Book Review: A Bride Most Begrudging

From The Back Cover:

They agreed to a marriage of convenience . . .
Virginia Colony, 1643. Taken prisoner on a ship departing England, Lady Constance Morrow is nearly unrecognizable by the time she arrives in the colonies aboard a ship carrying goods and "tobacco brides." Farmer Drew O'Connor is seeking not a wife but a maid to tend his house and care for his young sister. Still, after an unusual series of events, he is all but forced to marry the feisty redhead, who claims to be the daughter of an earl and wants to go back to England.

But nothing about this situation is convenient, least of all their attraction to each other.

Both headstrong and determined, Drew and Constance seem to be in perpetual disagreement about her expected responsibilities and her unconventional ideas, but there is a fiery energy between them that refuses to be denied. However, Drew made a promise, and he will honor it . . . even if it means sending her home.

My Reflections:

What an endearing novel! 
I very much enjoyed traveling back in time to 1643 and exploring the Colonial life. 

Although this is rated as a Christian novel I would certainly not hand it over to my Teenager. The sexual tension is high in this book and although the writer does not allow the reader into the bedroom, the suggestion and foreplay are quite steamy for a Christian story.
Since I am an adult I was perfectly fine with the level of intimacy, I don't think that it crossed the line, just tread quite closely. Some readers may find it too much.

Lady Morrow Constance finds herself in a precarious situation when visiting her Uncle aboard a ship filled with prisoners and indentured slaves headed for the Americas. No matter that she snuck onto said ship and most certainly a lady has no right to be anywhere near this level of danger! 

Being held prisoner, with no choices left to her, Constance makes it to the colonies, only to find herself sold to a horrendous man. Luckily for her, he looses the possession of her in a ridiculous card game! 
Drew O'Connor want's nothing to do with women, his heart can't take another person dear to him dying in this brutal land he calls home. He will do just about anything to keep himself aloof from the opposite sex.  

God always has a backup plan however and due to the laws of the land both Constance and Drew must wed... Drew doesn't desire a wife, and Constance just wants to go back home! What a pair!

While I very much enjoyed this story there were a few points to consider. How on earth did a beautiful girl make it through the entire journey with her virtue intact? Also, the mathematical thread was quite dull. anyone who knows me can attest that you start talking numbers and I tune you out. I also found the switch in the style of speaking to be offsetting. One time we are speaking in the era, the next modern day. It made for a slightly choppy read.

Overall I loved this story, and read it in record time! The plot was enjoyable and engaging, the characters flawed and spunky.
I am very much hoping that Deeanne Gist will be writing a sequel especially on the life of Drew's Brother, Josh. The story ends without really delving into this broody brother's future to a satisfying end.
Want an interesting read? This may just be your next book!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Deeanne Gist

Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this four RITA nominations, two Christy Awards,...

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Book Review: Egypt's Sister

From The Back Cover:

You Don't Know Her Name. The World Remembers Only Her Greatest Friend: Cleopatra.Raised together in the Alexandrian palace, Chava, the Hebrew daughter of the royal tutor, and Urbi, an Egyptian princess, become as close as sisters--and rivals with their dreams of greatness. When Urbi unexpectedly ascends the throne as Queen Cleopatra, Chava believes their bond is strong enough to survive. But absolute power has a way of changing everything.

The ultimate betrayal rips Chava from everything she's ever known and sends her to the lowest rung of Roman society where she must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life, if she hopes to rise again.

My Reflections:

Ah... Angela Hunt! Need I say more? 

From the beautiful cover to the last page turned this book is sure to please the most decerning readers. I absolutely love Biblical fiction and this book certainly fed my literary addiction.

I can't say I remember reading a book that centered on the character of Cleopatra (other than school text books of course!) This story intrigued me and made me want to dive back into those said text books again,( I'm sure I can fit that into this year's curriculum for my homeschooled kids!)

Told through the royal daughter's tutor, Chava it makes for an interesting read.
Chava has a good life, she is safe and sheltered from the realities of the Ptolemy family line. Best of all Chava's closest friend is Princess Urbi, the future Queen Cleopatra.

In a blink of an eye, Chava's whole world changes, she is stripped of her family, status, and home. Chava finds herself the lowest of low..a slave with no rights or say. Holding on to a long ago promise from God, she struggles to endure her new reality.  

I so enjoyed the history of this novel, at points, it can become a little heavy, but not so much that you forget you are enjoying the story. I'm sure it is hard to fill in all the historical detail without relaying the back story.

If you are looking for a novel to take you away to a faraway land this may just be the book you are looking for! 


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times...

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Book Review: Beloved Hope

From The Back:

Shackled by Her Past, One Woman Searches for Healing, Forgiveness, and Love
Hope Flanagan survived the massacre at the Whitman Mission, but at terrible personal cost. Safe now in Oregon City, the gentle rhythm of tending her family's flock of sheep is slowly healing her mind and soul, but her precarious new peace is shattered when Hope is asked to testify against the Cayuse responsible for the massacre. She's not sure she can bear to relive the events of those horrific days, but neither can she risk her attackers being released if she doesn't tell her story. 

As Hope struggles to make her choice, an Army lieutenant named Lance Kenner becomes an unexpected ray of light in her life. Perhaps she is still capable of love after all. But will Lance still want her if he learns the whole truth of what happened to her at the mission? Or are the secrets that lie in his own past more troubling?

My Reflections:

This is the second book in the Heart of the Frontier series and follows Hope Flanagan the middle sister of the family. 
The story moves along nicely picking up where it left off in book one.
In the last book "Treasured Grace" the story centers on the eldest sister Grace, who struggles with the aftermath of an attack at the mission.

It is so nice to become acquainted with the characters from the previous book and the introduction to additional characters along the line. 

Hope has survived the traumatic attack but just because she is alive doesn't mean she is ready to fully live. 
Trust and safety remain huge hurdles to overcome for Hope, particularly if it includes the men in her life. Hope's future seems limited indeed. Trying to forget the past she immerses herself in her role in the family, living with her sister, brother in law and younger sister, Hope tends to the lambs with dedication and focus. Can she overcome her fears? Will Hope ever be whole and healed?

Lance is a man in need of some healing as well, but he has to admit it first. New to town, working at the Jail, he is waiting to be released from the military. Lance fully expects to fulfill his families expectations and take his place in the family law practice, that is until he gets entwined into a certain woman's life. Can these two let go of their painful past and move into a future together?

This story captivated my attention, and although some parts were slower moving than others I was quite satisfied with the plot and character development. I am looking forward to book number three, set to be released in September of this year (2017) called Cherished Mercy!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn...

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Book Review: Dark Deception

From The Back:

Kate O'Brien's quiet life in small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas is shaken when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and she's been in witness protection ever since.

When new evidence arises to suggest the convicted man wasn't the murderer, she's subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Afraid to go back into that world, Kate only agrees if Tony DeLuca, the deputy Marshal who protected her during the original trial, escorts her to St. Louis. 

Tony readily takes on the assignment; Kate's beauty and inner strength made more of an impression on him than he expected. But when Kate's safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed.

My Reflections:

A thrilling sequel to the Defenders of Justice series. If you are looking for a compelling, on the edge of your seat kind of novel this one might just be what you are looking for. Although it is book number two in the series I feel it can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

Nancy Mehl offers a keen insight into the inner workings of law enforcement, especially in the story regarding the "Blue-eyed Killer." The hair-raising ride will most likely keep the reader thoroughly entertained and though it is pretty obvious where the story is going it is still definitely a tense read.

Kate O'Brien's journey was touching and very moving. Having experienced such a horrific experience and having the courage to ultimately move on was a beautiful progression to watch. 
The romance between Kate and Tony DeLuca is definitely a sub plot but certainly, adds that special touch to the storyline. I love a novel that brings to light very real human emotions, then displays Gods grace and mercy in the healing. 

Mehl's newest book is everything I was looking for in this story, action, emotion and a satisfying conclusion.
If you are looking for a new romantic suspense this book may just be the one for you!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of twenty-seven books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a...

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Book Review: Praying for Girls

From the Back:

What Are Your Biggest Concerns for Your Daughter?

Do you feel uncertain about what or how to pray for your daughter? You're not alone! Praying for our daughters can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This easy-to-use book features 200 Scripture-based prayers that cover key areas of every girl's life:

Her identity--finding her security and strength in God's love and acceptance
Her heart--pursuing a life of purity and devotion to the Lord
Her mind--committing to growing in wisdom and discernment regardless of her circumstances
Her relationships--developing skills and attitudes to foster healthy relationships
Her purpose--trusting God with her life, gifts, and passions

With simple ideas to nurture your daughter's faith from toddler through teen, this encouraging book will equip you to pray with more confidence and power.

My Reflections:

Teri Underwood has hit the mark with her newest book, "Praying for Girls."

We all want to pray for those special girls in our lives, you could be a mother, aunt, grandmother, friend or church leader. This book is for you. 

Often times we have good intentions about prayer, but may become stuck in the same old day to day prayers. Underwood shakes things up a bit.

This book shares 5 main areas we may want to pray over our girls (and boys). Each of these has little sub areas where we can dig a little deeper. (see above)

I love praying scripture over my children, husband, and home. There is comfort and peace in the process, God always hears us even when our prayers are less than inspiring or just one word. Our hearts reveal more than words can ever uncover, and I know God hears all my prayers spoken aloud and in private. 

This book is a wonderful tool to deepen our prayer life and give us ideas that we may not have thought about before.

Tenderly written, Teri Underwood invites her readers to journey along side her as she covers every aspect of your girl's life and heart. I would recommend this book not only to parents of girls but parents in general as it can be applied to both boys and girls equally. Well done!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Teri Lynne Underwood

Teri Lynne Underwood leads Prayers for Girls, a popular online community for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone else who wants to invest in praying for the girls in their lives. A frequent contributor to parenting blogs, Teri Lynne lives in northern...

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Book Review: High As The Heavens

From the Back:

A British nurse in WWI German-occupied Brussels, Evelyn Marche spends her days at the hospital and her nights working at a café . . . or so it seems. Eve's most carefully guarded secret is that she also spends her nights carrying out dangerous missions as a spy for a Belgian resistance group.

When a plane crashes as she's en route to a rendezvous, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to recognize the badly injured pilot as British RFC Captain Simon Forrester. She risks her life to conceal him from the Germans, but as the secrets between them grow and the danger mounts, can they still hope to make it out of Belgium alive?

". . . Breslin creates a tale difficult to put down until its touching, soul-satisfying ending."--RT Book Reviews on Not by Sight

My Reflections:

Kate Breslin has done it once again! The pages came alive, bringing history to life and giving this reader no rest until the last word was devoured.

The story has been told a thousand times over, the theme written about countless times, this one, however, is different. It is expertly penned. A widow longing for more of the precious time she shared with her dearly departed. That very dear dead husband showing up ...alive. 

A dangerous game to be sure, because so much had happened in the span of time when Eve thought she had lost Simon Forrester..can Eve keep the dark and profound secrets from the ones she loves because everything is on the line!

Mystery, deceit, intrigue..tragedy. If you like a book with these elements, then you will just love this one.

A heart wrenching, complex and raw read. Breslin has done a splendid job with this redemptive story centering around World War one. Perfect end of summer read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Kate Breslin

A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.

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Book Review: Heart On The Line

 From The Back:

When Danger Arrives, It's More Than Just Her Heart on the Line
Grace Mallory is tired of hiding. She hungers for a normal life, perhaps even a suitor like two of her friends in Harper's Station have found. But when the man she believes responsible for her father's death discovers her whereabouts, survival takes priority.

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His fellow telegrapher, the mysterious Miss G, has been the ideal companion. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--over the wire has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intends for him. However, when he intercepts an ominous message and discovers her life is in peril, Amos must shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

My Reflections:

This book has it all, romance, mystery and suspense. Witemeyer once again crafts a story that is not only enjoyable but also unfurls the image of our Father's faithful love and guidance through all life's trials and joys. The choice to follow his prompting can be fraught with doubt but the end results always bring joy and peace. I loved how Witemeyer portrayed the situation Grace found herself in and the journey that ensued. Such a complete story!

It was fantastic to revisit Harper's Station once again, the characters and setting were picturesque! The story centering around the telegraph station was such an interesting concept, what a talent the operators had to hold to converse back then.
If you are looking for a heart warming novel that will keep your interest this may just be the book you are searching for.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Karen Witemeyer

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three...

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