With Every Breath

With Every Breath
Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers
2014
Historical, Fiction, Romance

In the shadow of the nation's capital, Kate Livingston's respectable life as a government worker is disrupted by an encounter with the insufferable Trevor McDonough, the one man she'd hoped never to see again. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and business is the only reason he has sought her out now. 

Despite her misgivings, Kate agrees to Trevor's risky proposal to join him in his work to find a cure for tuberculosis. As Kate begins to unlock the mysteries of Trevor's past, his hidden depths fascinate her. However, a shadowy enemy lies in wait and Trevor's closely guarded secrets are darker than she ever suspected.

As revelations from the past threaten to destroy their careers, their dreams, and even their lives, Trevor and Kate find themselves in a painfully impossible situation. With everything to lose, they must find the strength to trust that hope and love can prevail over all.

An excellent read! Camden is at it again. Both the historical and medical aspects of the book were extremely intriguing. The banter between the 2 main characters was well thought out and engaging to read. Be warned, a major shock happens about halfway through the book. Take heart, the author concludes things well. Great story development and unique twists. You'll enjoy this one! 

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

A Match of Wits

A Match of Wits
Jen Turano 
Bethany House Publishers 
2014 
Suspense, Romance, Fiction, Historical

After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes, by hook or by crook, she'll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.

Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home... until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha's determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they'll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics. 

Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth--until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?

At many turns this book had me laughing. At other turns I was bored. I felt like I wasn't quite following the storyline and that made it difficult to read. Turano is an engaging author but I just didn't ever get hooked on this one. 

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Carolina Gold

Carolina Gold 

Dorothy Love

Thomas Nelson 

2014

Historical, Fiction

The war is over, but at Fairhaven Plantation, Charlotte's struggle has just begun.

Following her father’s death, Charlotte Fraser returns to Fairhaven, her family’s rice plantation in the South Carolina Low country. With no one else to rely upon,smart, independent Charlotte is determined to resume cultivating the superior strain of rice called Carolina Gold.  But the war has left the plantation in ruins, her father’s former bondsmen are free, and workers and equipment are in short supply.

To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to tutor the two young daughters of her widowed neighbor and heir to Willowood Plantation, Nicholas Betancourt.  Just as her friendship with Nick deepens, he embarks upon a quest to prove his claim to Willowood and sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that uncovers a long-held family secret, and threatens everything she holds dear.

Inspired by the life of a 19^th-century woman rice farmer, Carolina Gold pays tribute to the hauntingly beautiful Low country and weaves together  mystery, romance,and historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to restore her ruined world.

Because I'm a sucker for historical fiction I thoroughly enjoyed the South Carolina history in this book. I was unaware that there were rice plantations before the Civil War. I loved that this was inspired by a real woman as well. That being said, this book was a slow mover. I wasn't sure where we were going and after 100 pages I wasn't sure I cared. There were a number of "dramatic" moments that were anticlimactic. Overall, it was an easy, if not sleepy, read. 

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

A Bride in Store

A Bride in Store
Melissa Jagears
Bethany House Publishers
2014
Fiction, Romance, Historical 

Impatient to meet her intended groom and help him grow his general store, mail-order bride Eliza Cantrell sets out on her travels a week early. But her plan goes sadly awry when her train is held up by robbers who steal her dowry and Axel, her groom-to-be, isn't even in town when she finally arrives.

Axel's business partner, William Stanton, has no head for business and would much rather be a doctor. When his friend's mail-order bride arrives in town with no money and no groom in sight, he feels responsible and lets her help around the store--where she quickly proves she's much more adept at business than he ever will be.

The sparks that fly between Will and Eliza as they work together in close quarters are hard to ignore, but Eliza is meant for Axel and a future with the store, while Will is biding his time until he can afford medical school. However, their troubles are far from over when Axel finally returns, and soon both Will and Eliza must decide what they're willing to sacrifice to chase their dreams--or if God has a new dream in store for them both.

I'll be completely honest, this book stressed me out! From the robbery to no groom to William I was stressed. It was a good kind of stressed though because it kept me reading. The twists in this book are very original and will keep you reading. I found the situation to be quite impossible and I was impressed by how the author tied everything up. William was a bit annoying but definitely a troubled soul. Eliza has spunk and drive. You'll enjoy this read. 

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Love's Fortune

Love's Fortune
Laura Frantz
Revell Publisher
September 2014
Fiction, Historical, Romance

Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas's vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world--filled with family members she's never met, dances she's never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes' shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?

With her signature attention to historical detail, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty. Fans will cheer for this final installment of the Ballatyne saga.

Frantz just so happens to be one of my more favorite authors. I always appreciate her attention to detail and historical elements. This book did not disappoint. It's a beautiful coming of age story. Wren will capture your heart and James is a stunning hero. I'll admit I had a hard time getting into the story but I am SO glad I stuck with it. Give yourself a little time and persevere. You'll be ever so glad you did.  The Ballatyne saga has been a true joy to read. Props to Frantz for writing books with meat and the thread of God's grace throughout. 

My thanks to Revell publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Woman of Courage

Woman of Courage
Wanda Brunstetter
Shiloh Run Press
2014
Fiction, Romance, Historical
Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and enters the work of a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

I'll be completely honest, I'm not typically a fan of Brunstetter. I usually am not able to finish her Amish books. However, this was a good surprise. The author steps away from Amish for this book and it's refreshing. The characters are endearing and likable. As a history buff, I especially appreciated the historical aspects of the book. All in all, a good read. I have my doubts that Brunstetter will ever be truly great but sometimes you just need an easy decent read. You'll find it in Woman of Courage. 

My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Yankee in Atlanta

Yankee in Atlanta
Jocelyn Green
River North 
June 2014
Historical, Romance, Fiction 

When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta.

Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?

Rich with historical detail and rampant with suspense this book kept me reading well into the night. I'm sad to say I haven't been privileged to read the first 2 books in this series. So while I did read this as standalone I would have much preferred to have read it in order. There are many characters in this book, almost too many. We switch back and forth so often I found myself confusing story lines at times. I think that may have been easier to follow if I had read the first two books. 

I very much appreciated the attention to detail regarding the war. I have done extensive reading on the Civil War and still found myself learning new things. Green does an excellent job as a historian. Not overtly Christian the book still has enough of a thread of grace throughout to be an inspirational read. I'll be looking for more from Green soon! 

My thanks to River North for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Love Comes Calling

Love Comes Calling
Siri Mitchell 
Bethany House Publishers 
Fiction, Historical, Romance 
March 4, 2014

Dreaming of becoming an actress, Boston socialite Ellis Eaton captures Griff Phillips' attention. But while filling in for a look-alike friend at the telephone exchange, she overhears a call that threatens Griff's safety. With handsome policeman Jack Flanigan investigating - and her heart in a muddle - will she discover what might be the role of a lifetime?

The unfortunate part of this book is that I never actually liked Ellis, the main character. I found her bratty, spoiled, self-centered, and obnoxious. I also found her captivating. So while I was annoyed with her I kept reading the book to see what would happen next. Mitchell continues to write at about a 4 start level. Never amazingly good but never so bad I quit reading. This book felt a bit like a hot mess and all over the place. Multiple levels of stories left me grasping a bit. Jack is easy to like and keeps the book moving. Overall a decent read, just be prepared for a bit of annoyance over the main character. 

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

A Place in His Heart

A Place in His Heart
Rebecca DeMarino
Revell Publishers
2014
Romance, Fiction Historical

She could cross an ocean, but could she ever win his heart?
Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Left at the altar and disgraced in her small hamlet, she is being pressured to marry the eligible son of the London milliner. Puritan Barnabas Horton still grieves the loss of his beloved wife, but he knows his two young sons need a mother. 

With tender hearts, Mary and Barnabas take a leap of faith and wed. But when Barnabas's secret plans to move his family to the New World to escape persecution come to light, Mary's world is upended. How could she possibly leave her papa and her dear sister? 

And will she ever reach the secret places of her husband's broken heart?

The first chapter of this book instantly gripped me. A lost love, a forced marriage, endless possibilities. And then I kept reading. It was almost like the first chapter was written by someone else entirely. What seemed like good character development quickly developed into...well nothing. The characters were confusing and contradictory, the plot-line is nothing like what the book's description says, and the dialogue was elementary. After 3 nights of struggling to read I finally gave up. It's true folks, this was one I didn't finish. I would highly caution you to not be fooled by this book's cover unless you're needing a good nap book.

My thanks to Revell Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

While Love Stirs

While Love StirsLorna Seilstad

Revell Publishing

Romance, Fiction, Historical 

As a graduate of Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove. And she certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures. Lewis encourages Charlotte’s work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman. When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode? Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.

I'll admit Seilstad didn't steal me away with her debut book but it obvious after reading While Love Stirs that she has improved greatly as a writer. This book has depth and is a delight to read. Charlotte is a spitfire of a character that I immediately liked. She's got depth and an unique position. I, of course, loved the historical aspects of this book from the food in hospitals to the gas stove to the fashion of that time. Dr. Brooks starts out a bit bland but quickly picks up in depth. 

This is a great summer read. Grab a cookie, find a porch swing, and enjoy! 

My thanks to Revell Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Pelican Bride

Pelican Bride
Beth White
Revell Publishers
Romance, Historical, Fiction
May 2014

It is 1704 when Genevieve Gaillain and her sister board a French ship headed for the Louisiana colony as mail-order brides. Both have promised to marry one of the rough-and-tumble Canadian men in this New World in order to escape religious persecution in the Old World. Genevieve knows life won’t be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of beheading. But when she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer whose courageous stand for fair treatment of native peoples has made him decidedly unpopular in the young colony, Genevieve realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. And a secret she harbors could mean the undoing of the colony itself.

This book captured me right away. The whole premise and storyline is intriguing and thankfully White is one of those authors who is more than a good back cover. There is some sweet depth to the book. It's laking in certain areas, I'm still confused how Genevieve and Tristan ended up married in the space of a page, but the good outweighs the confusing. The time period and setting is not one that has been saturated with stories. White seems to be a true historian and has immaculate detail and history. I thoroughly enjoyed that part. All in all an excellent read. 

My thanks to Revell Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

God's Daughter

God's Daughter
Heather Day Gilbert 
Aspendawn Books
November 2013
Fiction, Romance, Historical 

One Viking woman. One God. One legendary journey to North America. 

In the tenth century, when pagan holy women rule the Viking lands, Gudrid turns her back on her training as a seeress to embrace Christianity. Clinging to her faith, she joins her husband, Finn, on a voyage to North America. 

But even as Gudrid faces down murderous crewmen, raging sickness, and hostile natives, she realizes her greatest enemy is herself--and the secrets she hides might just tear her marriage apart. 

Almost five centuries before Columbus, Viking women sailed to North America with their husbands. God's Daughter, Book One in the Vikings of the New World Saga, offers an expansive yet intimate look into the world of Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir--daughter-in-law of Eirik the Red, and the first documented European woman to have a child in North America.

I so badly wanted this book to grip me from the very beginning and not let me go. Unfortunately, it didn't. I loved the time period and was very excited to read more about the Vikings but I got bogged down. It may have been the confusing repetitive names, it may have been the plot, I'm just not sure. Gudrid was a wonderful mix of strength and soft as a character. I throughly enjoyed reading about her. Her love for God was especially interesting in that age. Torn between men she walked with grace in so many ways. It's a bloody, tragic, messy, confusing tale. Not one I would dive into again any time soon. However, I did love the historical facts. Props to Gilbert for exploring a new piece of history. 

My thanks to Aspendawn Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Fair Play

Fair Play
Deeanne Gist
Howard Books
May 6, 2014
Fiction, Romance, Historical

From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair comes a historical love story about a lady doctor and a Texas Ranger who meet at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

Saddled with a man's name, Billy Jack Tate makes no apologies for taking on a man's profession. As a doctor at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, she is one step closer to having her very own medical practice; until Hunter Scott asks her to give it all up to become his wife.

Hunter is one of the elite Texas ranger and World's Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character, and skill. Hailed as the toughest man west of any place east, he has no patience for big cities and women who think they belong anywhere but home.

Despite their differences of opinion, Hunter and Billy find a growing attraction until Hunter discovers an abandoned baby in the corner of a White City exhibit. He and Billy team up to make sure this foundling isn't left in the slums of Chicago. As they fight for the underprivileged children in the Nineteenth Ward, an entire playground movement is birthed. But when the fair comes to an end, one of them will have to give up their dream.

Will Billy exchange her doctor's shingle for the domesticated role of a southern wife, or will Hunter abandon the wide open spaces of home for a life in the gray city; a woman who insists on being the wage earner, and a group of ragamuffins who need more than one breathing space?

Much like the first fair book I read from Gist I found this book to be entertaining and fun. It grabbed my attention right from the start. Hunter and Billy are likable in so many ways. The story runs a bit all over the place. I did feel at times that there were multiple plots all at once. While it wasn't hard to follow it did feel a bit boggy.

Once again, I want to make it clear, there is absolutely no mention of anything "Christian" in this book. While well-written and "clean" I can hardly call it a Christian fiction book. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, I just feel that's worth mentioning. The romance sections seemed a bit more risque this time around as opposed to previous books. Nothing explicit but not your average Christian romance book.

My thanks to Howard Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Echoes of Mercy

Echoes of Mercy
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Waterbrook Press
January 21, 2014
Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical

When a suspicious accident occurs at the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, in 1904, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate. Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as “Ollie Moore,” he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father.

The book centers around Caroline Lang. She is an investigator for the Labor Commission. She is sent to work at the Dinsmore World-Famous Chocolate Factory. To find out what truly happened with an accident surrounding another investigators death and for the underage child workers. 30% of the workers are children ages 11-15. Caroline has a deep seated need to change those numbers and have things be different for kids. Much of that passion stems from her own painful childhood. 

Ollie is also undercover as the factory janitor. He's trying to learn the family business. When he meets Caroline he's instantly attracted to her. The stats she has differ greatly from the stats he knows to be true about the factory and the two can hardly seem to agree on anything. 

This is a sweet and easy to read book. I enjoyed the Chocolate factory perspective and I loved that Caroline was an undercover investigator. Woven throughout are moments of sweetness between Carrie and Ollie and Carrie's adopted parents. There is also a sibling group that steps into the story and they'll steal your heart away. Nothing too deep or earth shattering in this book but definitely an excellent read.

My thanks to Waterbrook Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

With Autumn's Return

With Autumn's Return
Amanda Cabot
Revell Publishing
Fiction, Romance, Historical 
January 21, 2014

Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to establish her medical practice thanks to the wooing of her two older sisters who extolled the beauty of the land. She's certain she'll have a line of patients eager for her expertise and gentle bedside manner. However, she soon discovers the town and its older doctor may not welcome a new physician. Even more frustrating, the handsome young attorney next door may not be ready for the idea of a woman doctor. For his part, Jason Nordling has nothing against women, but he's promised himself that the woman he marries will be a full-time mother.

Despite their firm principles, Elizabeth and Jason find that mutual attraction--and disdain from the community--is drawing them ever closer. And when the two find themselves working to save the life and tattered reputation of a local woman, they'll have to decide how far they're willing to go to find justice--and true love.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Westward Winds series from Cabot and this book did no disappoint. Elizabeth is a great character. A wonderful mixture of spunk and softness. I liked her from the very beginning. She was prickly but she quickly grew on me. Jason is a sweet guy who develops nicely through the book as well. This is an easy read but not necessarily a moving read. In many ways it feels like there are too many storylines throughout the book. There's a murder, there's a Madam, there's an overweight single mother, there's a wanna be rancher, there's a doctor, and there's a lawyer. At times I wasn't completely sure where exactly we were going. However, I was in the mood for an easy read so I didn't get overly worried about the confusion. I would like to see Cabot take a stance and stick with it at some point. 

Elizabeth and Jason grow together as friends and then fall in love. It's sweet, it's how ideally real life may look like. I appreciated that. While they didn't resolve all of their issues between careers and marriage I was fine without having everything wrapped in a neat little bow. I think you'll be too. Sit back and enjoy. 

My thanks to Revell Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Sadie's Secret

Sadie's Secret
Kathleen Y'Barbo
Harvest House Publishers
February 1, 2014
Mystery, Romance, Historical

From bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo comes Sadie's Secret, the third book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series. These historical novels capture the romance of the South mingled with adventure and laced with secret identities and hidden agendas.

Louisiana, 1890--Sarah Louise "Sadie" Callum is a master of disguise, mostly due to her training as a Pinkerton agent but also from evading overprotective brothers as she grew up. When she takes on a new assignment with international connections, she has no idea her new cover will lead her on the adventure of a lifetime.

Undercover agent William Jefferson Tucker is not looking for marriage--pretend or otherwise--but his past is a secret, his twin brother has stolen his present, and his future is in the hands of the lovely Sadie Callum. Without her connections to the world of upper-crust New Orleans, Jefferson might never find a way to clear his name and solve the art forgery case that has eluded him for years.

Only God can help these two secret agents find a way to solve their case and uncover the truth about what is going on in their hearts.

Y'Barbo grabbed my attention with this book. The premise is completely intriguing and indeed much of the book is fun to read. Sadie and Tucker are likable characters that pull you in easily. I will admit I found myself often confused regarding the twin brothers. Who is who? What is going on? I felt like I needed cliff notes to try and follow along.  

Sadie is cute and perhaps a bit too squelched by her whole family situation. Her family ended up being quite endearing and interesting. I found she lacked a bit of emotion, I wanted to know more about what she was thinking and feeling. There wasn't much to get inside her head with. 

Jefferson, while confusing, is handsome and believable. You'll enjoy reading about him saving the day, or not saving the day, or trying to guess who it was that just saved the day. 

My thanks to Harvest House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Emmy's Equal

Emmy's Equal
Marcia Gruver
Barbour Books
2009
Fiction, Historical, Romance

Get ready for a suspenseful romantic adventure deep in the heart of Texas. Emmy Dane doesn’t want to give up her petticoats and frills for boots and spurs when her family decides to learn ranching in South Texas. 

Diego Marcelo’s mother tells him God will soon deliver him from his loneliness—but he assures her he has no need of deliverance. . .that is, until Emmy disrupts the entire way of life at the ranch. Can Diego put his jealousy aside before time runs out? And will Emmy admit she’s found her match in the stubborn foreman?

This was an average book with average characters. Emmy is 21 and yet she acts much younger through much of the book, seriously immature at times. The whole "lover's triangle" thing was a bit overdone and tired. Diego is a character with a unique story and background which makes him fascinating to get to know. Without his background I'm afraid he wouldn't be all that interesting. 

Growth does take place and maturity begins to flourish. It's an easy read with an even pace. Good for a cold night at home when you need a temporary distraction. 

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

For Love or Loyalty

For Love or Loyalty 
Jennifer Hudson Taylor 
Abingdon Press
November 2013
Fiction, Historical, Romance 

Scotland to Carolina, 1760

One conquest could destroy her, but avenge his family.

Malcolm MacGregor vows to free his family and exact revenge against Duncan Campbell. When the opportunity arises, Malcolm decides to use Duncan’s daughter as the bargaining price. Lauren Campbell is the perfect answer, until she begins chipping away at the bitterness in Malcolm’s heart and changing everything. Her bold faith and forgiveness ignites guilt he would rather avoid and a love he doesn’t deserve.

Lauren Campbell never expected to discover such a caring and protective man behind the façade of Malcolm MacGregor’s fierce reputation. When they arrive in America, things turn against them, and Lauren finds herself in a fate worse than death. Now Malcolm has the dilemma of freeing the rest of his family or rescuing Lauren, but time is short and with little means, he needs a miracle.

This book started off rocky and confusing and I nearly put it down. I'm glad I didn't. Taylor introduced a number of characters as the very beginning that were very hard to follow. I actually thought I had stumbled into the middle of a series rather than the start of one. I stuck with it and the main characters quickly grew on me. 

Malcolm was a bit confusing as if he couldn't quite decide whether he was bad or good. Lauren is a sweetheart of a character that seemed to have emerged from a very dark place. I had to remind myself that things were very different back in the "ole days" because it seemed quite unbelievable that Lauren and Malcolm could just disappear as they did. 

The love story was believable and intriguing. It's one of those books where you feel like the writer has maybe written herself into a corner and you're just along for the ride. It was a good ride. While a bit amateur in writing and story development I did enjoy this one and would be willing to pick up another book from Taylor. 

My thanks to Abingdon Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Dare to Love Again

Dare to Love Again
Julie Lessman 
Revell Publishing 
January 2014
Fiction, Romance, Historical 

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman, resorting to a mammoth hat pin for protection on her way to and from the school where she teaches. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast she quickly discovers she is no match for rum-soaked brute strength.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite jiu-jitsu, but it seems he has little choice in the matter. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But when Nick suddenly leaves town, Allison realizes he’s a fraud just like all the rest of the men she’s cared for. Does she dare love again?

Lessman always delivers in the romance department with depth and solid character development. Perhaps I read too many of her books in a row or was just not completely in the mood but this book was not my favorite. Allie and Nick are predictable and their age did not seem to match their life experience. Could have been a lack of story development. They did become endearing as the story continued and the mysterious side of Nick had me interested. The sub plot between Uncle Logan and Allie's mother almost overtook the main plot and I'll keep reading this series to find out what happens with them. 

Predictably the women are the strong spiritual characters, the men are the rogues, the children are precocious, and the kisses are all encompassing. While they're isn't anything wrong with that I personally was a bit over it all. I'd love to see Lessman break out of the predictable cycle and truly surprise the reader. She does, however, have a niche that works so who am I to say differently? Just know ahead of time what you're going to get.  Surface level spirituality and romance that possibly sizzles just a bit too much. 

My thanks to Revell Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review.   
 

Sweet Sanctuary

Sweet Sanctuary
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Bethany House Publishers
Historical, Fiction, Romance
April 2013

A Story of Hope and Love from Bestselling Author Kim Vogel Sawyer 

Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him. 
Dr. Micah Hatcher serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger. 

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives.

Dr. Micah Hatcher is called to Boston by Lydia's angry father, demanding Dr. Hatcher take responsibility for Lydia's child he supposedly fathered. Micah is shocked that a nurse he barely remembers would accuse him of such thing. He surprises Lydia by actually coming to Boston to confront her. What appears to be a vicious lie concocted by Lydia turns into the loving "butting in" of a father who made wrong assumptions. Lydia's father only wants to save his grandson, Nicky. 

The clincher here is that Nicky isn’t Lydia’s blood child. Eleanor, a friend of Lydia’s, died giving birth to Nicky while she was on the run from her drug-addicted husband, Nic Pankin. Soft-hearted Dr. Micah Hatcher is reluctantly drawn into the dramatic situation as Nicky's blood father tries to gain custody of Nicky.  When Nic and Nicky disappear there is nothing Micah or Lydia can do. 

Set in the backdrop of World Was II Micah has other things weighing his mind as well. Mysterious letters and "packages" have him scrambling to do his long lost brother's work. Into the dark of night he navigates Queens with people's very lives at stake. 

Micah and Lydia are drawn to each other as the drama unfolds. They find themselves spending more and more time together and it isn't long before they fall in love. But can their love survive heartache and danger? 

Sawyer is always an author I am happy to pick up a book from. She writes with beautiful clarity, detail, and love. Her characters manage to seem very realistic, a thing I appreciate about her.

 I will say however, the beginning of the book was so contrived and so ridiculously awkward I almost quit reading. Lydia pulls a random man out of her past (yes, she liked him at one time but still!) and names him as her son's (who isn't her son) father? And then Micah willingly travels to another state to see about it all? I'm not so sure. I was uncomfortable with the whole premise. It seemed awfully farfetched to build a story on. Micah's continued involvement also seemed highly contrived and convenient for the story.

The book is gripping ,in its own way, and sweet, in its own way, but it stays mediocre throughout. Micah's drama seems a bit overplayed in the advertising and seems to almost fight with the plotline rather than enhance it. Nicky is as cute as cute can be and you'll want to spend time with this little boy. Lydia remains somewhat flat and unmemorable. 

Overall, a decent book.  It's an easy light read that you can pick up and put down at will. Throw it in your purse to read when soccer goes long. It will keep you just interested enough to distract you. 

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review.