Title: Glamorous Illusions
Series: Grand Tour
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: June 1, 2012
Pages: 416
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Cora Diehl’s life gets turned upside down when she arrives home from Common School to find out her father had a stroke. With a struggling farm and a sick father Cora knows she might not be able to continue school. She knows something is about to change but she has no idea just how much until a man arrives and says he’s her real father and the world that Cora knew changes forever.

Cora is now a Kensington and is thrust into the life of a copper king and his family. She now has to navigate Europe on her Grand Tour but also her new half-brothers and sisters, when they’ve made it perfectly clear that they don’t like her or want her around. On the journey of a lifetime, Cora realizes just how hard it is to fit into a crowd that you weren’t born into and how difficult it is to penetrate the pack, even if they are family.

In Europe, Cora begins to find herself again and figure out who she really is, not who her parents or newfound father wants her to be. She meets two men who start to change her life and open doors she thought were closed and start to show her that she’s not defined by her title or how she came into this world but rather who she is and how she lives her life. This journey will push her and her faith to the limits but it might justly her become the person she wants to be.

Will Cora forgive her parents for keeping this from her or will she live with bitterness forever? Will Cora fall in love on this journey or will she break the hearts of two different men? Will Cora find out who she is or will she go home as confused as she left? Will Cora be able to make her siblings see her as more than a nuisance or will she forever be known as the outcast?
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I’ve never read a book by this author before but I’ve always admired and been attracted to Lisa Bergren’s covers. This one was no different and it captured my attention with the stunning dress on the front with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. I found that I was just as captivated by the story of Cora Deihl once I started reading this interesting book. Though there wasn’t much excitement in this book, I still enjoyed it and the growth I saw in Cora’s character.

The story is a pretty uneventful one from the point that Cora leaves her hometown and until about two or three chapters from the end. That leaves a lot of space for basically history lessons and for Cora to be shunned by her siblings. It also leaves some space for a little infatuation to bloom. Though this book isn’t the most exciting book out there I somehow got hooked by Cora’s story and struggle to fit in with siblings and settle into a role that she wasn’t prepared for, however I would’ve liked to have had a bit more excitement throughout instead of clumped at the ends. I guess her and Will made the story worth reading for me.

This book technically isn’t a romance but it’s a precursor to one, or at least it seems that way, and Cora starts to fall for not one but two completely different men. One is a French duke and very powerful, the other is Will a guide and bodyguard and someone who always seems to make her heart flutter. There’s definitely a love triangle going on and the real question is who’s going to win over Cora’s heart in the end. (I’m thinking Will)

The author chose a rather odd set up for the writing style. Instead of making the entire book one style, like all first person or all second person, she chose to mix them up. Cora’s point of view is written in first person while Will’s and everyone else’s is written in second person. It’s a weird method and one I’m not totally sure I liked. It felt a bit disjointed at times and I’m not sure that was a good blend, but I am happy that she did write in point of views other than just Cora’s.

This author is completely new to me and I enjoyed my first book by her, but I wish there would’ve been some excitement in what can be considered a very vanilla book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series though, because now that we have some excitement going I feel like she should keep it up, but also because I want to see Cora grow into the woman she deserves to be and the only way to see that is to finish the book. I do recommend this book to select people and I think I can recommend this author.

Overall, this is a good but unexciting book. The character growth and love triangle is the only thing keeping it interesting. I recommend this to people who like continuos novels and love triangles. I don’t recommend this to younger resets but possibly mature teens and adults. I give this book a three and a half out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: Deadly Devotion
Series: Port Aster Secrets
Author: Sandra Orchard
Publisher: Revell
Published: June 1, 2013
Pages: 384
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When Kate Adams friend and research mentor, Daisy Leacock, is suddenly found dead from poisoning, she is devastated and angry. Kate knows her mentor’s death wasn’t a suicide or a careless accident. Both Kate and Daisy work with plants all day long and they were working on an herbal medicine that would treat depression. Knowing this, Kate is determined to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding that it’s harder to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster than he thought it would be. Not everyone approves of his new position as a detective for the local police force even though the police chief, his old buddy, gave him the job. He’s just trying to sty out of the spotlight, but when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend’s death, he knows he could easily be fired. He’s willing to help her even though he thinks she has something to hide.

The more Kate and Tom dig into the death of Daisy the more secrets they uncover about their seemingly perfect and quiet town, proving that no one is as they seem. With a stack of suspects and a killer on the loose both are very aware of the fact that this killer might just try and kill against I keep their secret a secret. Bad memories on both side keep them from falling in love but being thrust together by danger starts to rip apart their boundaries and open doors they never thought possible. They just have to catch a killer first.

Will Kate be able to prove that her friend was murdered or will she be forced to accept that her friend took her own life? Will Tom find out what Kate is hiding or will it plague him forever? When Tom finds out how will he react? Will the killer try and keep their secret safe or will Kate and Tom be safe from an attempt on their lives? Will Kate and Tom’s budding relationship make it or will the pressure of keeping each other safe break apart their fragile relationship?
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The cover on this book drew my eye and the description captured my attention. I was hoping that when I finished this book that I would be able to say that the contents lived up to the cover and I can assuredly say that it did. I actually loved this one and the fact that I was never really ever to fully figure who was the killer made the book an absolute joy to read. I can’t wait for the next one!

The storyline of this story is very intricate yet pretty simple to follow. I got so enraptured by this storyline that I found the world around me completely fading away and the only thing left was me and book filled with so much intrigue it practically spilled out of the pages. I never felt left behind or like the wording was choppy and I certainly never felt bored with this one. This author has a gift for storytelling and she uses her full gift in this one and I loved it.

My favorite character by far is Kate. She’s tough, stubborn and the complete polar opposite to a damsel in distress. Though some of her choices in this book were questionable, I can’t say that they didn’t fit her nor could I say that I wouldn’t do the same thing. Her character struck a chord with me and hooked me from the instant she marched into the police station with all that red-headed anger and demanded her friends’s case be reopened. Her character is a perfect mixture between stubborn, spunky, and vulnerable. Her character completely made the book and I can’t wait to see more of her.

The suspense was actually a mystery to me. With so many suspects and so many reasons why each would’ve done it, I had a hard time figuring out who killed Daisy. The suspense was intricately woven together and each suspect’s secrets exposed, making you really realize that people really aren’t always who they seem. The suspense had a nice steady flow and never really let up for the majority of the story making this an enjoyment to read.

I’ve only read one book by Sandra Orchard before and it was a Love Inspired novella and I don’t think it properly portrayed her talent for suspense and storytelling. I am literally waiting on pins and needles to read the next book in this series and have the rest of the small loose ends tied up. This novel was fantastic and I would definitely recommend it to anyone regardless of what they normally read.

Overall, fantastic. I think I might have found a new favorite author. I have no complaints about this one. I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes suspense novels. This book is best left for adults and mature teens. I give this book a five out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: One Glorious Ambition
Author: Jane Kirkpatrick
Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah
Published: April 2, 2013,
Pages: 400
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Dorothea Dix, who was born to an unavailable mother and an abusive father, longs simply to care for and protect her younger brothers, Charles and Joseph. However at fourteen she is separated from them and sent to live with relatives to be raised properly. In her uncertainty and loneliness, she realizes that she can’t accept to social expectations imposed on her gender and she desires to accomplish more than finding a suitable mate.

Dorothea yearns to fulfill God’s purpose in her life and she sons discovers that she has a talent for teaching an writing. She soon published books and opens a school and her students bring her a joy and fulfillment she has never experienced before. They become like family to her, but long bouts of illness end her teaching career and send Dorothea adrift in the sea of uncertainty once again.

All of that changes when she makes an unexpected visit to a prison housing the mentally ill. Seeing the conditions they live in ignites a fire inside of Dorothea and sets her on a journey to change their living conditions and treatment. That journey sends her across the country, into the halls of the Capitol, and leads her to befriend presidents and lawmakers. Her journey was always to care for the “least of these”.

When Dorothea Dic discovers her calling will it help change the lives of others or will her efforts do nothing? Will Dorothea’s compassionate crusade change the lives of the mentally ill for the good or will her efforts result in the conditions getting worse for them? Is this Dorothea’s one glorious ambition and will she stay with it or will she leave it for a husband and kids?
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I’ve never read anything by Jane Kirkpatrick before, but this book caught my eye and I had no idea Dorothea Dix even existed, much to my shock and dismay. So I was excited to pick up this one and learn about a lady that gave her entire life to helping people. The life of this lady amazes me and I believe the Lord used her greatly to lessen the appalling conditions the mentally ill were in during the time before the Civil War. I’m so happy I got to learn about this extraordinary woman.

The book is stuffed with historical facts and imagery of prison conditions and I enjoyed learning about the various crusades going on in that time as well the sickening conditions of prisons for the mentally unstable. Plus the facts about Dorothea’s crusade allowed me to really learn about Dorothea and her compassion to the people who isn’t have a voice. That part of the book was great.

Dorothea is an odd creature without explanation during this book and that is a bad part of the book. Dorothea’s actions throughout the book made very little sense and her cold attitude portrayed on the book made it very hard to get attached to her. At times throughout the book Dorothea will wonder about her mental health and, at times, you can’t help but wonder too. I think maybe these odd behaviors probably would’ve made more sense if Dorothea had been more likable and it had been explained.

The way this story is written is odd too. It’s written in a biographical style but because it’s a fiction novel, it doesn’t really mesh well. Fiction is about imagination and the setup of this book didn’t really allow that, making this book drag on at times because of the lack of excitement in places. I would’ve liked to have seen a bit of creativity from this book and a bit of excitement, but I will admit that the writing style is unique and not something I’ve seen before. It just wasn’t what I was looking for in this novel.

I’ve never read anything by Jane Kirkpatrick before and though I didn’t love this book, I do like her attempt at uniqueness with the writing style and I think that makes me want to read more from her. Maybe her other books are more relatable and likable. I don’t really recommend this to anyone who isn’t interested in mental health or a fan of Dorothea Dix.

Overall, it’s a books filled with historical facts and images of the horrible conditions the jails the mentally ill were in and the writing style is unique but not a great mesh for fiction and Dorothea was a bit too odd to be likable. I give this book a two and a half out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: That Certain Summer
Author: Irene Hannon
Publisher: Revell
Published: June 1, 2013
Pages: 304
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Karen and Val are family, but they’re anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left to pursue a career in theater. Karen overextends herself by having a career, recovering from her divorce, taking care of her newly rebellious daughter and her ailing mother. So she does the unthinkable. She calls her sister for help.

Val had her reasons for leaving town. Besides to pursue a a career, she left to get away from her controlling mother and to run away from a secret no one else knows but her. Coming home has never been an option, until her mother suffers from a stroke and she hears the weariness in her sister’s voice. Val now feels the need to breach the secrets of the past and move on from the guilt she carries.

Reunited, the sisters now have to care for their controlling mother and grapple with their past mistakes. Hopefully they can repair their torn relationship and become not only friends but sisters again. As they battle that their summer takes an interesting new spin as two handsome men come into their lives and offer them a hope for something better. Each one has issues and trouble but when their lives intersect they might just be able to learn to forgive and love again.

Can Val forgive herself for the mistake she made when she was just a teenager or will she give up everything and hold onto the guilt she carries? Will Karen learn to stand up for herself and forgive her ex-husband for cheating on her or will she stay the quiet church mouse that is still angry with her husband? Will Karen and Val find love this summer or will they get their hearts broken once again?
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I love Irene Hannon’s work and I have been a fan since reading a couple of her Love Inspired novellas. For a few years she has stuck to just suspense so I was a bit surprised when she decided to write a contemporary novel. However, I’m so happy she did. This book is, in my opinion, her best yet. This book was well developed and heart-tugging. It got my emotions involved and I loved it.

The characters of Karen, Val, Scott, and David were realistic and I loved seeing them grow and finally learn to forgive whether it was themselves or someone else. Their journeys got my heart involved and made me feel like the characters were real making this book a breeze to read and finish. This author definitely has a gift of creating great characters that attach to your heart and don’t really release themselves out of your life.

The romances were also some of the best I’ve seen out of this author. The emotional development was amazing and I could really see the relationship grow into a love strong enough to conquer some tough choices and realizations. There isn’t much heat in this romance but the lack of it didn’t bother me at all and in fact in this particular novel I probably wouldn’t want it. The slow emotional attachment that grows into love fits this novels so well that I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

This storyline follows a few really real and tough situations a lot of people are facing today. There was coping with the aftermath of divorce, partial paralysis, being the lone survivor of a car accident, falling in love with a woman who will leave, and most importantly, abortion. Every struggle during the course of this novel made the story even more real and made each character more realistic and lovable to me. I loved this novel and want more like it.

I’ve been a fan of this author for years and have loved her suspense work but I feel like this is her best work yet. I loved this and want more contemporary fiction from her. I look forward to seeing what else Irene Hannon will throw my way. This book and author come highly recommended and I definitely want more like this novel from her.

Overall, a great novel. I have absolutely no complaints. This book is perfect for people who like a well constructed romance that broaches hard topics. I don’t recommend this book for younger readers but adults and possibly teens will enjoy this one. I give this book a five out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: Duchess
Series: Daughters of Fortune
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Summerside
Published: March 1, 2013
Pages: 352
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Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has given up everything to become an actress. And she’s found everything she’s ever wanted in the glamour. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the heartache of the past. Her future shines bright and the possibilities are endless until one Black Friday when everything comes crashing down around her feet and leaves her reeling.

The Golden Age of Hollywood is known for making stars but it’s also known for breaking them too. It seems like Roxy’s career is over and when she loses almost everything, she finds herself disgraced, penniless, and without jobs. Her only hope of survival and possibly revival is to team up with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor and old flame.

But just when it seems like life will once again right itself Roxy finds that Rolfe is not what he seems and that he is using his film and Roxy to support a growing unrest in Europe. His plans could break her heart and endanger her life and it’s up to her to decide which side she stands on. Roxy won’t give up without a fight but now she has to choose whether her fight will be for what’s right or for her career.

Will Roxy come back to the faith she left behind with her past or will she spend the rest of her life empty and alone? Will Roxy choose a simpler yet more fulfilling life or will she give up her chance for normal to fight retirement? Will Roxy support or disagree with Rolfe’s stand on the unrest in Europe? What will she do when she finds out? Will she leave him or will she help him?
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This is my first full-length novel from this author so I didn’t fully know what to expect or whether I would like it. The writing style and detail of the book was amazing but I felt parts drag on and in some places there too much emphasis on the setting or Hollywood background and not enough put on our heroine. Even though I appreciate this author’s efforts to make a book with a different tone, I found it hard to relate to this story and its characters.

The story is placed in the viewpoint of Rosie/Roxy only and that made it drag a bit. The majority of the story was the behind-the-scenes details of the 1930′s Hollywood scene and though that’s fascinating there tends to be a point where you want to read something other than it. Not to mention our heroine is kind of unrelatable. Her drive to get praise from complete strangers means she gives up almost everything and her choices throughout the book aren’t the best nor, for me, very understandable. Though she did a lot of growing throughout the course of the story, her constant stubborn “my way always” attitude and her wishing for what she can’t have made the book drag on for me.

The story, for most of the book, is a look into the Hollywood acting scene in the 1930s and was fascinating and somewhat appalling. It describes in detail about eyebrows being plucked to literally nothing and hair falling out because of the peroxide, age destroying a career, etc. and though it’s fascinating, and I love a lot of historical content, when chapters at a time are mostly about the historical value and not character development the story tends to drag on a bit.

The storyline really picked up after Roxy started working with Rolfe and that part of the story really saved this book from completely failing for me. I would’ve loved the beginning shortened and the ending lengthened. The ending was awesome and what I really want to read in a novel and even though it adds a bit of mystery from her viewpoint I would’ve loved to have gotten inside Rolfe’s head and been give. More details to what he was doing.

This author is really a first for me and though I didn’t love this book I feel like this author has a great writing style and maybe I’ll enjoy something different by her. This author had gotten acclaim for years on her writing skills and I loved her novella that I had the opportunity to read, so I do want to read more from her just maybe something more contemporary or something more historical. I can’t really recommend the author due to my lack of experience with her books but I don’t really recommend this novel.

Overall, the story dragged on for most of the book but the ending saved the book from being a complete disaster. This is great for people who like novels about Hollywood or novels set in the 1930s. This is perfect for adults but it’s best to keep it away from younger readers and possibly teens. I give this book a two and a half out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: Her Restless Heart Women’s Bible Study
Author: Barbara Cameron
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Pages: 208
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So because this is a bible study I’m not going to do a long description. It’s a bible study using the book Her Restless Heart as the backdrop to delve into the Geary’s longing for love and acceptance. It uses fiction to allow you to see yourself in new ways.
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So when I requested this book I though it was the fiction book not the accompanying bible study. So when I received it I was a bit disappointed but that was until I started to read it. However, once I dug into this study I was actually really glad that I didn’t know before I received it. This helped me a lot to identify some of my issues and how I can give them to God.

The fact that this study uses fiction as a backdrop makes this one unique and, in my opinion, effective. The fiction made it easier for me to identify and address some issues I might have. I think this idea is genius and others should consider doing this too. I think it makes the study a but more fun and interesting.

Though I think this study is targeted for middle-aged women I think older or younger women can enjoy this study. I know it helped me identify things that I do that aren’t exactly the best and helped me identify what my personality is like. It also helped me realize some things about God that I already knew but sometimes have a hard time fully believing or some things that I feel I need to do before I go to God. I know this study helped me a lot.

I think of all the study to do this one was perfect for me because of all the things I think about and hope for the most is to be loved and accepted. It’s a hope for the future and a knowledge of now. It’s what I think I want and need most of all. So for me this was the best study for me because it helped me see that I deserve to be loved and accepted but I need to rest in the knowledge that God loves and made me who I am.

I’ve never read anything by this author but if the snippets of parts of the book say anything about her writing skill, she’s amazing. I got hooked on her story and I only read parts of chapters! She also is amazing at hitting straight to the point and showing you how to fix it. I loved this bible study and actually want to read more from her, fiction or nonfiction. This study comes highly recommended.

Overall, I loved this bible study and I recommend it to anyone of an age that can understand and appreciate this bible study. I give this book a five out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: Sunflower Summer
Series: Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn
Author: Evangeline Kelley
Publisher: Guideposts
Published: April 1, 2013
Pages: 272
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Misty Harbor Inn has officially opened and the Marris sisters face some tough decisions. Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, must decide if she wants to stay in Nantucket year-round or stay here only in the summer time. She struggles with being needed and having something to do, but it seems like she’s needed more than she knows. Especially in being a listening ear to boarders.

Caroline Marris also has to make some tough choices. After denying a proposal from her longtime friend, she is devastated to find he won’t be able to visit her this summer. Thinking he’s avoiding her because of her refusal to his marriage proposal, Caroline begins to question her decision and her opinion of her readiness. But she feels it might be too late to remedy what she possibly did to her friendship.

Sam Carter is blooming in the Misty Harbor Inn. She is baking and she even discovers a secret passageway in the back of a guest room closet. It contains items belonging to the mysterious previous owner, who disappeared suddenly and without a trace. Keeping herself busy by cooking, baking, and a new mystery on her hands Sam is content, happy even, to be a hotel owner.

Can Caroline decide whether she wants to be married or not? Will Gracie decide whether to live on the island permanently or will she decide to stay part-time only? Will the Marris sisters be able to solve the mystery of the widow who lived here before or will it remain a local mystery forever? Will their in be a success or will they fail?
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This book’s cover and plot was what first attracted me to this book, but the content bored me a little. It took about a quarter of the book to really pick up and that pick up didn’t really last that long. I liked the aspects of running the inn and parts of the mystery of the missing widow, but those didn’t really hold my attention for long. I think it might be because it’s hard for me to relate to the characters.

The characters were a bit older than me and for me it’s difficult to relate to a character that’s a lot older than me. Some of their attitudes were fun and young and easy to imagine in real life, but I just wasn’t able to connect with them. Maybe it was the lack of real character development or maybe it was me. I don’t quite know why I wasn’t able to connect with them, because I have fallen in love with older characters.

The storyline was a but jumbled to me. I think the book had too many side stories and not enough of a main story. It seemed a bit ambitious to start a storyline for each sister in one book, add on top of that the visitors’ story-lines and the mystery, it just seemed like too much for me. I don’t quite know what the main storyline was in this novel but it wasn’t big enough for me to detect it.

The one thing I did really enjoy about this book was the mystery about the missing widow. Even that kind of disappointed me. It started out with a lot of potential but ended on a flat note. Most of the leads end in dead ends and leaves everyone disappointed. I would’ve loved to have found out what happened to the lady but I think it’s being stretched to the third book. Oh well.

This author is actually a pen name for a group of four authors who collaborate together. I didn’t care much for their collaboration but I don’t think I was their target audience. A shame because I really wanted this on to be amazing. Though I don’t really recommend this one, I’m sure there is someone who is more the target audience that will recommend it. It just wasn’t for me.

Overall, this book wasn’t my cup of tea, but I’m sure there are some people more the target audience who loved it. I think this is perfect for older people who want a book that isn’t a romance. I don’t recommend this for anyone else other than middle-aged or older people. I give this book a two and a half out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. all opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: When Love Calls
Series: The Gregory Sisters
Author: Lorna Seilstad
Publisher: Revell
Published: March 18, 2013
Pages: 352
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Hannah Gregory is good at a lot of things, but following rules isn’t on that list. So when she’s left as sole provider for her two sisters, she takes an unlikely job as a switchboard operator. She knows it isn’t going to be easy. The Hello Girls must conduct themselves according to strict, and often bewildering, rules. She thinks the easiest one will be the rules involving gentleman callers, until she meets a man that could change everything.

Lincoln Cole finds himself attracted to the spunky and stubborn older Gregory sister from the moment he meets her, even if it is under bad circumstances. Lincoln must show Hannah that he isn’t the guy that repossessed her family home but a man who cares. He’s given that chance when her family friend is arrested for arson and she has no one else to turn to but him. As he shows her who really is, he must combat her stubborn ways and need to be self-sufficient to get to who she really is.

As their attraction grows, so does Hannah’s desire to not lean on anyone even someone that would make her life easier and Lincoln has to decide if his choice of going into politics is what he wants or what his dad would’ve wanted. They also have to work together to clear Hannah’s friend and find out who is really sending all those fires.

Will Hannah be able to give up her stubborn ways for Lincoln or will her determination to do everything her way be the death of their relationship? Will Lincoln decide to go into politics despite the fact that it’s most likely not his dream or will he decide to stay just a lawyer and focus on building a life with the woman he loves? Will Hannah be able to keep her job as a Hello Girl or will she lose it because of her propensity to disobey the rules?
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The one thing I like about this author is her ability to put humor in her books. This is the second one I’ve read by her and just like the last time I smiled at every joke or hilarious quirk in the novel. I loved the humor but also I liked the flow of the novel and the romance in this one was great. I look forward to seeing what else the Gregory sister have for me in the future.

The romance in this one was great. It was slightly different than what I normally read, but it was also very well written. I never felt shocked or surprised by the characters’ revelation in the book and I felt like the romance took main priority over every other secondary storyline, which made this book an awesome romance.

My favorite part of this book is definitely the colorful characters in this book. Being the oldest sister I relate most to Hannah and her protective nature. Charlotte reminds me of a milder version of my sister and Tessa was by far my favorite. She had some amazingly hilarious lines and her quirky nature was just too endearing for words. Because I loved all of the sisters I can’t wait for each one of their romance novels. I particularly can’t wait to see who Tessa ends up with.

The idea for this novel is unique and fascinating. How many books do you know of that involve a switchboard operator? Obviously, I wanted to dig into this one immediately and it didn’t disappoint me. This is definitely a unique and great read that will make you smile and will definitely touch your heart. I loved this read and look forward to what else I will learn and who will make me smile next. This is a book that’s definitely worth reading.

This author gave me a taste of her potential last time but now, I’m officially hooked. I look forward to reading every humor tinged book she throws at me. I think this author is great and she shows it in this book. I loved this novel and I’m sure I’ll love every book in this series. This book comes highly recommended from me as does this author.

Overall, a really good book and a great romance. It’s perfect for lovers of historical romance and people who like their romances with a little uniqueness. This book is probably best for teen and adult readers. I give this book a four out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: A Noble Groom
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: April 1, 2013
Pages: 368
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Annalisa Werner’s hope for a fairy-tale love is over. Her husband failed to save her in every way, and now his death has left her in dire straits. Without a husband to plant and harvest their crop, she has little hope of saving her family farm without a man to help her. In order to pay off her loan she needs a plentiful crop and a husband to bring it in. So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find her a groom.

Carl von Reichart is on the run from the law. He was falsely accused of a bombing and has had to flee to America under a false name, Carl Richards. He promises his servant that he will watch over his niece until her groom arrives. Being a nobleman’s son, he is completely unprepared for the farming lifestyle. However, he is determined to help the beautiful widow and her lively daughter. He never felt the need to settle down or stay in one place before but now he doesn’t want to leave the farm or the widow who is trying to save it.

The more Carl helps Annalisa the closer they get. Annalisa starts to see the difference between the husbands around her and Carl and she realizes that love and kindness isn’t too much to ask for in a marriage. Carl can start to see himself spending the rest f his life with Annalisa and her daughter but is reluctant to enter into a marriage where love isn’t involved. But Carl knows that even if love was there he couldn’t marry her not when she doesn’t even know who he really is.

Can Annalisa marry a strange man or will he realize that it’s her life as she deserves a say in it? Will Carl realize that he loves Annalisa or will he walk away and let her marry someone else? Will Carl tell Annalisa who he is or will he leave her wondering? How will Annalisa react when she finds out who he is? Will true love be able to conquer the most difficult struggles or will life destroy what they feel for each other?
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I have never read a book by this author before but this cover dragged me in and I couldn’t resist requesting this one. When I got it in the mail, I was even more excited because of its size and because of its back cover synopsis. But when I started reading it, I was even more hooked. I actually finished this one in two days and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is one of the first historical fiction that I’ve truly enjoyed in a while. This book makes me want to find this author’s previous works and devour them too.

The romance in this book is perfect. I felt like it progressed nicely and had a perfect amount if passion and restraint. I liked how the romance ended and I felt like the struggles that were roadblocks to it were reasonable and understandable. I loved how Carl was able to show Annalisa that a marriage doesn’t have to have a lack of kindness and respect. This is one the most well developed romances, that were set in this century, that I’ve read.

This storyline, though not terribly unique, is special. It touched a chord with me and drew me in. At first I didn’t love it. I felt that Annalisa was too meek and jaded about marriage and that Carl was too snooty, but as the story progressed I saw both characters grow and soften and it captured me. It also captured me with its smooth storyline progression and its unique problems.

Most of the characters in this book aren’t too likable. The men were too aggressive and the women too meek, but some characters just stuck out and captured my heart as well as my attention. A part of me hopes for a sequel so I can see Annalisa’s sister get a husband that loves her, but another part thinks this book is fantastic on its own and doesn’t need a sequel. Even though some characters were too extreme for me to like, the ones that were likable made the story into a fantastic read.

This author is a new one for me but if this book is any indication, I will be reading her books for years to come. This book captured my heart and I absolutely loved it. This author has created a new fan in me and I fully intend to read anything else she writes. Like I said, this book was so good I almost want to track down and read anything else she’s written. This author and book come highly recommended.

Overall, a great book. It had a great romance but some of the characters were unlikable. This book is perfect for those who like historical fiction set in the 19th century. I don’t really think this book is good for younger readers or young teens but adults and older teens will definitely enjoy this one. I give this book a four out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Title: When A Secret Kills
Series: Deadly Reunions
Author: Lynette Eason
Publisher: Revell
Published: May 1, 2013
Pages: 352
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Jillian Carter has spent the last ten years on the run from a murderer. When the man’s accomplices find her all the way across the country with a new name, she knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. Jillian is no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared, and she’s ready to fight and find the truth and expose it.

Colton Brady has spent the past ten years trying to get over Jillian and thought he had done so successfully until she comes back into his life. But the reasons why she’s here are dangerous and he doesn’t want to believe that his uncle, Senator Frank Hoffman, committed a murder. What he can’t deny is that whoever did commit the murder wants her dead and he’s going to help her stay alive and get proof. He needs to prove his uncle’s innocence or step aside and let someone else arrest him. But the road to get there won’t be easy.

As Colton and Jillian struggle to stay alive and gather enough evidence to prove someone guilty of murder, they’re confronted with countless murder attempts, doubt, and the past. And the more they’re shoved together, the more they begin to realize that they never really stopped loving each other. However, a past mistake as teens means Jillian has news to share that will be hard to swallow and Jillian wonders whether he will think the result is a mistake too.

Will Jillian be able to prove that Frank Hoffman committed the murder or will new evidence prove otherwise? Will Colton find that his uncle is innocent of murder and isn’t trying to kill Jillian or will he find shocking evidence to prove that he was involved after all? Will Jillian’s news tear a rift between them that can never be repaired or will it draw them even closer together? Will they be able to survive murder attempt after murder attempt or will the killer succeed burying the truth forever?
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When this book was given to me to review I jumped at the opportunity, because I had read the previous two and was more than anxious to finish this series but also because of the fact that this author has given me incredible books every time I’ve picked one up. This is another incredible one. In fact this is my favorite in the series not just because it’s the conclusion and all my questions are answered but also because this one was an incredible suspense. This book is a huge hit for me and I loved every second.

The storyline of this book is tightly knit together with the first two but can be read as a stand-alone though I don’t really recommend it. The tension was so thick in this story that I literally couldn’t put it down and I actually finished this book in about six hours total time, which for me is incredible. I loved the never ending suspense and tension as well as the questions about who is involved and how much. It kept me guessing and I just couldn’t put it down.

The romance was pretty good. The problem with romantic suspense is that one subject has to be the add-on and take a backseat. In this case, fortunately it was the romance. However, because there was some past history between the two characters and a few other added details I won’t divulge, it didn’t feel too out of place. Also, the suspense distracted me for most of the book so my main concern wasn’t the romance but the killer. It was a pretty good romance particularly for a suspense novel.

For over a year now I have been not so patiently waiting for this book and the conclusion to a trilogy that has ended on a cliffhanger every time. In my review of the first book in this series I expressed that I hoped that the end would be worth the wait and let me tell you that it was completely worth the wait. Not only was this a fantastic conclusion to this trilogy but it was just an overall great suspense and it was completely worth the long wait to see it become published.

Lynette Eason hooked since the first book of hers that I’ve ever read. That happens to be the first book in this series. I’m a huge fan of her ability to write nail-biting suspense blended with good romances and a smooth storyline. I look forward to what’s coming next and will be wondering if it will be a continuos series like this one or a standalone series like most series’. Either way I want to read it. This author, series, and book come highly recommended.

Overall, I loved this book. It was well developed and is definitely one of my favorite’s of all time. This book is perfect for fans of romantic suspense, suspense, or this author. I highly recommend that you read the other two first, I think you’ll appreciate this one more if you do. This book is perfect for adult and maybe teenagers but I don’t recommend it for younger readers. I give this book a five out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*