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. 

All Things Hidden

All Things Hidden 
Tracie Peterson, Kimberly Woodhouse 
Bethany House Publishers
December 2013
Fiction, Romance, Historical 

Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.

In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.

Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.

When will I quit "trying" to read anything written by Peterson? I mean really, I brought this on myself. Peterson consistently lacks depth, meat, creative dialogue, and anything that can keep my attention beyond the first chapter. I'm sad to say that even with the co-authoring with Woodhouse this book left me cold and trying to get out of Alaska. I didn't make it through the 3rd chapter. The characters are ridiculously one dimensional and the plot-line (which sounded intriguing) gets completely convoluted in bad development. Sadly, not even the historical or medical factors could keep me reading this one. Let it be said here first, I'm officially swearing off this author. For real this time. 

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

Tide and Tempest

Tide and Tempest
Elizabeth Ludwig
Bethany House Publishers
March 2014
Fiction, Historial, Romance

Two years ago, her fiance perished
during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

That intro to the book grabs your attention doesn't it? I know it did mine. I eagerly dove into this book and sadly found myself in waters much too shallow and confusing for a good swim. I can't fully judge this book because I didn't finish it. And I didn't finish it because it was poor writing, I didn't finish it because I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Characters and storylines were swarming around and I couldn't follow any of them. So I put the book down hoping for the day when maybe after reading book 2 and 3 I could pick it back up. Until then, this is not at all recommended as a standalone. 

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 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. 

Unspoken

Unspoken
Dee Henderson
Bethany House Publishers
Fiction, Romance, Suspense
October 2013

Charlotte Graham is at the center of the most famous kidnapping in Chicago history. 

The task force of FBI and local cops found her two abductors, killed them, rescued her, but it took four very long years. The fact she was found less than three miles from her home, had been there the entire time, haunts them. She's changed her identity, found a profession she loves, and rebuilt her life. 

She's never said a word--to the cops, to her doctors, to family--about those four years.

A family legacy has brought her back to Chicago where a reporter is writing a book about the kidnapping. The cops who worked the case are cooperating with him. Her options are limited: Hope the reporter doesn't find the full truth, or break her silence about what happened. And her silence is what has protected her family for years. 

Bryce Bishop doesn't know her past, he only knows she has coins to sell from her grandfather's estate--and that the FBI director for the Chicago office made the introduction. The more he gets to know Charlotte, the more interested he becomes, an interest encouraged by those closest to her. But nothing else is working in his favor--she's decided she is single for life, she struggles with her faith, and she's willing to forego a huge inheritance to keep her privacy. She's not giving him much of an opening to work with. 

Charlotte wants to trust him. She needs to tell him what happened. Because a crime cops thought was solved, has only opened another chapter...

In a world full of non discerning reviewers I feel like I need to step out against the flow and be completely honest. Oh my goodness. That was my response reading this book and that's not a positive thing.....

1. Coins. For the love of all that is good in this world how boring can you get? I mean honestly. All the intrigue and mystique the book starts out with ends quite abruptly in a showroom full of antique coins. Yawn. I'm sure the 4 people who are into extremely rare coins will appreciate the detail Henderson goes into. I, however, was less than interested. I actually skipped a number of pages hoping to escape it. 

2. Charlotte. Henderson typically writes a bit far fetched characters but they have depth and are relatable. Charlotte is far from one of those characters. I understand she was terrorized but at some point either get her counseling and lead her towards healing or make her a secondary character. She was stuck and I felt stuck reading her. 

3. Money. Oh the money. So much of it and on and on it went. Seriously, how many people really deal with that kind of money and have that kind of disposable wealth? It was laughable. The money kept coming and as it approached the billions I found myself checking to make sure I wasn't reading a comedy by mistake. It was both fantasy and comedy. Neither of which I wanted to find in this book. 

4. Characters. In general the characters were an awful mixture of cold superheroes. They were unbelievable and it was disappointing. They were also boring and broken to the point of beyond repair. Very little redemptive message here. 

There were a few bright spots and a few Henderson moments that give you hope for something more but in general this lacked in almost every area. Perhaps Henderson wrote herself into a corner niche and would like to get out, this ain't the way to do it. Clumsy, LONG, and lacking passion I don't recommend this one. It's neither easy to read or enjoyable. I'm hoping for more next time but I'm not sure I have the energy to try again.....


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

The Dancing Master

The Dancing Master
Julie Klassen
Bethany House Publisher
January 7, 2014
Fiction, Historical, Romance

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

Klassen is typically one of my very favorite authors and her books always go right to the top of my list. I'm sad to say I was disappointed in this book. It did not grab my attention right away and left me lagging through much of it. As characters both Julia and Alex were annoying to the point of ridiculousness. Alec lacked leadership and Julia was shallow. Yes, they did grow throughout, but unfortunately that growth couldn't recover a rocky start for both of them as characters. 

The whole dancing master thing may have been a bit of a weak platform for a main plot. I could see it doing well as a subplot but as a main plot it lacked intrigue. I typically appreciate Klassen's ability to bring to light lesser known occupations from the regency era but in this case the book was needing a bit less dancing and a little more story. 

There were bright spots in the book but they were few and far between. A disappointing performance from Klassen for the first time in her writing career. She has remained strong throughout and I'll eagerly jump for her next book as well with high hopes for a much less clunky 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. 

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. 

Rebellious Heart

Rebellious Heart
Jody Hedlund
Bethany House Publishers
Fiction, Romance, Historical
September 15, 2013 

In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she's ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she's a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She's determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate. 

Ben Ross grew up a farmer's son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn't see how he'll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he's drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.

Love! So good! Hedlund delivers again, seriously this woman is definitely in my top favorite author's list. She writes such a good story. This book is no exception. The story is inspired by John and Abigail Adam's love story. It's unbelievably sweet. Filled with suspense, danger, love, and mystery I was gripped from the very beginning. I loved the historical aspects of it that involved slavery and the early underground railroad. Susanna is all woman while being brave, smart, and admirable. She was no wilting flower and I loved that. Ben was completely annoying at the beginning which left a lot of room for him to improve an grow, which he did. He finds his sense of self-worth in who he is instead of who culture says he is. It's a great transformation. 

This one will have you reading late into the night and biting your finger nails as you follow the twists and turns. Get ready to enjoy. Buy anything and everything by Jody Hedlund and prepare yourself for some excellent reading. 

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

Full Disclosure

Full Disclosure
Dee Henderson
Bethany House Publishers
Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Cop Thriller
2012

As the Midwest Homicide Investigator Ann Silver is a cop's cop. She's called into scenes around the midwest where cops are in over their heads and need a different set of eyes. She finds clues where others may not notice and she's an expert at her job. Her job is also extremely elite and trusted. When she's not investigating grisly murder scenes she can be found at home with her dog and a good book. Anonymity and solitude has been her friend for years and she'd like to keep it that way.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the midwest. If the victim was in anyway connected on a federal level or had security clearances Paul and his team will most likely work the case. From a loving family Paul is content in his job while also wanting possibly more.

Ann and Paul's lives intersect when Ann passes off a case to Paul's team. A suspicious death in a car wreck leaves Ann asking questions and needing to have someone else take the case. She suspects that her case might be connected to The Lady Shooter. The FBI has been hunting The Lady Shooter for years and have continued to hit dead end after dead end. Paul has made it his personal mission to capture the killer.

Ann walks into Paul's work intending to simply pass the case off. However, life has a funny way of not going the way we would expect or want. A "chance" meeting turns into an instant connection between the two characters. To the surprise of both of them they find themselves attracted and drawn to each other. What follows is a slow and steady joining of two very different people into a couple.

Henderson's first book in 6 years this book has a sweetness and a gradualness to it that her other books have not had. She takes her time in developing the two characters and their story. At times you'll find yourself wondering if watching paint dry might go faster than the two of them finally getting together. Other times, you'll be delighted with the cuteness of the love the two share. Henderson writes with depth and experience. Perhaps one of the more real and raw relationship developments I've ever read. You won't find yourself swept up in a sweeping romance but you will find yourself falling in love with both Paul and Ann. The way they develop as people and as characters is so very real. I loved that. It was true to real life.

While the romance section might be true to real life the cop case side of the story left with something to be desired. I find myself having a hard time following the story. The book is quite lengthy and it included so much I felt it could have been a two or three novel series instead of trying to cram everything into one. It was a lot to digest. This is not a one night read kind of book. It seemed a bit dramatized and over the top in so may ways...which is something Henderson does well. I did feel like I was reading some sort of penny dreadful novel at some points and that, partnered with a sweet romance relationship made the book feel a bit choppy.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I welcome back this deeper and more developed Henderson and look forward to reading more from her in the future. Prepare yourself as you dive into this book, it will take you awhile and you may want to bring along a notepad to takes notes. You'll love so many aspects you most likely won't even notice the few choppy parts. Be prepared to be enthralled and truly transported.

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 Noble Groom

A Noble Groom 
Jody Hedlund
Bethany House Publishers
Fiction, Historical, Romance

It's 1881 and Carl von Reichart is fleeing Germany with his life. With the help of his manservant Matthias Carl is leaving everything familiar and fleeing to Matthias' brother Peter's homestead in Michigan. Having been convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit Carl is left with no choice but to go to America. Shrugging of his noble birth Carl is desperate to fit in in the small German community of Forestville. 

Recently widowed Annalisa is doing her best to provide for her young daughter on their farm in Michigan. She's awaiting the arrival of a groom from Germany who will marry her and take over the farm. Although Carl is not her intended his arrival is a welcomed sight. Annalisa has only 6 months to pay back the land grant her husband purchased. A widowed woman and a young girl can not toil the land themselves. Carl takes a job working for Annalisa but struggles with adapting to hard manual labor. 

Mystery abounds in this book. Annalisa has a feeling her husband was murdered but she has no evidence to prove it. She also senses that something about Carl isn't quite right but she has no choice but to trust him and allow him to help her on the farm. Against her better judgement  finds herself drawn to him. He's handsome and kind and unlike any other man she has ever met. He treats her like a rare jewel and seems to cherish her. 

Carl has only planned to stay in Michigan and hide out until his name is cleared. An aspiring chemist he's anxious to get back to his experiments and research. What he didn't count on was Annalisa. Despite the obvious class difference he can't help but be drawn to her and her little girl. Before he knows it he's fallen in love with both of them. 

Annalisa's intended groom is on his way and mysteries can not remain unsolved. As the groom gets closer to Michigan the book escalates. Lies are revealed, feelings are hurt, and the damage seems to be irreparable. Will Annalisa be with her intended groom or her noble groom? What will the future hold? And just who did murder her husband and why? 

Rest assured dear readers, the story does not end there. Everything is tied up into a neat little bow that will leave you with a very contented sigh of relief. We read fiction for the resolution that our own lives rarely have. Rarely will you find an author who so beautifully writes resolution. I found myself stressed out trying to figure out how Hedlund was going to fix this story. No need to fear, she did so perfectly and you'll love it. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Hedlund has quickly become one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint with this book. The characters are SO very well developed. I loved Annalisa and her little girl, I adored Carl, and I despised Annalisa's family. I believe it was all intended for me to feel that way. Carl will warm your heart and have you randomly wishing for your own German chemist. Which brings me to my next point, I loved the uniqueness of the characters. I don't believe I've ever read about a chemist turned farmer before. It was very intriguing and so fun to read. Annalisa is a sweetheart that you so desperately want to find true love and someone to cherish her. As for her family! Good grief, what an interesting cultural experience. Slovenly chauvinistic men that will have you applauding the leaps and bounds we've made in women's rights in the last 150 years. Thank you Susan B. Anthony! 

My props to Hedlund for writing a truly delightful read. I couldn't put this book down and I enjoyed every bit of it. You won't be expecting the twists and turns it takes and you'll be up long into the night. So brew some coffee now and get ready for an adventure in Michigan in the mid 1800's. Enjoy! 

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

Unending Devotion

Unending Devotion
Jody Hedlund
Bethany House Publishers
Fiction, Historical, Romance

It's 1883 in cold and dreary Michigan. Lily Young is working as a photographer's assistant and traveling from lumber camp to lumber camp. While her job is as an assistant her mission goes far beyond just photography. Lily is desperate to find her younger sister Daisy who ran away and, Lily believes, found a job in the prostitution trade. No saloon is too small, no hen house too dangerous for Lily to search for her dear sister. She's vowed to do whatever it takes to find Daisy. Along the way she's been helping girls escape prostitution. Fiery and brave Lily fights for girls at any cost.

Arriving in the town of Harrison as winter is settling coldly upon Michigan Oren, the photographer, and Lily have to stay put for awhile. Lily refuses to stay anywhere that doesn't practice temperance. Her stubbornness and the lack of temperance in the town cause quite a spectacle whereupon our hero of the story, Connell McCormick, enters the scene. Connell finds this headstrong beautiful woman quite intriguing. Wanting to protect her from herself he finds himself stepping in to rescue her.

Connell was raised with Christian values and is the son of a lumber baron. He's become quite apathetic and defeated by his father's constant bullying. His father says the lumber camps must make more money and Connell is in town to figure out how to make that happen. Little by little he is excusing things that his moral upbringing would never have allowed. When Lily sweeps into town on a mission to do away with all the brothels Connell has to put a stop to her. No women mean no me and no men mean no lumber money.

One particularly evil brothel owner is seducing women to work in his "hotel". He wields power and wears brass knuckles as a part of his wardrobe. The whole town is scared of him except for Lily. She's desperate to find Daisy and she's sure this man knows something. Lily reminds Connell of his morals and his ethics and bids him to join the fight.

What follows is a storyline that will keep you reading well into the night. Fraught with evil, good, love, suspense, and mystery this is a page turner. Hedlund has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her ability to weave a good tale while teaching history is truly an art craft. I found myself quickly swept up in the story and gasping at each unexpected turn.

However, when all was said and done I took a step back and realized that while I had been wrapped up in the sensationalism of the book it seemed to be missing something...or maybe it had too much of something. It was sensational....it a penny dreadful sense. Over the top plot lines, unrealistic feats, and predictable heroes and heroines. Overall I very much disliked Lily. As a character she was young, legalistic, and obnoxious. I wanted to like her but I couldn't. She never grew on me. Connell was protective and everything a hero should be which I found to be.....annoying.

 We do get insight into the sex trade taking place in the late 1800s. Both heartbreaking and real. For some readers I fear you will feel a line was crossed as things are described in detail. Hedlund does not handle this particular subject with as much class as one would desire. Perhaps I'm jaded by past reads of Hedlunds that have had both depth and a good plot line. Either way, while not a terrible read in the least, this book had me wishing for more and wishing for less all at the same time.

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