

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

     You can find out more about Lynette and her books on her website at: http://www.lynetteeason.com/

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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 Follow Her Heart (The Southold Chronicles #3) by Rebecca DeMarino

Title: To Follow Her Heart (The Southold Chronicles #3)

Author: Rebecca DeMarino

Pages: 352

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Romance (1664/1665)

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Duty and love are powerful forces. Only one has the power to make her life complete.

     It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton’s ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados. There were no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island.

     Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy sails aboard a British warship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold—and to an overjoyed Patience—it’s not quite the happily ever-after his beloved had hoped for.

     With a finely tuned sense for authentic historical characters and settings, Rebecca DeMarino plunges you into a world of tall ships, daring journeys, and yearning hearts.

My review:

     A wonderful conclusion to the series!

     This is the final book in a “true” series. You need to read these stories in order to really follow and understand them.

     I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Southold and these fantastic characters. Life has moved on for these people and I love the fact that two of the secondary characters from the previous books were front and center in this book. It was wonderful to have more mature adults trying to navigate the sometimes rocky waters of a romantic relationship.

     Both Jeremy and Patience had a strong foundation of faith. They were each trying to know what God had for them to do with their lives. Patience especially had a difficult journey to follow in learning to let go of fear and trust God instead. I loved the support and encouragement they received from their friends and family members.

     I was impressed by all of the incredible descriptions of what life was like in the mid-17^th century. They gave a very clear image of what people did on a day-to-day basis.

     I cannot recommend this incredible book highly enough. It is getting a 5 star rating from me. In fact I loved the entire series and am highly recommending all of them. I have reviewed both of the previous books here on my blog.

     You can find my review for A Place in His Heart at: http://godslittlebookworm.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-place-in-his-heart-southold.html

     My review for To Capture Her Heart is at: http://godslittlebookworm.blogspot.com/2015/07/to-capture-her-heart-southold.html

     You can find out more about Rebecca and her books on her website at: http://www.rebeccademarino.com/

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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 Sister's Prayer (Cousins of the Dove #2) by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould

Title: My Sister’s Prayer (Cousins of the Dove #2)

Author: Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould

Pages: 368

Release Date: September 1, 2016

Genre: Historical (1704)/Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Women of fearless devotion.

     Virginia, 1704: Celeste Talbot is usually such a sensible young woman—until she falls for an English soldier reassigned to the Colonies. Leaving her Huguenot family behind, she sets sail for America, only to realize that her younger sister, Berta, has been kidnapped and forced on board the very same ship. Whom can Celeste trust? The dashing soldier? Or the vigilant carpenter who remains by their side in the perilous New World?

     Virginia, present day: Madeline “Maddee” Talbot has her hands full when she agrees to take in her younger sister, Nicole, following a serious car accident. The young women grew apart when Nicole fell into drug addiction, and Maddee prays this will be the start of a better life for her sister. But as they investigate a trauma from their childhood, Maddee must keep a diligent eye on Nicole—and the shadowy figure watching them from afar.

     From the Christy Award—winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, My Sister’s Prayer tells the epic tale of two women compelled to protect their sisters, confront their fears, and navigate the muddy waters of betrayal to find true love.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical/contemporary romance!

     This book is part of a “true” series. You need to read the first book to truly understand and follow this story.

     The characters in the book are extremely well developed and I was able to quickly connect with many of them. I related the most to Celeste and Maddee. I enjoyed seeing how each of them learned to accept that life isn’t always neat and tidy. They also had to learn that they weren’t responsible for the consequences that others have to face because of their own choices. This is something that we all need to learn and some of us have a much harder time learning it. Both Celeste and Maddee work hard to remember to take their concerns for themselves and their sisters to God in prayer.

     I found a number of parallels among the main characters between the two time periods. I was fascinated by the similarities between the two sets of sisters.

     The continuation of the story of the dead man in the cabin in the woods from about 19 years prior to the present day story-line is great. I really like the fact that this book focuses on two of the other cousins that were there that day. Each of them has been affected by that long ago event and they are all trying to move past it in their own ways.

     I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.

     You can learn more about Leslie and her books on her website at: http://www.lesliegould.com/

     You can learn more about Mindy and her books on her website at: http://www.mindystarnsclark.com/

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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 and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*