A Life Once Dreamed

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.

When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.

In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?

Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you're going.

My Rating: 5 Stars
What a great story! I have come to really love Rachel's stories. I have read all three of them and they are just wonderful solid Historical Christian Fiction stories. I particularly loved the characters in this one. Aggie, James and the town of Penance made for a satisfying read. The story itself was very well done and kept me invested in the characters lives-so much so that I hope we see more of them(and one character in particular!)again. The ending was good and overall I enjoyed the book very much. Looking forward to more historical adventures with Rachel's stories.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Almost A Bride

Always close, but never a bride.

Longing to find true love, Kate Millington arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship. With countless men waiting to snag a bride, Kate has no trouble getting engaged. It’s staying engaged that’s the problem. After traveling to the remote mining town of Williamsville to marry her newest fiancé, she finds herself single again.

As the prosperous owner of a gold mine, Zeke Hart has everything he’s ever wanted except for a wife. At Kate’s arrival, he takes it upon himself to protect his childhood friend from the men clamoring to court her. The more he renews her friendship, the more he wants to win her for himself. But as much as Kate admires Zeke, she’s resolved not to marry someone who doesn’t share her faith.

When Zeke begins receiving anonymous threats, he unwittingly puts them both in grave danger. In the midst of peril, the past rises up to haunt them both, and Zeke realizes the fight for Kate’s affection may be his biggest challenge yet.

My Rating: 4 Stars

What an exciting conclusion to Jody's Bride Ships series! After reading book 3 and meeting Zeke(Zoe's twin brother) I was excited to read his story and that of old friend Kate. I really liked the character of Kate, her artistic talent was a cool addition and I loved what came of that talent. Her background reminded me a bit of one of my favorite movies "Runaway Bride"  with her history of broken engagements. So that was a fun tie in for me. There was an exciting mystery as well in the story that made for an eagerness to see who was behind the attempts on Zeke. All in all, this story was super fun and I am sorry to see the Bride Ships series end. Great read!

I received this book as part of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

A Dazzle of Diamonds

Best friends Penelope and Tucker have faced their share of challenges. But finding a lost treasure in time to clear his family's name and win him an election may uncover something they never expected.

My Rating: 4 Stars

What a fun story! Penelope and Tucker made for a charming pair and their relationship and the mystery kept me invested in the story. I liked the reading the letters of Tucker's ancestor and wondering how they would find the treasure. It's a quick, easy and very enjoyable read. If you like a good romance with a bit of mystery(a treasure hunt always gets my vote!) then definitely pick up this one(and the rest of the series too!)


I received this book for review and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Vying For The Viscount

When a strange man appears to be stealing horses at the neighboring estate, Bianca Snowley jumps to their rescue. And when she discovers he's the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued--but romance is unfeasible when he proposes they help secure spouses for each other. Will they see everything they've wanted has been there all along before it's too late?

My Rating: ALL the Stars...for Goodreads purposes: 5 Stars

This story gets ALL the stars!! I absolutely adored Vying For The Viscount and I can not wait for the rest of series. This story has so many great characters from Bianca, Hudson, Aaron, Rigsby, and even cameos from beloved characters from Kristi's earlier books which helped make the book so so good. Another favorite element for me was the humor, Kristi's known for her humorous books but in this one the humor was some of Kristi's best!(and I say that as a reader who has laughed her way through ALL of Kristi's books.) This is truly one of Kristi's best books and it's going to rank at or very near the top of my favorite Kristi books. The story moved well and was exciting and interesting with the hose racing angle and Hudson trying to acclimate to England after being raised in India. What a unique and fun story line. Yep, this book has it all and it ranks up there with the first couple Hawthorne stories as my favorite Kristi books. Do not miss out on this one!!

I received this book as part of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
*I did purchase the Audible version and the narration is lovely.

Set The Stars Alight

Lucy Clairmont's family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it's Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she's discovered in her family home.

Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time.

As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.


My Rating: 5 Stars
My goodness, what a story! When I had the pleasure of reading "Whose Waves These Are" last year, I was struck by the lyrical quality to the story, it had such a unique storytelling feel to it. I am happy to say this new book by Amanda also retains this quality. She is truly a gifted storyteller the way she weaves her stories-it's a quality I haven't seen in any other books I have read. I adored this story. Lucy and Dash were spectacular characters and I loved Juliette and Frederick as well. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about this story. The story gripped me from the beginning and it did not let up once. I really can't do the story justice in this review. All I can say is read it for yourself-I highly doubt you will be disappointed. This one is going to stay in my heart for a loooong time to come!

I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. I also purchased a copy for my keeper shelf because it was wonderful.

Booked For Death

From the critically acclaimed author of SIBA Okra Pick A Murder for the Books, Victoria Gilbert embarks with a new series for perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Juliet Blackwell.

A book lover's B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder--and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.

Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader's paradise. Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors. It's the perfect literary retreat--until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.

The victim's daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.

Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt's name. But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer's death. Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer--or end up writing her own final chapter.

My Rating: 3 Stars
A new series with a solid mystery to solve. This one caught my eye due to it's bookish angle. It was good. The mystery had several twists and turns and the characters were intriguing. That being said, I feel like it was missing something. Even though the mystery held my attention, I didn't feel gripped by it like I normally would. Maybe it was me, I have no idea. I just didn't love it although it seems like one I normally would. I will continue with the series and see what happens in book two.

A Study In Murder

A mystery author is charged with murder--and the plot thickens faster than anyone can turn the pages--in USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton's new series debut, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ellery Adams.

Bath, England, 1890. Mystery author Lady Amy Lovell receives an anonymous letter containing shocking news: her fiancé, Mr. Ronald St. Vincent, has been dabbling in something illegal, which causes her to promptly break their engagement.

Two evenings later, as Lady Lovell awaits a visit from Lord William Wethington, fellow member of the Bath Mystery Book Club, her former fiancé makes an unexpected and most unwelcome appearance at her house. She promptly sends him to the library to cool his heels but later discovers the room seemingly empty--until she stumbles upon a dead Mr. St. Vincent with a knife in his chest.

Lord Wethington arrives to find Lady Amy screaming and sends for the police, but the Bobbies immediately assume that she is the killer. Desperate to clear her name, Lady Amy and Lord Wethington launch their own investigation--and stir up a hornet's nest of suspects, from the gardener who served time in prison for murder to a vengeful woman who was spurned by St. Vincent before he proposed to Lady Amy.

Can they close the book on the case before the real killer gets away with murder?

My Rating: 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this debut to a cozy series set in 1890's England. The mystery was good and I had several suspects to chose from. There was a nice amount of humor sprinkled throughout which was my favorite element of the story. It moved a little slow but overall the story was good and it sets up book two quite nicely. I will be continuing with this series for sure!

Death By Auction

Not only did Abby McCree inherit her aunt's house in Snowberry Creek, Washington, she inherited a handsome tenant and a whole lot of trouble . . .
It's hard to say no to Tripp Blackston. That's how Abby found herself on yet another committee, organizing a bachelors' auction to raise money for Tripp's veterans group. The former Special Forces soldier is mortified when Abby enlists him to be one of the prizes, but she has a covert plan to bid on him herself. Before she can, she's foiled by a sniper bid from a gorgeous stranger, who turns out to be Tripp's ex-wife, Valerie.

Still reeling from the shock that Tripp was married and wondering what his ex is suddenly doing in town, Abby goes looking to pay the auction's emcee, radio personality Bryce Cadigan. She finds him in the parking lot, dead in his car. Valerie appears to be the last one to have seen Bryce alive, so she's the cops' best bid for suspect. When she asks Tripp for help--and lodgings--it's Abby's turn to block by inviting Val to stay with her. But did she just open her home to a murderer?

My Rating: 5 Stars

This was another excellent installment in this likable series. I really enjoyed this mystery and the surprise blast from Tripp's past. It made for an intriguing story and was hard to put down. It's a quick easy read with lots of suspects to narrow down. All in all, I am looking forward to more adventures with Abby, Zeke and the rest of the gang.

To Kill A Mocking Girl

Bookbinder Quinn finds herself in trouble when her ex's fiance turns up dead and if she's not careful, her days might be numbered.

Quinn Victoria Caine is back in her quirky town of Vienna, Virginia, starting her new life as a bookbinder in her family-owned, charm-for-days bookshop, Prose & Scones. With her trusty German Shephard RBG-'Ruff Barker' Ginsburg by her side, what can go wrong? Okay, sure, bumping into her ex, Scott, or her former high school nemesis, Tricia, is a drag. It certainly doesn't help they have acquired the new hobby of shoving their recent engagement in her face every chance they get. But that doesn't mean Quinn wanted to find Tricia dead in the road. So why does half the town think she may have done it?

Quinn is determined to find Tricia's killer, even if it means partnering with her cousin-turned-nun, Sister Daria, and Detective Aiden Harrington, her older brother's too-movie-star-handsome-for-his-own good, best friend. They believe she's innocent, but of course that doesn't influence the police, who peg her as their prime suspect. Or, at least until she's poisoned.

But there is no way Quinn is going to stop now. Vienna is her town and-for better or worse-Tricia was one of their own. Someone may have killed the mocking girl, but no one's going to stop the notorious QVC.My Rating: 5 StarsWhat a super fun and hilarious cozy! I really enjoyed this new series debut from Harper Kincaid. It was light and funny and the mystery was fantastic. Quinn, Bash, Daria and Adrian made for great characters and the lovable pooch RPG rounded out the story wonderfully. I want another book in this series super soon!

Line By Line

Years of hard work enabled Douglas Shaw to escape a life of desperate poverty--and now he's determined to marry into high society to prevent reliving his old circumstances. But when Alice McNeil, an unconventional telegrapher at his firm, raises the ire of a vindictive co-worker, he must choose between rescuing her reputation and the future he's always planned.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Line By Line was truly a charming story. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. The book caught me early on and I loved every moment of it. The meet cute between Alice and Douglas was one of the best I have read. Alice's reactions during that scene were absolutely hysterical. Their developing relationship was entertaining and their friends helped to round out the story very well. The story didn't lag and kept me invested and the ending was perfect. I really really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading Jennifer's earlier books as well as reading the upcoming books in this series. Jennifer Delamere has a new fan in me!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion. 

Molly

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I absolutely refuse to tell a lie no matter the consequences. So don’t ask me a direct question unless you’re prepared for a direct answer—that’s something my SoCal sewing girlfriends have learned the hard way.
But who would have thought my honesty policy would get me fired from my job at the preschool? Or that a desperate—and not to mention devastatingly handsome—single father of one of my (now-former) students would hire me that same day as a nanny for his daughter?
I’m an education professional. How hard can taking care of a four-year-old and her over-stressed, over-worked father be?

My Rating: 5 Stars
A sweet story perfect for a fun weekend read. Cute characters and a light story line was just what I needed for an escape from the chaos that is this year. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series. I purchased the audible version and the narrator is fantastic as well! Highly recommend!

I did receive this book for review but I also purchased the Audible and hard copy versions. I was not required to post a positive review.

Memories Of Glass

Reminiscent of Diane Ackerman’s The Zookeeper’s Wife, this stunning novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland’s darkest history and bravest heroes.

1942. As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese’s son and hundreds of other Jewish children who await deportation in a converted theater in Amsterdam. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese’s dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and their entire mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape.

Seventy-five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West’s Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon’s great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life—and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

Illuminating the story and strength of these women, award-winning author Melanie Dobson transports readers through time and place, from World War II Holland to contemporary Uganda, in this rich and inspiring novel.


My Rating: 5 Stars
What a beautifully woven story! It packs an emotional punch but it's definitely worth the read. It brought me to tears multiple times and knowing it's based on true events made the story come alive in a major way. It's a heartbreaking tale but it's masterfully told by Melanie. If you like fantastic historical fiction based on true life events, do not pass this one up! Melanie's time-slip tales are not to be missed!