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. 

Gone South

Gone South
Meg Moseley
Multnomah Publishers
May 2013
Fiction, Romance


Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.
 
When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.
 
Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

You know, Meg Moseley is quickly elevating herself into one of my favorite authors. She writes with a wonderful mixture of heart and realism. This book invited me, like a porch swing on a warm day, and kept me coming back for more. Tish is a real character. Completely annoying and uptight at some points, and completely lovable at others. The mix of modern day with Civil War history thrown in was a delight. 

And then there is George. I loved that guy. He's got depth as a character that is rarely seen. I wanted to sit down with him and hear his story. His gentle interference into Tish's life is as cute as can be. 

I'd tell you more about the characters but honestly, you just need to read it. It's a jewel of a book. Grab some sweet tea and settle in for a "just right" kind of read. 

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

Til Grits Do Us Part

'Til Grits Do us Part
Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Barbour Publishing
2012
Fiction, Modern, Romance

Shiloh Jacobs is planning her wedding without family, without money, and without a clue—and trying to make a go of small-town Southern life. Until she stumbles on an unsolved case about a missing woman that makes her run in the opposite direction—right into the would-be killer’s web of plans. In the midst of sorting through her tragic past and strained relationships, Shiloh finds herself on the run from a madman—and hoping she can make it to her wedding alive. 

 This is the third and final book in the Southern Fried Sushi series. Spinola continues to write with vim and vigor. Shiloh is as spunky as ever as she attempts to plan her wedding. I appreciated the personal growth she had to go through as she faced her past. Spinola writes true to life situations that are relatable. I'll honestly say this was not my favorite book in the series. Something about the stalker seemed a little out of pace and unnecessary  At some point it crossed over the line of believable that somehow Spinola had managed to avoid until then. While not my favorite, it's still and excellent read and a must-read to top off a truly delightful series. Hats off to Jennifer! Nicely done! 

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

To Whisper Her Name

To Whisper Her Name
Tamera Alexander
Zondervan Publisher
Historical, Fiction, Romance 
Publication Date: 10/23/12

Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a murdered carpetbagger, gratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation and the dearest friend of Olivia's late mother. Expecting to be the Harding's housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned once again when she learns the real reason why Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Caring for an ill Aunt Elizabeth, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a southern-born son who-unbeknownst to her and everyone else-fought for the Union.
Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him while harboring secrets that threaten his life. As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again...
Set within the remarkable history of Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, comes a story about enslavement and freedom, arrogance and humility, and the power of love to heal even the deepest of wounds. 

Tamera Alexander is one of my favorite authors and this book does not disappoint. Alexander writes with depth and wit. Her characters are real people with real issues and they are always a pleasure to get to know. She managed to bring the somewhat austere south down to earth while incorporating the very real issues of the day. Olivia grows throughout the book and becomes a dear character. Ridley is fun from the beginning and only growths in his depth. The horse aspect of the book is fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoyed the time period this was set in and getting a glimpse of the south post-war.

Props to Alexander for another great read that I didn't want to put down. Go buy it and prepare to be transported!

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

Beauty for Ashes

Beauty For Ashes
Dorothy Love
Reviewed by: Melissa J. MacDonald
Genre: historical fiction
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Date: 2012

Carrie Daly is a Civil War widow who is somewhat content with her rather ordinary life. She and her brother are happily living together on their childhood farm and her soon to be fiance is a steady likeable fellow. Things change drastically in her ordinary life when her brother takes a peckish wife with two rambunctious and rude boys. Then mysterious horseman Griff Rutledge comes into town and sets Carrie's heart to beating. Unable to endure her mean-spirited sister-in-law Carrie sets out on her own to pave her own wave. However, there is a depression going on and when her brother has to leave to find work and her sister-in-law discovers she is pregnant Carrie moves back in to take over the home. Meanwhile Griff keeps showing up and causing her to rethink what she has always known. Add to this that her "fiance" ran away and got married and you've got a recipe for an interesting book.

Neither Griff nor Carrie are perfect and it's always refreshing to see real characters portrayed in a book. I particularly found the historical aspects of the book to be quite interesting. The depression of that time was really quite severe and it was intriguing to watch the characters struggle through. Griff himself struggles through forgiveness and misunderstanding that adds depth to his character. While it is plain to me that Love had a number of good ideas for some reason the book did not completely mesh and come together for me. The characters could have used a good deal more developing and at times the story line was a bit confusing and down right dull. There were moments of interest and laughter but for the most part this book did not hold my attention for long. I do think Love has great potential and I look forward to reading more from her. If you're looking for an easy read that looks at a time of history in a different perspective than you just might enjoy this read.

Rated: PG 

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Reviewed by Melissa J. MacDonald
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc
Date: Coming soon March 2012

I was delighted to get an early release read of this book. After reading Southern Fried Sushi I was immediately hooked on Spinola. This second books does not disappoint.

Shiloh P. Jacobs has a new life in Virginia and a new life with Jesus as her Savior. Life should be going splendidly for her...right? Not quite. Her finances are a mess, the IRS has a hold of her checking account, her half-sister is fighting her for her mom's house, and the house is weeks away from being taken away. Not to mention she's working non-stop and her dear friend Becky has given her a puppy. Life continues on in hilarity in Virginia where mullets are king and deep friend food soothes all woes. Insert a surprise visit from her best friend from Tokyo and her handsome ex-fiance and this book will keep you hopping.

In the midst of all the craziness Shiloh finds her new relationship with Jesus to be both fulfilling and difficult and somehow exactly what she needs. She sorts through real life problems with the new filter of "what would Jesus do?". God continues to woo her away and her delight at knowing Jesus will give you fresh eyes at what it means to walk with Christ.

We certainly can not forget the not so handsome Adam who has done absolutely nothing to charm Shiloh and yet she finds herself drawn to him. They hit setback after setback as they try to "court" and you'll find yourself frustrated at the lack of communication these two have! I'd keep going but I'm not going to give it all away.

Spinola continues to write with the light and color that makes reading her novels seem like a vacation. Her descriptions are just the right amount of spice and make the book the gem it is. Her character development is thorough and these characters are ones you'll find yourself wanting to hop in your car to Virginia to hang out with. Another delightful read that I highly recommend! Kuddos once again to Spinola for writing with transparency and honesty.

Releasing in March you can pre-order Like Sweet Potato Pie here. 

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

The Muir House

The Muir House by Mary DeMuth

Reviewed by Melissa J. MacDonald

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Publisher: Zondervan

Date: 2011

The thing about secrets is they don’t provide any clarity. They keep things murky, give reason for mistaken assumptions, and can hold you hostage. Willa Muir understands the damage of secrets better than anyone. She desires to move past her past but it proves to be more challenging then she originally thought. She’s met the man of her dreams and with his proposal of marriage she knows she must first find answers to her past so she can move forward. Finding answers means she must leave the Pacific Northwest and head “home” to Texas.

The Muir House is the home Willa grew up in. During her growing up years it was a funeral home, now it is being remodeled to become a bed and breakfast. It is an iconic center point for the little town of Rockwall, Texas. Snatches of memories and fleeting dreams make up the sum total of a missing year of her childhood. Willa’s dying mother, the house’s caretaker, and town records provide confusing partial answers and even the Muir House hides its own share of secrets.

In Texas Willa faces considerable opposition as she searches for answers. An old flame may threaten her relationship with her distant boyfriend/almost fiancé. Turbulent emotions and ever developing secrets will keep you guessing in this book. DeMuth writes with rare transparency and she dives into troubling subjects head on. Willa is a wonderful mixture of strong, independent, lonely, and hurting. The depth of her character is stunning.

This was not one of my favorite books. It is written like a secret and with that comes a bit of a cold feeling. It’s not a warm and cozy book and the characters are not either. That makes it hard to relate and to really want to dig in and immerse yourself. DeMuth is an excellent storyteller and the conclusion of the book is really quite beautiful. If you wrap yourself in a warm blanket you may be able to ward off the chill of the initial start of the book and be able to persevere to the warmer ending.

Rated PG-13 for adult content

Thank you to Zondervan for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

A Sound Among the Trees

Arizona desert girl, Marielle, meets widower Carson online and they get married. Marielle suddenly finds herself step-mother to two children and living at Holly Oak, a plantation house in Virginia with Carson's grandmother-in-law. The house itself is rumored to be full of mystery, and if you believe the blue-haired ladies, it's full of ghosts. One of the ghosts is Susannah, a former resident of the house who is rumored to have been a civil war spy for the north.

History seeps through the very pores of the house down to the Civil War cannon ball lodging in the siding. Grandmother Adelaide holds all the history and stories close to herself. She's pretty sure the house is not haunted but is instead somehow stuck in sorrow and trying to make amends. Marielle isn't sure what to believe but she isn't entirely comfortable in a house filled with so many questions and stories from the past. 

Meissner is one of my absolute favorite authors and I was beyond thrilled to be able to review this book. What's unique about this author is her ability to blend the past and the present in an incredibly effective way. I'm rather bummed to say that this book did not live up to my expectations. Almost two-thirds of it was taken up with the modern day story that I felt was a bit heavy on the haunting and a bit lacking in clarity. Once we were transported to the past through a series of letters the book was fascinating and I stayed up late to finish it. Unfortunately the first two-thirds dragged and were not, in my opinion, Meissner's best work. However, she does an excellent job with the story of Susannah in the Civil War and you will find yourself captivated.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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." 

Wrapped in Rain- Charles Martin

Finally, finally, finally I get to review my most favorite of authors! For literally my whole life I have dreaded the question, "who is your favorite author?". As an avid reader I certainly should have a favorite, right? Wrong. I never had a favorite, that is until about two years ago when I picked up a book by Charles Martin. Honestly, amazing. Enough about me though, let's talk about Wrapped in Rain.

When Tucker and Matthew Mason were young, their father had two attitudes towards them. He either ignored them or beat them. Growing up motherless, they were raised in a small community in Alabama as the sons of a wealthy Rex Mason. The woman who raised them, Ella Rain, was their hired black maid. She put up with Mason only because of Tuck and Mutt (Matthew's nickname).

The story begins as the  boys are grown and Miss Ella having died seven years before. Rex Mason has Alzheimer's and lives in a long term care facility. Mutt was admitted to a mental institution after Miss Ella's funeral. Tuck is a world renown photographer who spends little time at home.

Tuck returns home from a photography trip to the Caribbean to receive a phone call telling him Mutt has escaped from his institution. As he returns to his roots a person from his past collides with his current life. His former ex-girlfriend arrives on the scene with her son in tow. As the three make an unlikely trio they manage to make a home out of a mansion and meanwhile Miss Ella keeps counseling Tuck, even though he'd sometimes rather ignore her.

I won't even go into more details about the book because you need to read it to experience it. A beautifully written story that will captivate you from the beginning. Believe me when I tell you, nobody writes quite like Charles Martin. I save his books for weekends at the lake, for snowed in winter days, for special trips. Because once you start you won't want to finish and yet you can't help but keep reading.  Wrapped in Rain is one of the best.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books (Thomas Nelson) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Restless in Carolina

Dreadlock wearing, tree hugging, earthy Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is thirty-one and she's been a widow for four years. Unable to even say the words "happily ever after" her view of God and happy endings has been severely skewered. However, she's beginning to realize she needs to finally come to grips with her widowhood and move on with her life. In the midst of all of that she also needs to sell her family estate near her home in North Carolina, preferably to an eco-friendly developer. Bridget is determined to sell the estate to someone who will help preserve it's beauty and not turn it into a run of the mill housing developement.

Enter J.C. Dirk. He's a green developer from Atlanta who's extremely high energy and has a secret interest in the Pickwick estate. J.C. and Bridget meet face to face in Atlanta after J.C. doesn't return her calls. He's interested in Bridget's offer the minute her hears her family name. Sparks fly between these two as J.C.'s interest in the estate spreads further to interest in Bridget. Bridget finds her white knight but the secrets he's hiding just may break her heart.

This is a fun chick flick read with southern sass. Bridget is extremely likeable and well-developed. J.C. is a little bit of an irritant at first but he does grow on you. The "secret" part of the story could be seen coming a mile away but it did add intrigue to the story. Although not exceptionally well put together it's a light, enjoyable read. This is the third installment in the Southern Discomfort series but you can definitely read it as a standalone. It's such a cute easy read, why not read all of them? I think if I would have read the first two I would have completely fallen in love with the endearing Pickwick family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books (Thomas Nelson) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Lilies in the Moonlight

Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman
Review by: Melissa J. MacDonald
Genre: historical fiction
Publisher: Multnomah
Date: 2011

Set in the roaring twenties with a crazy daring main character this book grabbed my attention from the beginning. Always a sucker for historical aspects I loved that fun-loving Lilly Margolis was a door to door salesman who basically fails in the first week of her job. Lilly has run just about as far away from her very strict, religious mama as she can and she finds herself in Florida. She is a true flapper girl who enjoys parties, men, and pushing limits. Unfortunately, one crazy night leads to a morning of waking up in an almost stranger’s yard with a sprained ankle. Completely destitute Lilly is taken in by Betty Ruth Burnside and her reluctant son Cullen.

Cullen Burnside has his own issues to deal with. Disfigured in the war and wealthy with no sense of purpose he is valiantly caring for his forgetful mother. He’s also nursing his own wounds. He finds Lilly to be annoying, confusing, and obnoxious. When he makes the decision to return Lilly to her mother up north a journey begins that will keep you guessing and chuckling at every turn.

Perhaps the most beautiful thing of all in this book is the transformation that happens in both Lilly and Cullen. You truly see Lilly have an encounter with Jesus and her life changes as a result. Cullen too grows and changes in the most unique ways.

I found this book to be engrossing. I loved the era, I loved the baseball aspect (yep, you’ll have to read to find that out), I thought Betty Ruth was precious, and I loved how Jesus’ transforming work was evident throughout. You’ll love this one!

Rating: pg-13 for adult content

A Billion Reasons Why

A Billion Reasons Why
Kristen Billerbeck

Katie McKenna has a safe, fulfilling life in California. Her almost fiance, Dexter, is dependable, reliable, and responsible. Her job as a special needs teacher gives her much joy and for the most part life is good. Everything, and I do mean everything, is turned upside down when Katie's ex-boyfriend and self-made millionaire, Luc DeForges, saunters back into her life. He has come to take Katie back home to New Orleans for a friend's wedding. As his date.

Katie already knows exactly what she thinks about Luc and the eight years since their very public breakup has given the time needed to heal many of her hurts. She's moved on with her life, and yet, there is chemistry between them that can not be denied. Luc comes luring Katie into her old life of music and dancing and Katie finds herself almost unable to resist. But there are a billion reasons why Katie won't let Luc back in and why predictable Dexter is the man for her....or is he?

As Katie is swept away back to the south you'll find yourself being swept away as well. I read this book during a particularly chilly couple of days and it was the perfect escape. Billerbeck writes with creative detail and I felt like I was in New Orleans and I could feel the humidity. I wanted to hop on a plane and go dancing with the characters.

I'm not typically a huge fan of chick lit but Kristin Billerbeck is my favorite in this genre. I'll admit it was her alone who brought me over to the "dark side".  A Billion Reasons Why is a good read. Katie is a likeable, endearing character that you'll find yourself connecting with. Luc is what every girl could want for in a man. He loves Jesus, loves his woman, is stinking handsome, is a millionaire, and has a vulnerable side. Sigh...
Enjoy!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Book Sneeze for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Still House Pond

Still House Pond

Author: Jan Watson

Genre: Historical, Fiction

Publisher: Tyndale

Date: July 2010

Lilly Gray Corbett is an adventurous 11 year old growing up in Kentucky in 1896. She can’t imagine anything better than living right on Troublesome Creek. She  loves her mama (Copper) and her step-daddy (John) and all of her little brothers and sisters. Lilly’s mama is an accomplished mid-wife and is often traveling around to deliver babies. Lilly  enjoys pleasing her mama but doesn’t always like babysitting all those sisters and brothers. She’d rather be outside near the creek discovering something, or someone, new.

Lilly’s daddy died when she was little in Lexington. One day Aunt Alice writes and invites Lilly to come spend part of the summer with her in the city. Copper has a hard time letting go of her little girl and allowing her to travel by herself on the train. However, she relents and Lilly is ecstatic about her adventure. In a mix-up of catastrophic proportions Lilly misses her train and is kidnapped by an angry neighbor. The family thinks Lilly is on the train bound for Aunt Alice and when that train crashes they fear the very worst. You’ll find yourself caught up as the story jumps between different characters and each character experiences their own defining moments. You throw in the Pelfry family maid who has a run in with a nefarious character and you’ll keep on reading this one.

There is something so effortless about the way Jan Watson writes and they way her books read. She’s been a favorite of mine for some time. She allows you to not only enter into the story but you enter into the lives of the characters. Still House Pond  doesn’t just bring you one event in the life of Lilly and her family, it allows you to join in on their day to day lives. It’s like settling into a warm quilt and enjoying a chat with friends. You’ll easily find yourself caught up in this read. Your heart will race as Lilly is kidnapped, hurt as Copper fears her daughter is dead, and be angry at the carelessness of the characters. You’ll enter in and enjoy every minute of it, I promise!

Rated PG- for birth scenes

Thank you to Tyndale Publishing for providing a copy of this book!

Dining With Joy

Dining with Joy
Rachel Hauk

In low-country South Carolina Joy Ballard is the host of a regionally-syndicated cooking show. She's beautiful, witty, vivacious.....and she can't cook. Her father's dying wish pushes her into a hosting position she was never qualified to have. Her humor and wit make her a natural on TV and when her show is suddenly picked up by a national network her secret is harder and harder to keep a secret.

Enter the tall dark and handsome Manhattan chef Luke Redmond. He can cook, he's goregous, and he's kind of got a thing for Joy. Their natural chemistry is noticed by Joy's producer and jobless Luke finds himself playing co-host to Joy. As they grow closer and closer, both on screen and off, Joy's secret threatens to destroy everything.

With an enchanting blend of southern living, steamy (yet Jesus appropriate) chemistry, delicious food, and a delightful story line you will love this book! I had my doubts at first but I was quickly taken in and I was dissapointed when it ended. You'll want to keep on hanging out with Luke and Joy (and Joy's crazy family). You might even find yourself wanting to float down the river and join in a small-town softball game.

Read it :)