Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell {Book Review}

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This book was provided for me at no cost by Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and personal review.

After touring Europe, Lucy Kendall returns home with dreams of reviving her father’s candy making business. Armed with boxes of candy she sampled abroad, she longs to find that perfect combination that will have everyone running for the next piece – and show the nearby rival candy company a thing or two. Her mother is determined to sell the company, so Lucy has little time to produce a winning confectionary treat.

Believing the family secrets were wrongly stolen from her father’s company is still a sore spot with Lucy. When the rival company brings in a new manager, Charlie Clarke, Lucy is continually butting heads with him.

Charlie is trying to start over again, and the opportunity to connect with his father, the owner of a candy company, seems to be perfect timing. He longs to prove himself to his father, but that means undermining another candy company – and in the process a girl he is beginning to care about. Will both companies be able to survive the candy war? Will their relationship even have a chance to grow, or will the battle to be the best stretch both of them beyond what they can handle?

My Thoughts on Unrivaled

I love how a story can make you think about how companies functioned so long ago and the rivalry that existed {and still does} so long ago! Recipes under lock and key. Company espionage - the glimpses into life many years ago is so much fun.

Mitchell does a wonderful job in Unrivaled detailing the historical period and creating vivid scenes in the reader’s mind. From parties to the candy making process, the working conditions of the time and even the store-front windows that were such an integral part of advertising during this time period – all combine to create a story that will take you on a bit of a history trip while you relax and read.

While this wasn’t one of my favorite books by Siri Mitchell, it was definitely an enjoyable read. The hardest thing for me with her books in the point of view from which the stories are told – first person narrative. Because there are two main characters, the story is constantly switching between voices, which for me makes it a little more difficult to follow. This time the two main characters are male and female, so it was a little bit easier {grins}, but just takes my brain a little more getting used to. 

Find Out More

Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell can be purchased through Amazon and is available in paperback or Kindle.

 

A Lady in the Making by Susan Page Davis {Review}

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Available October 2012

One of the last things that Millie Evans stole was a Bible. Ironically, that Bible has been by her side since and she wants nothing more than to right the wrongs that she has committed.

On a stagecoach to start a new life for herself, she runs into David, the man she once tried to swindle ~ and stole the Bible from. He is returning to his home in England to claim his family title and wary of the ‘new’ Millie. When an accident leaves him needing medical attention, Millie volunteers to help.

David’s heart is guarded when it comes to Millie, but she is determined to prove that she has changed with God’s help. Will the changes be evident to David and will his heart be softened toward Millie ~ or will he return to England without seeing a difference in her?

My Thoughts

A Lady in the Making is the third book in the Prairie Dreams series by Susan Page Davis. My initial reading of the first book in the series, The Lady’s Maid, left me a bit frustrated, but I am so glad that I decided to read the next book ady Anne's Quest, I couldn’t wait to read the last book in the series.

Millie’s character was introduced in Lady Anne's Quest and she is one whose story you want to learn more of. Page does an excellent job developing the character from one the reader is not fond of to one that you are rooting in just the first few pages of the latest story. Her redemption is one that you witness as the story unfolds and is believable and heartwarming.

Watching the The Prairie Dreams series is wrapped up very nicely with A Lady in the Making {even though there is one other character in the story line that I would love to see a book about!}. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would definitely recommend reading the other two books in the series first so that the broader storyline can be understood.

Find Out More

~ Visit Susan Page Davis' website

~ Buy A Lady in the Making ~ Prairie Dreams Book 3 by Susan Page Davis in paperback or Kindle format.

Be sure to check out the entire series by Susan Davis….

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

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.

Beyond All Measure {Book Review}

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Her father’s death and a broken engagement leave Ada Wentworth heartbroken and penniless. She decides to move from Boston and finds employment as a companion to an elderly woman, Lillian Willis. She quickly discovers that the ad she answered wasn’t quite forthcoming as to the difficulty of the woman, but does all that she can to honor her end of the bargain to Lillian’s nephew, Wyatt.

In her spare time she attempts to put aside money to open her own millinery shop. Unfortunately, Wyatt feels that Ada should be focusing all of her time on his aunt and not any on her hatmaking. Ada’s troubles begin to stretch beyond those with Wyatt, however, when she befriends a local orphan and stirs up anger with many in the community over her actions. Wyatt is drawn to protect her and his feelings for her grow, but will their love survive the growing problems?

My Thoughts

Beyond All Measure, set in 1871 Tennessee, deals with the issue of the racial tension and the struggles that Ada faced when she befriended an orphan that many in the town thought unworthy of her attention. Ada has a hard time understanding why the townspeople are filled with such prejudice toward one so innocent in the matter. 

Somehow I managed to hide this book and forgot to post the review. I was browsing through some upcoming book releases when I saw the newest book by Dorothy Love and immediately added it to my ‘wish list’. I loved  Beyond All Measure and cannot wait to read more from the author. Although somewhat predictable in places, the characters, setting and plot will keep you turning pages until the ending.

Find Out More

~ Visit Dorothy Love’s website

~ Buy Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love in paperback or Kindle format.

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson via 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.

Spring for Susannah {Book Review}

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

With no hope for a local marriage and no family left to live with, Susannah decided to embark on a new journey ~ as a mail order bride, of sorts. The groom is the brother of her minister and she travels hundreds of miles to the Dakota Territory for a new life with Jesse.

Life on the frontier is nothing Susannah expected ~ nor is the man she married. Opposite his brother in many ways, Susannah struggles to open up to the stranger who is now her husband. The winter and a deep personal loss cause her to question her faith in God. When Jesse is then forced to leave their home in order to earn money for them to live, Susannah is left to fend for herself. Will she be able to survive the frontier and rediscover her faith in the process?

My Thoughts

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond is her debut novel and an enjoyable read. While I enjoyed the overall plot of the book it felt at times that there were a few too many ‘twists and turns’ in the book that made it a bit harder for me to connect with the characters.

The relationship between Jesse and Susannah is understandably strained at times and although there is resolution in the end, after all that happens in the book it seems so sudden. I would not recommend this book for younger girls to read due to some of the references in the story {all clean, but within the context of marriage}.

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson via Net Galley. 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.

A Vision of Lucy ~ Book Review

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

Lucy is determined to become a photographer for her local newspaper. Photography in the news is something new in the early 1880’s and a woman photographer even more so. In an attempt to get a much-coveted photo of a wild stallion, Lucy literally falls into trouble when she plummets out of a tree in the middle of a robbery.

She is rescued by David Wolf,  a man determined to remain elusive to the nearby town. He is haunted by things that happened to him many years ago from people in that town and determined to seek vengeance for the wrongs done to him.

Their lives become more closely tied and the secrets in David’s past threaten to ruin the budding relationship between the two. Will they be able to overcome the threats and follow the vision that God is giving them?

My Thoughts

One of the things that I loved most about A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley were the little photography ‘tips’ that started off each book chapter. Often they just made me laugh, but gave an even deeper glimpse into society at that time in history. I

A Vision of Lucy is the third book in the Rocky Creek romance series and one that can be read as a stand-alone book. I loved Brownley’s writing style and will definitely be looking for more of her books, including the ones in this series to see what I’ve missed!

Find Out More

~ Visit Margaret Brownley’s website

~ Join Margaret Brownley’s Facebook page

~ Buy A Vision of Lucy from Amazon

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

The Lightkeeper’s Ball {Book Review}

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

Olivia Stewart is a New York socialite who has been trying to avoid the arranged marriages that are continually being thrust in front of her. She doesn’t wish to get married because it will advance her in society ~ she wishes to marry for love. When her sister dies mysteriously, Olivia convinces her mother to let her visit the California coast to investigate.

Olivia’s arrival in Mercy Falls, CA involves her nearly drowning and her rescuer is none other than her sister’s fiancé, a man that she is extremely suspicious of. She doesn’t let anyone know who she really is so that she can fully investigate her sister’s death, which she quickly realizes was actually a murder. As her search continues, she struggles to know who she can trust ~ both with her suspicions and her heart.

My Thoughts

Colleen Coble continued to add twists and turns throughout the novel, keeping me guessing as to what was really going to happen in the end. She does a great job portraying the value that society placed on what today seems so trivial and also delving into the ‘new’ era of air travel with one of the characters.  Overall I enjoyed The Lightkeeper’s Ball, although there was a point about 3/4 through when it seemed to suddenly ‘rush’ through and end rather than deepen the storyline a bit more.

The Lightkeeper’s Ball is the third and last book in the Mercy Falls Series, but can be read as a stand-alone book. Until getting ready to write this review, I didn’t even know that it was part of a series, so it can definitely be read independently without losing any information. Knowing that though, I now would like to go back and find the other two books in the series to read.

Find Out More

~ Visit Colleen Coble’s website

~ Purchase the book via Amazon or on your Kindle

 

This book was provided for review on my Kindle by Thomas Nelson 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.

Love on Assignment {Book Review}

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

Charlotte Hale desperately wants to become a journalist, something generally reserved for the men in the newspaper office. When her boss offers her the opportunity to move up in the office by taking an undercover assignment, she jumps at the opportunity.

She takes a nanny position in the household of the widowed Professor Wilmont, a man who writes a weekly religious column for the newspaper and stirs up quite a bit of trouble calling for equality and fair wages in the workplaces. It is a cause that the workers rally with and one that employers do not wish to hear.

While working as nanny, Charlotte searches to find flaws in the Professor’s character, but only discovers an honest and upright man and a family that she begins to love deeply. Her uneasiness in her assignment grows as she observes her newspaper editor attempting some underhanded tactics to malign the Professor and cause him moral ruin. Will she be able to remain undercover and protect the Professor and his family or will everything fall to pieces around her on assignment?

My Thoughts

Love on Assignment  is the second book in the Ladies of Summerhill series by Cara Lynn James, set in Rhode Island the late 1800’s.

When she first arrives in the Wilmont household, Charlotte knows and understands very little about God and what a relationship with Christ is all about ~ especially in the area of forgiveness. During her time working for the family, she soon learns what a true relationship should look like. As she is convicted of her deceit she is placed in a difficult position because she needs a job to support her sick sister, but no longer wishes to deceive the family she works for.

The story was a great look at the Gilded Age and the dichotomy between the wealthy and the working classes and the responsibility of Christians in that setting. Cara Lynn James isn’t overly preachy in the book, but clearly outlines the message of salvation through the story.

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson via Net Gallery. 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.