Lady Anne’s Quest by Susan Page Davis {Book Review}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Available April 2012

Lady Anne’s quest to find her uncle continues. Although she has made a long trek via wagon train, her trip now continues on horseback and further into the dangerous, barely settled territory. She is accompanied by Dan, a man who has had his heart set on her from the very moment he met her. Anne has no idea what to expect in the search for her uncle, but her trip is littered with imposters, thieves and worse.

Dan is certain that his affections for her will never be reciprocated, but he is determined to see her safely find her uncle and his whereabouts.

During their time together Anne begins to see Dan from a different perspective. Will her feeling for him change enough for her to remain in America? Or will she return to England…should she ever find her uncle?

My Thoughts

A few weeks ago I posted a review on The Lady’s Maid, the first book in the Prairie Dreams series by Susan Page Davis. While the first book left me hanging and a bit disappointed, Lady Anne's Quest continues the story and left me anxious for the last book in the series! I am so glad that I decided to read it!

Page develops Anne’s character much more deeply in this story and delves more into the missing uncle ~ leaving things at a much more satisfactory point for the readers by the end of the book. Now I’m looking forward to the third book scheduled to release this fall. :)

Find Out More

~ Visit Susan Page Davis' website

~ Buy Lady Anne's Quest ~ Prairie Dreams Book 2 by Susan Page Davis in paperback or Kindle format.

This book was provided for review by Barbour and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Lady’s Maid by Susan Page Davis {Book Review}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Lady Anne has lost most of her family and most recently her father. According to British law, she cannot inherit her father’s estate and instead it will be turned over to her uncle, David Stone. Unfortunately, her uncle left for America years ago and hasn’t been heard from in years. If he cannot be found, the estate will turn over to another relative.

Determined to find him, Lady Anne sets out with her personal maid, Elise Finster on a journey across the American frontier, beginning in St. Louis. They discover that David headed West years ago and the only way to see if he is still alive is to travel with a wagon train headed to Oregon. What the ladies do not know is they are being followed and someone is trying to find David Stone before they do.

Neither lady has much experience to offer, but they do find help in one of the scouts leading the train, Eb Bentley. As much as he thinks they should not be on the wagon train, he does all he can to make things easier for both of them, but especially one of the ladies in particular. Will they both survive the trip to Oregon and will one of them find a reason to stay in America instead of returning to England?

My Thoughts

I do love the premise of the book series and the adventure that the two ladies take to find Anne’s uncle. I cannot even begin to imagine the challenges that so many faced as they headed West to settle ~ surviving the trip alone would have been a feat. The two traveling in this story came from a proper upbringing and were accustomed to all the modern conveniences of the time. Their attitudes in the process were absolutely wonderful, not wishing for others to think differently of them or know who they really were. They ended up giving up and selling much in the process to try to better fit in with those around them.

I have to admit, however, that this wasn’t my favorite book read lately. While I loved the overall plot of the book, I was a little frustrated at the end of the book because things weren’t all ‘neatly’ tied up and finished. It is a part of a series {it says ‘Book 1’ on the front cover ~ I missed that} and while one part of the plot was wrapped up, it was done rather quickly and almost a bit too hastily in my opinion. Not to give anything away, but if you are hoping for resolution on the finding of David Stone…you’ll have to wait until more of the books are released.

That said, I already have my hands on the next book in the series {Lady Anne’s Quest} where the adventure to find the missing uncle continues {and I attempt to appease my curious mind}. I have no complaints at all about Davis’ writing style or the book otherwise, but I suppose I’m being stubborn. :) 

Find Out More

~ Visit Susan Page Davis' website

~ Buy The Lady’s Maid ~ Prairie Dreams Book 1 by Susan Page Davis in paperback or Kindle format.

This book was provided for review by Barbour and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Turnabout’s Fair Play by Kaye Dacus ~ Book Review

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Flannery McNeill has a promising editorial job and two friends that are both involved in serious relationships. With an upcoming wedding for one of her friends, Flannery worries that her friendships will all be changed and she will be alone. Flannery also has  a general mistrust of men ~ especially ones that are good looking and smooth talkers.  Her immediate distrust of Jamie O’Connor, an usher at her friend’s wedding, is no surprise to some of her friends.

Jamie O’Connor is hoping for a promotion at the advertising firm where he works, but developments at work cause him to rethink his future. His grandmother sees an opportunity to push him toward Flannery. She works together with Flannery’s grandfather to make a match between the two, but in their rush they don’t see the tables being turned on them. Flannery and Jamie have a matchmaking scheme of their own in store for their grandparents.

The question then becomes ~ who will give in first?

My Thoughts

Two matchmaking schemes in one book make the last book in The Matchmakers trilogy so much fun! Dacus continues the stories of the characters from the first two books in the series, but Turnabout’s Fair Play can also stand alone {not that I would recommend that you do that!}.

The banter between Flannery and Jamie was absolutely hilarious in parts of the book. Again Dacus tackles some issues in the story that are not typical in most storylines, including job changes and breaking out of traditional stereotypes for job roles. This isn’t just a quick matchmaking story, but one that has depth and fun all mingled together ~ and another one that I’m adding to my bookshelf to keep.

Find Out More

~ Visit Kaye Dacus’ website

~ Buy Turnabout’s Fair Play by Kaye Dacus from Amazon

This book was provided for review by Barbour and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Surrender the Dawn {Book Review}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Cassandra Channing is desperately trying to help her family during the War of 1812 and decides to hire a privateer. Because she is a woman, no one will take her seriously. She is forced to work with Luke Heaton, a man with a less than shining reputation.

Luke agrees to captain the Channing’s ship in hopes of spending more time with Cassandra. As their relationship begins to develop, something from Luke’s past threatens to disrupt not only his future with Cassandra, but his entire life. He is blackmailed and forced to supply the enemy ships, but sees no way around the situation.

What Luke doesn’t know is Cassandra has stowed away on his ship in an attempt to discover what is really going on with Luke ~ putting her life and the lives of many others at risk.

A video clip introduction of Surrender the Dawn…

My Thoughts

Surrender the Dawn is the third book in the Surrender the Destiny series by MaryLu Tyndall.  The series is not one that runs in a time order, but rather one that runs parallel time-wise to the other stories. I have read the other two books in the series {both as equally wonderful} and throughout the stories you have glimpses of characters from the other stories as they interact.

I have loved this look into a crucial point in our American history and have really enjoyed the Surrender the Destiny series overall. The fact that the books can also be read independently without missing any story line plots from the other books is an added plus {although you really want to read the rest!}.

Truthfully this book has given me a renewed interest in our country’s roots and history and I love the perspective that they have provided. I received this book in Kindle format to review, but will also be purchasing the book to have in paperback to complete the series that I already own. :)

Find Out More

~ Visit Mary Lu Tyndall’s website

~ Buy Surrender the Dawn at Amazon.

This book was provided for review by Barbour via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus {Review & Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

English professor Caylor Evans has a writing past that few people know about and one she isn’t exactly proud of. Although she now writes inspirational romance novels, there was a time when she wrote more ‘steamy’ books under a pseudonym, inspired largely by the model on the cover art for those books. That model still inspires her current writings…and her thoughts of what her ideal man would be.

When Dylan Bradley returns home after losing his teaching position he finds himself immediately drawn to Caylor, but compared to Caylor he feels inadequate. Secrets are hidden in his past that he is hesitant to reveal ~ years ago he put himself through art school by painting cover art for several romance novels.

There is something familiar about Dylan that Caylor can’t quite put her finger on.  Although both are hesitant to take a step toward a relationship, they have grandmothers that enjoy meddling a bit in the lives of their grandchildren…but will they together be able to discover the true art of romance?

My Thoughts

In The Art of Romance, Kaye Dacus introduces two wonderful main characters that you will grow to love as their story unfolds. Dacus tackles some different issues between the two main characters that are not typically addressed: a male that suffered from an emotionally abusive relationship and then an age difference {Caylor is seven years older than Dylan}.  Both of these issues are  handled wonderfully and the characters are deeply developed.

The Art of Romance is the second book in the Matchmaker series by Kaye Dacus and you will love all of the characters introduced in this book, and hopefully we’ll be seeing a spin-off involving all of Dylan’s brothers in the future! I have absolutely loved all of the books that Kaye has written and this one will be put on my ‘to keep’ shelf for sure!

Find Out More

~ Visit Kaye’s website

~ Join Kaye’s Facebook fan page

~ Buy Kaye’s book on Amazon

~ Read an excerpt from The Art of Romance

The Giveaway

Would you like to win a copy of The Art of Romance? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, May 10th at 8pm.

This book was provided for review by Barbour. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Surrender the Night {Book Giveaway}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Earlier this year I reviewed the book Surrender the Night by Mary Lu Tyndall ~ and it was one that I absolutely loved! To celebrate the recent release of the book, Barbour sent me a copy to give away to one of my readers!

Surrender the Night continues the Surrender to Destiny series and follows the story of Rose, an American who rescues an enemy British officer during the War of 1812. Rose feels obligated to care for him because he is injured, but also knows that if he is found on her property both she and her family will be tried for treason.

As Lieutenant Reed recovers, both he and Rose begin to develop affections for each other ~ a dangerous venture in the time of war. Even though Rose wishes him to stay, the primary goal is to help him recover and return him to his ship.

Read my full review of Surrender the Night here.

Win a Copy

Would you like to win a copy of Surrender the Night ? I have one copy to mail to one of my readers! Leave a comment on this post ~ be sure there is a way for me to contact you. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, March 8th at 8pm.

This giveaway book was provided by Barbour. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Surrender the Night ~ Book Review

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

When Rose is attacked on her farm and rescued by an enemy British officer, she feels obligated to care and nurse the man back to health ~ and get him away from her farm as quickly as possible. If he is found on the property, it would mean certain death for the officer and accusations of treason for her family.

Lieutenant Reed only did what he saw as necessary ~ protect an innocent person, despite the fact that she was an enemy during wartime. Standing by and watching a fellow officer harm her was not an option.

Rose has already suffered much in her young life and has lived trapped in her fear for years. As she helps Lt. Reed recover, her defenses slowly begin to drop, leaving her confused by her growing affection for a known enemy.  Her primary goal is to get him well enough to leave and return to his ship, although she wishes there were a way for him to stay.

My Thoughts

Similar to the first book in the series, Surrender the Night had me completely engrossed. Mary Lu Tyndall does a wonderful job developing the characters in the story, especially in light of the conflict that they face in being ‘enemies’ with each other.  The story takes place during the War of 1812.

At first I wasn’t sure how Surrender the Night would tie in with the other book in the Surrender to Destiny series, Surrender the Heart.  Eventually, it all begins to tie together and I was happy to get a little update on many of the characters from the first book in the series as well. 

Find Out More

Surrender the Night by Mary Lu Tyndall will be available on 3/1/11. You can pre-order the book now on Amazon.

This book was provided for review by Barbour via Net Gallery. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall {Book Review}

This post may contain affiliate or advertiser links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

The only way that Marianne Denton will obtain her inheritance is to marry..an inheritance she desperately needs to purchase the medication that her mother needs to get better. Unfortunately, she faces an arranged marriage to merchantman Noah Brenin ~  a childhood friend, but now a man that she utterly despises.

Noah is determined not to marry Marianne and after he walks out on their engagement party, she follows after him to demand an explanation. Before she knows it, she ends up on his ship headed out to sea ~ and away from her ailing mother. Noah refuses to turn the ship around and tension rises between the two. When their ship is approached by an enemy ship and several of the crew, including Marianne, are taken captive, Noah and Marianne discover things about each other that they never knew. But will it be enough to help bridge the tension between them and find their way home?

My Thoughts

I came home tired from a long weekend and intended to read just a chapter or two and settle in for a good rest…that didn’t happen. Instead I spent the next several hours engrossed in a wonderfully written story, Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall.  Period fiction is one of my favorite things to read and this book is set right around the start of the War of 1812, one era that I haven’t read much about. This is also the first book that I have read by MaryLu Tyndall and I’m now looking forward to the other books in this series!

Find Out More

~ Visit MaryLu Tyndall’s website.

~ Join Mary’s Facebook page

~ Buy Mary’s book at Amazon.

This book was provided for review by Barbour. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.