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About

Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he’s worked for. He’s determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry up with any of them. He’s drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.

But someone doesn’t want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps–and the man obviously didn’t die from natural causes–things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb’s business–and romance–survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?

Review

I found Trouble in Store to be a delightful book to read! Melanie Ross was a terrific, no nonsense kind of heroine who makes reading a book a pleasure.Throughout the novel, I admired her spirit and the way in which she got things done. Caleb was an interesting hero, particularly because he did not necessarily play by the rules. At times he was stodgy and interfering, and yet there was something about him that I just liked. I thought Ms. Cox did a fabulous job with his character. He stayed true to who he was the entire novel. I will say, though, that the romance seemed a bit lacking in the story. I could see it, but it just didn’t come together for me the way it should have. I wouldn’t have changed anything about the book, except to maybe have one more chapter added to it. As far as secondary characters go, Levi was a dear. And that’s surprising because I am not terribly fond of children in novels. The mystery was not intense, but it provided another reason to turn the pages. I also liked that the novel took place in Arizona and that the author provided tidbits that could only arise from that location. Spiritually, you see Melanie and Caleb turn to God in their troubles and their faith arises naturally out of their circumstances. Overall, it was a very good read. 

**I received a copy of this novel from BethanyHouse. My opinion was not affected in any way.**

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?

The lushness of the glorious Gilded Age beautifully showcases Lessman’s passion as a writer in this engaging love story written with humor and heart. From the glamour of San Francisco’s Nob Hill to the seedy gambling dens of the Barbary Coast, Dare to Love Againis a journey to find a love that never fails. Fans will love revisiting the world of the cousins McClare, and new readers will seek more of Julie’s passion-filled novels.

Beowulf—a hulky, brindle-coated bullmastiff—is the only “boy” for Timbrel Hogan. And she has a history to remind her why. But when Timbrel, a handler at A Breed Apart, embarks on a mission to detect WMDs in Afghanistan, she reunites with Tony “Candyman” VanAllen and her no-other-man philosophy is challenged. While tension mounts between Timbrel and Tony, the team comes under fire after Beowulf gets a “hit.” When tragedy threatens Tony’s career and Timbrel’s courage, they must maneuver through an intricate plot and a mission like no other. . . .

Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she’s ready to take fashionable society by storm–and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it. When things go too far, Jessamine will learn that the man who is faithful through thick and thin is more worthy than the one who speaks pretty words. But will her disgrace keep Lance from reconsidering her as a wife? And when tragedy strikes and Lance becomes his father’s heir and a titled gentleman, will he think she only wants him now because of his title?

Fans old and new will love this lush Regency London story of discovering one’s true self and finding one’s true love.

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.

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.

This exciting and adventurous romantic spy novel is the third book in the Culper Ring series from Roseanna M. White. Circle of Spiescombines fascinating cloak-and-dagger secrets with a tale of love and intrigue at the end of the Civil War.

Baltimore, 1865–Marietta Hughes never wanted to be a spy…but espionage is thrust upon her as the War Between the States rolls on. Unbeknownst to her, a Confederate secret society bent on destroying the Union she loves has been meeting in her basement. When she discovers the plots and papers covering her walls, she feels as though she is losing her world.

Shade Osborne, an undercover Pinkerton agent, is determined to do whatever is necessary to help end the conflict between the North and the South. When he infiltrates this secret cell, it isn’t just their inner workings that baffle him–it’s the beautiful woman who seems to be a puppet for the new leader and yet…somehow not an enemy of the Union.

Can he trust her? Will she trust him? Will their shared faith sustain them? And can Mari and Shade stymie the enemy long enough without being discovered to see their beloved country reunited?

 

 

Who is excited? Me! Is there any novel that you are especially looking forward to reading?

Have a lovely Holiday!

About

Against his wishes and desires, Akabe of Siphra has been chosen by his people to be King. But what does a warrior know of ruling during peacetime? Guided by the Infinite, Akabe seeks to rebuild the Temple in the city of Munra to give the sacred books of Parne a home. But dangerous factions are forming in the background. To gain the land he needs, Akabe must forsake the yearnings of his heart and instead align himself through marriage to the Thaenfall family.

Meanwhile, Kien Lantec and Ela Roeh are drawn still closer together…while becoming pawns in a quest to gain power over the region. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies and murderous plots, each must seek the Infinite to guide them through an ever more tangled web of intrigue and danger.

Review

Reading this book was bittersweet because it brought resolution, but it was also the last book in I think, a fabulous series. Ela is back and though she is completely obedient to the Infinite, you can see that she still has some trust issues going on. Kien, who is my absolute favorite character, still manages to shine in this novel despite some harsh things he goes through. This novel actually focuses less on Ela and Kien and more on Akabe. Akabe is really interesting, but I did miss Ela and Kien, and at times, I wished for the novel to slow down when they were together. Too often, time passed too quickly for them. That said, I enjoyed the political intrigue, the Infinite showing up and showing out, and watching people develop and change over the series. This series does a fantastic job of showing the importance of obedience to God and the benefits of following Him. So enjoyed it. Highly Recommend the series!

**I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in any way.**

Lately I’ve been thinking about the way that I rate the books I blog. When I first started blogging, I did not set up any kind of rating scale. Initially, I had decided when I started blogging that I would not review a book I did not like….but then I started reviewing books for Netgalley and BethanyHouse and I realized that I may have to blog about a book that didn’t quite strike my fancy. I have spent some time perusing other blogging websites and some have rating scales and others don’t. To be perfectly honest, I do appreciate the rating scale more often than not. What do you think? Should I start a rating system? Or is the review simply enough?

About

Miri Brayden teeters on a razor’s edge between placating and enraging her brother, whom she depends upon for support. Yet if his anger is unleashed, so is his madness. Miri must keep his descent into lunacy a secret, or he’ll be committed to an asylum-and she’ll be sent to the poorhouse. Ethan Goodwin has been on the run all of his life-from family, from the law … from God. After a heart-changing encounter with the gritty Reverend John Newton, Ethan would like nothing more than to become a man of integrity-an impossible feat for an opium addict charged with murder. When Ethan shows up on Miri’s doorstep, her balancing act falls to pieces. Both Ethan and Miri are caught in a web of lies and deceit-fallacies that land Ethan in prison and Miri in the asylum with her brother. Only the truth will set them free.

Review

I was so excited to pick up this book because a) I love the author and b) I love regency. I thought I had read just about every plot that could happen in a regency novel, but I was mistaken. In fact, I would say that this novel probably slipped more into gothic with creepy characters, middle-of-the-night happenings, and an interesting mystery. While reading this novel, I found that I sympathized with Miri’s character. She is so likeable. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and she handled it as best she could. Ethan was another favorite of mine. His story of redemption was powerful and moving. I will say, that this novel probably moved way faster than most gothic/regency novels that I have read and I think the pace of the book was a bit distracting. Everything seemed to happen so quickly. Overall, I found it to be a fascinating read and quite the look into how the criminal society in London worked and how they deal with mental illness back then. Spiritually, Miri has to learn to trust God even when it looks like He isn’t moving (and boy did she go through) and Ethan has to learn to stay steadfast. The novel wasn’t quite what I expected, but I found it to be entertaining.

**I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in any way.**

About

After an exhausting school year, Spencer is thrilled to discover that the summer training mission will take him and his fellow agents-in-training to Okinawa, a tropical paradise. But there’s little time for R & R as Spencer must attend school, volunteer at a local martial arts training facility, and track and report a mysterious girl named Keiko. Spencer thinks he knows exactly what to do, but the more he discovers about Keiko, the more questions he has. All he really wants to do is protect Keiko from her ex-boyfriend and stay out of trouble, but where Spencer Garmond is concerned, trouble is never far away.

Review

What a joy it was to get my hands on the next book in The Mission League Series. Can I just say that I love Spencer? Constantly throughout this novel, I found my eyes on the bottom of my kindle, hoping that the novel was not almost over yet. I think that Ms. Williamson does a fabulous job writing the voice of a teen boy. Spencer is so well-developed that it seems he can step through the pages. Though this novel is not a romance (and I am a romance lover) there is plenty of relationship drama and so much humor that the novel doesn’t feel like it’s suffering in any areas (plus I have a feeling that the romance will be more gradual throughout the series). Also, prior to reading this novel, I discovered that not all the characters from the first novel would be in this one. At first, I was disappointed, but I found that I barely considered the missing characters and I so enjoyed getting to know the new ones. If you liked the first book, you’ll love the second one and eagerly anticipate The Mission League 2.5. Spiritually, I love the importance and emphasis placed on the gifts that God gives us and I enjoy watching Spencer and others use them. I also like watching Spencer grow spiritually (slowly, and gradually), but it seems like his foundation is sure. So much fun and highly recommended!

Aren’t these some interesting covers that are coming out this year?

Priscilla Slater shows up at her 20-year reunion as a national celebrity. Her hair salon dynasty has skyrocketed, and to top it off, she has her own line of hair products. She has become a huge success with the “Ms. Prissy Big Hair” line that lets women with the thinnest of locks get the coveted “big hair” look so popular in the South. Her classmates have finally come to terms with adulthood, but they’re handling it with the grace of a Southern woman wearing white after Labor Day. It’s just downright awkward! Asserting the maturity that her classmates have often lacked, Priscilla holds her head high. But she can’t ignore everything. When she catches her mother in the arms of her former high school principal, Priscilla can’t get out of town fast enough. Eager to get back to her more comfortable life, Priscilla runs head on into an ultimatum: Tim tells her they’re not getting any younger—as if she has to be reminded.

Leslie Rhoads may have grown up in a small town, but is on the verge of becoming a supermodel in the Big Apple, when the 24-year-old is chosen to grace the cover of Style magazine and star in the controversial Passion Nights’ perfume ads. But before she can step into the spotlight, Leslie is assaulted by a drug gang and disfigured with a broken scotch bottle. Without her perfect face, she is lost and no amount of surgery can ever make her what she once was. Now trying to hide her face from the world, Leslie encounters more trouble as she seeks to rebuild her life: unrequited love, thoughts of suicide, and her assailant out to finish the job. Little does she know that a young girl named Angel will turn it all around, showing Leslie the joy and potential in life and the fact that love truly is blind.

After the tragic death of her closest friend, 20-year-old Celia Thatcher is sent to work in the bookstore of family friends. Hoping the new surroundings in Massachusetts will help her regain a happy outlook on life, Celia catches the eye of not one, but two men: the elite, but unkempt Bostonian-turned-hermit, Edward Lyons, who is clearly trying to run from his past and from God, and Charles Harrod, a charming Harvard law student who promotes a religious belief Celia has never before considered. With both men vying for her attention, Celia’s world is again turned upside down when one of her beaus is accused of murder. Suddenly realizing where her heart lies, Celia is now challenged with a choice bigger than man: should she follow her heart or her God?

Dear Mr. Knightley is a contemporary epistolary novel with a delightful dash of Jane Austen.

Samantha Moore survived years of darkness in the foster care system by hiding behind her favorite characters in literature, even adopting their very words. Her fictional friends give her an identity, albeit a borrowed one. But most importantly, they protect her from revealing her true self and encountering more pain.

After college, Samantha receives an extraordinary opportunity. The anonymous “Mr. Knightley” offers her a full scholarship to earn her graduate degree at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. The sole condition is that Sam write to Mr. Knightley regularly to keep him apprised of her progress.

As Sam’s true identity begins to reveal itself through her letters, her heart begins to soften to those around her—a damaged teenager and fellow inhabitant of Grace House, her classmates at Medill, and, most powerfully, successful novelist Alex Powell. But just as Sam finally begins to trust, she learns that Alex has secrets of his own—secrets that, for better or for worse, make it impossible for Sam to hide behind either her characters or her letters.

(Doesn’t this one sound like Daddy Long Legs? Loved that book, can’t wait for this one!)

Kirsten has spent her life trying to forget. But mercy begs her to remember.

Guilt-ridden after a family tragedy at age 16, Kirsten attempted to bury her pain in her flesh and called it coping. But at 23, on the night she expects her long-time boyfriend to propose, Kirsten discovers a devastating secret about him. In the emotional chaos that follows, an accident by her own hand lands her in a hospital psych ward, unable to find release in injuring herself.

The only viable treatment option is a stint on a Montana sheep ranch, working with the quirky but insightful “Sister Frankie.” Feeling as inept as the sheep themselves, Kirsten slowly joins the unlikely crew of people who are also searching for healing. Gradually she opens herself to embrace mothering an orphaned lamb and hearing God’s voice and . . . possibly . . . finding love again.

Through it all, mercy begs her to remember the past, showing her there is nothing—nothing—that can’t be redeemed.

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won’t threaten their lives again.

But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli’s secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music.

She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods.

As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.

Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out… 

 

How cool are these? Christian fiction is stepping it up!

About

PURPOSED by birth. DESTINED by prophecy. REVEALED by Truth.
Now, her time has come.

Having come to terms with her long-hidden identity, Princess Rynnaia E’veri is ready to take her rightful place. But before she can join her father at Castle Rynwyk, she must endeavor to fulfill a 200-year-old prophecy and defeat the Kingdom’s ancient enemy, the Cobelds. Joined by her faithful knight, Sir Julien de Gladiel, and a gifted group of friends, Rynnaia must trek a dangerous path through canyons, forests, and into the very depths of a mountain where, if the prophetic scrolls prove correct, she will face an unknown foe, alone. Treacheries will be discovered, sacrifices will be made, friends will be lost, and love will be tested, but if even one line of the riddled prophecy is misinterpreted, Rynnaia will fail . . . and the Kingdom will fall.

Beginning at the point THE RYN ended, THE REMEDY concludes an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, SNOW WHITE & ROSE RED, but the Eyes of E’veria series is only beginning . . .

Review

The Remedy picks up right where The Ryn left off and you will feel as though you never put the first book down. Initially, this novel begins a bit more laidback. Rynnaia gets to know her father more, details are hashed out concerning the Remedy (and Julien!), and some former characters are reintroduced. But then, the fun begins as Rynnaia and her group begin their journey to find the Remedy. I found this sweeping novel to follow that epic-like feel that only the best fantasy novels have. I loved how E’veria has a history that is diverse and layered. I really liked how the group had to follow the clues of an old prophecy to find the Remedy. Each time one was found I was mentally checking it off of my list. I especially liked the character development of Rynnaia. I liked that she wasn’t perfect and that she had moments of frustration. I loved the way Julien courted her in spite of the fact that he knew she loved him already. I even liked it when there was tension between them just so I could see their relationship grow. The only thing that made me question the novel was why her and why now? I wasn’t sure that it answered that question. Spiritually, though this is not a blatant Christian novel, I believe it holds a lot of similarities to knowing God and trusting Him, and seeking His face (and expecting an answer) when trials come up. Loads of fun, you’re in for a treat with this one and I am very excited to read the next one (please have Cazien!). 

** I received this novel from the author. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**