Book Review Yesterday's Tides

 

From the Back:

In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling's lives in World War II, it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

My reflections:

"Yesterday's Tides" is a slow savoury read. White takes her readers on a journey along duel timelines one set in 1914 and the other in 1942. Both are on the same American island of Ocracoke. This idyllic small island is home to a small number of locals who are close-knit and deeply woven together. 

1914 we become acquainted with Louisa, a down-to-earth kinda soul. She was inventive and able to do the work suited for a man in that era. I was pretty impressed at her get-it-done attitude. Louisa being the innkeeper's daughter usually doesn't pay too much attention to the guests at the inn, that is until a very handsome well-to-do guest comes to stay on the island for the entirety of the summer. 

Remmington never expected to fall in love with a commoner, but that he did. Knowing that their relationship would not bode well in his world due to her ancestry and social standing, Remington tries to talk himself into keeping their relationship friendly, but his heart has other plans. 

1942, Evie is a wickedly smart woman with a grieving heart. She plods along each day with purpose and determination. She however leads a secret life helping the British crack enemy codes with the means of the telegraph as her way of communication. When Sterling, a British spy washes up on her shores, burnt and battered Evie finds herself strangely drawn to him as she nurses him back to health. Within his delirious mumbling, she learns tidbits of his true identity. 

Sterling has a mission and it doesn't include Evie. Still weak and unable to complete his assignment he must lean on Evie to regain his strength and track down a certain German spy. Can he trust Evie? Who is she really, and why does he find himself falling deeper and deeper for her?

I found myself thoroughly invested in both stories, I do however have to admit it got a little confusing at times, as there are so many characters to keep track of. 

Both stories offered well-paced plots with relatable characters. If you are looking for something with a little more substance this would be a good choice to sink your teeth into.

 This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When...

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Book Review: To Tame a Cowboy

They share a passion to heal what is broken, but it's their own hearts that need to be made whole. 

Brody McQuaid is a broken man, and he knows it. While his body survived the war, his soul did not. Besides loving his little niece, his only sense of purpose comes from saving the wild horses that roam South Park. Ranchers in the area have taken to killing the horses, which are competing with their cattle to feed on the open grass.

Savannah Marshall is a veterinarian on her family's Colorado ranch. She longs to keep her father happy following the tragic death of her older brother, including marrying a man of his choosing. But days before her wedding, she gets cold feet and disappears to South Park. As she learns more about the destruction of the horses, she joins Brody in an attempt to save the wild creatures. But when Savannah's family and the resentments of the area cattlemen catch up with them both, Brody and Savannah will have to tame their fears if they've any hope to let love run free.

My Reflections:

What a fantastic sequel to the Colorado Cowboys series. If you haven't read books one and two I would highly recommend it, however, this could easily be read as a stand-alone.

Brody suffers from PTSD from his time as a Union soldier during the war. He struggles with frequent anger, depression, terror-filled dreams, and feelings of unworthiness. Savannah seems to be a balm to Brody's soul.

Savannah the ultimate tender soul is fleeing from a loveless union. She wants to please her family but must put some distance between them so that she can figure out her own heart. Having trained to be a veterinarian, she flees to the hills to fulfill that dream. 

Brody and Savannah find a common passion in saving the wild horses, will this relationship be just what Brody needs to calm his wild heart? Will Savannah find the courage to stand up for what she wants? 

Overall this is an enjoyable series set in the rustic Colorado mountains. If you are a horse lover this story will likely be a hit! I am excited to see what happens next with Ivy and Dylan, there has to be a squeal for them! 

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

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband,...

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Book Review: A Man With A Past

 

From the back:

He must piece together his past if he's to have any chance at a future.

Falcon Hunt traveled west, compelled to start a new life by a surprise telegram that promised him an inheritance and a family in Wyoming. But shortly after arriving, he wakes in a river, completely unaware of who or where he is. As he tries to regain his memory, he meets two men who claim to be his half brothers and the prettiest woman in the area, Cheyenne Brewster. Only trouble is, a few flashes of memory make Falcon wonder if he's already married.

Falcon immediately draws Cheyenne's ire as he so closely resembles her no-good stepfather who swindled her out of inheriting her mother's property. But despite her resentments, she has to admit these newcomers' presence has some appeal, especially after Falcon steals a kiss.

When shootings start happening on the ranch, it's clear someone is gunning for the Hunt brothers. Falcon and Cheyenne set out to find who is behind the attacks, but it'll take all their savvy and skill to deal with their enemies and the potentially forbidden love growing between them.

My Reflections:

In Mary Connealy's second book "The Brothers in Arms" series, you will expect to be entertained for many solid hours. I have to admit this author consistently has me reading well into the wee hours of the night, I simply must keep reading! 

This book is no exception, in this series the plot builds onto the first book "Braced For Love." Readers can expect a good recap, for this reason, I would suggest this not be read as a standalone, read them in order to get the full benefits of the story!

A Man With A Past continues with the story of the Hunt Brothers. Falcon Hunt seems to have lost his memory putting him in a rather awkward situation. He can't recall the two men who claim to be his brothers, but he sure wants to get to know the beautiful lady named Cheyenne. When flashes of his past life come to light Falcon struggles with his building interest in this beautiful lady. Being the honourable man he is, he tries to live by his deep-rooted values hoping to remember enough of his past in order to build a future.

Cheyenne is the half-sister to Wyatt Hunt she is a firecracker of a woman who holds her resentment close after being cut off from the ranch she was raised on. When more confusion comes her way in the form of a handsome cowboy with no memory, things get really interesting!

I love that Mary Connealy weaves other characters into her novels interconnecting stories to add to her future series. I can't wait for book three! If you are looking for a novel packed with handsome cowboys, adventure and a sprinkle of humour this just might be the book you are searching for!

Book Review: Set the Stars Alight

 

From The Back:

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins 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 Reflections: Amanda Dykes newest book "Set the Stars Alight" is divine and begs readers to cuddle up with their favourite hot beverage and settle in for the rainy season (If you live on the Island that is) I'm always thrilled to read books by this author she writes timeless tales that make the reader want to savour and ponder her mystery entangled stories. 

This book has it all lyrical enchantment, heart-rendering sadness and is inspiring and uplifting all captured into one novel!

This story landed in my lap at just the right time, isn't God good! Thank you Amanda Dykes for penning a story filled with vivid imagery and a captivating reading experience!

If you are in love with words, mystery and history this my friends is your next read. I can't wait for the next story that comes my way from this writer, simply amazing!

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

Amanda Dykes

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She's a former English teacher and the author of Set the Stars Alight and...

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Book Review: Veiled In Smoke

From The Back:

The Flames Took So Much.
She Can't Lose Her Father As Well.
Meg Townsend and her sister, Sylvie, seek a quiet existence managing the family bookshop. Meg feels responsible for caring for their father, Stephen, whose spirit and health are both damaged from his time as a prisoner during the Civil War. Her one escape is the paintings she creates and sells in the bookshop.

Then the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district. The fiery explosions and chaos stir up memories of war for Stephen as he runs from the blaze and becomes separated from his daughters. Days later, when the smoke has cleared, Meg and Sylvie manage to reunite with him. Their home and shop are lost, and what's left among the ashes may be even more threatening than the flames, for they learn that a close friend was murdered the night of the fire--and Stephen has been charged with the crime. After he is committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum, where they cannot visit him, Stephen feels as lost to them as the shop that now lies in rubble.

Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life but prove the truth of what happened that night, before the asylum truly drives her father mad.

My Reflections:

This book had me utterly spellbound from page one. I adore Historical fiction and this book was accurately retold in a way that was honouring and evoking in a cohesive way. You can always count on Jocelyn Green to pen an authentic moving plot where you fall in love not only with the characters but for the entirety of not only the era and the city of Chicago as well.

Meg and Sylvie Townsend are sisters brought together by the caring of their Civil war veteran father who has PTSD. Together the girls try hard to keep their father safe while running their little book store under the apartment. When the great fire hits, the town is in a panice with looters and families running for their lives. In this chaos Stephen the girl's father gets scared and hides, but then is framend with his friends murder. Will Stephan be coherint enought to explain what happened or will he be destined to live out the rest of his years in the Cook County Insane Asylum? 

PTSD an often debilitating condition that ends up devastating many familys and individual living with it. Without help this disability can render an utter shutdown of the mind and body.

 In some people the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness from the constant nightmares and ever-present flashbacks start encasing a mind into a impenetrable fortress where the suffering individual sees no way out. Statistically deaths by suicide for popople who struggle from PTSD are 26.3 percent higher than the advrage population. 2020 data colloected from: Centers for disease Control and Prevention

PTSD was also refered to solders heart back in the day, it was treated with strong medicine which left patients unable to participate in life. These indivduals were mostly housed in insane assuylms of jails. 

Authour Jocelyn Green excells in her ability to resech all of her hystorical novels she is well known to do this with dedication, meaningful plots couple that with amazingly detailed backdrops and you have one fine writter!

 

Book Review: Woman of Sunlight

From The Back:

He's Seen the Entire Country.
She's Never Been Off Her Mountain Home.
When Danger Comes, This Unlikely Couple Will Need to Rely on Each Other.
After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. But with the arrival of added danger, it may cost them the only life they've ever known.

Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when Mitch follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten with a strong-willed, dark-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood and defends herself better than most men.

Mitch is intent on helping his family reclaim their land but doesn't realize the risks his past has brought. Hired killers are tracking him, and he's determined to draw them away before anyone else gets hurt. But that means a journey to the city--and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on an adventure they'll never forget.

My Reflections:
My long time favourite author Mary Connealy does it again with her smashing new book"Woman of Sunlight" from the Brides of Hope Mountain series. I enjoyed the first book in the series "Aiming For Love" and was eager to see what would happen to this sister. 

Sweet kind Ilsa Nordegren with her quiet ways and tree swinging wildness. Having been raised in the wilderness and taught from a young age to fear the outside world, she now feels ready to break those constricting binds and explore the unknown However, the danger is lurking in their midst.
Mitch Warden is ready and willing to show Ilsa his favourite places and help her shrug off the past lies, however even though he thought he had left his dangerous past behind him, it looks like it's back to haunt him. 

Will he be equipped to save the woman he has fallen for and the family he loves?

I loved this couple and the strengths and weaknesses that made them perfect for each other. If you are looking for a new series, this is something fun to read as we are all isolated. I would recommend this sweet little gem. We have only been in isolation for three weeks imagine growing up in isolation? That's what I was thinking about as I read this book :-) Book three won't be released until next year, I can't wait to read about the most headstrong sister Ursula, that will be an interesting one indeed! 

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

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid...

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Book Review: Serving up Love

On the Menu for These Ladies?
Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance! A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. Celebrated historical romance writers Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano offer four fun, romantic tales of Harvey girls whose western adventures lead to love.

Tracie Peterson - A Flood of Love
Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life--with a daughter, no less--will she ever be the same?

Karen Witemeyer - More Than a Pretty Face
Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won't catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?

Regina Jennings - Intrigue a la Mode
When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the railyard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House--who has secrets of his own--needs her assistance.

Jen Turano - A Grand Encounter
After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York's pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She's determined to hold fast to her life of independence--but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold.

My Reflections:

I love it when all my favourite authors get together and make novellas, I'm never disappointed!
This is a charming and lively set of stories that will be sure to delight your heart, and with the world, in a state of a pandemic lockdown, this is the perfect set of novels to lift your spirits and take away the boredom of being homebound!

You will find each novella filled with characters full of spit and vinegar, yet with the moral compass to make sound choices. Each story brings to light their own unique style and faith messages. You can't go wrong with these four authors, I would highly recommend you find some digital way to purchase this book! We can't leave our homes, but we can still enjoy our time with great literature and the people we cherish. Stay safe, and keep looking up!

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) 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...

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Karen Witemeyer

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humour, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas...

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Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book...

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Jen Turano

Jen Turano, (www.jenturano.com) a USA Today bestselling author, has written four historical romance series. She is a member of ACFW and RWA and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

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Book Review: Secrets of My Heart

From the Back:

Portland, Oregon, 1879
Nancy Pritchard finds herself widowed and with a world of problems when her deceased husband's shady business schemes start to come to light. As she sifts through the shadowed memories of their loveless union, Nancy realizes there is a lot she didn't know about the man she married.

Seth Carpenter, a childhood friend of Nancy's, has recently returned to Portland and is delighted to see her again. As a lawyer, he offers to help her sort through the legal ramifications of her husband's death. But there is more to Seth than meets the eye, and his job will take him into the dark side of Nancy's husband's life--aside she didn't even know existed.

As the two searches for the truth behind her husband's death, a mutual attraction creates complications. When Nancy's own life is threatened, can Seth be honest with her about who he really is and why he's come back to Portland? And can Nancy bear another betrayal?

My Reflections: 
As always we can expect a full-bodied plot matched with well rounded, interesting characters. If you have had the pleasure of reading Peterson's "Hearts of The Fronteer" you will be reacquainted with some of the characters in this book.
Match this already full list of qualities and add in Peterson's ability to weave in beautifully unravelling faith messages. 

Newly widowed Nancy lives in Portland Oregon year 1879 in a very comfortable, beautifully built home. After her husband's demise, she finds out her loveless marriage also held many secrets. These secrets must come out of hiding so that she can help others being harmed by the consequences. 

Enter in Seth, the new Lawyer in town, or is he? Seth also comes with a hidden agenda, but as the two work together they find an attraction that neither one expected. Will Seth be able to penetrate Nacy's closed-off heart, or will his secrets push her further away?
If you love a beautifully played out romance and a great message of hope, forgiveness and perseverance you will surly enjoy Tracy Peterson's newest series!

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) 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...

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Book Review: One More River to Cross

From The Back:

Adversity can squelch the human spirit . . . or it can help us discover strength we never knew we had.
In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend company leaves Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada. They enjoy a safe journey--until October, when a fierce mountain snowstorm forces difficult decisions.

The party separates in three directions. Some go overland around Lake Tahoe. Others stay to guard the heaviest wagons. The rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River awaiting rescue. The months ahead will be long and at times terrifying. But with friendship, family, and enough courage to overcome their fear, these intrepid pioneers will discover what truly matters in times of trial.

My Reflections:

I usually gobble up Jane Kirkpatrick's works, this one, however, left me a little Parched.

Normally historical dramas tickle me pink, I love the cohesion of fact and fiction intermingling. This story was factually intriguing and kept me turning the pages, I did, however, find the multitude of characters confusing and this fact along with the sheer misery that was never-ending sunk my enthusiasm a tad. 

Set in the American West in the 1840s this tale is based on a  true store by Donna M Wojcik It was a footnote actually, posted in the "Brazen Overlanders of 1845" Years later Jane Kirkpatrick decided this was going to be the basis of her new novel. This is so awesome and I love these types of stories. 

Perhaps it is my mind frame at the moment or that the story was just so sad and cold and hungry that I felt bleak. This coupled with my terrible memory for names, and with them being so similar, I well felt a little lost at times! Thankfully Kirkpatrick includes an index on pages 11, 12 and 13. So, in short, I loved the context of the story but got lost in the process. Please don't let my review sway you though, because you may love a story that has not been sugar-coated, the grit of these settlers is beyond anything we have ever endured. You may love a multitude of characters, your dendrites may just be more complex and developed!

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

Jane Kirkpatrick

Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling and award-winning author of more than 30 books, including Everything She Didn't Say, All She Left Behind, A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, This Road...

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Book Review: Hope's Highest Mountain

From The Back:

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she's hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

My Reflections:

I find that I am drawn to a book first by its cover then second by the synopsis on the back. I was about to pass this one up due to the cover not catching my eye. I am so glad that I read the back and my interest was peaked, this book was a treat to read. The characters are multidimensional and the writing is beautifully penned. I adore books centring around the medical field and a doctor who flees his career makes these types of stories so much juicier! Pair all these things with the stunning backdrop of the misty Montana mountains and I was smitten!

Ingrid is travelling with her father who is a physician and researcher to deliver Small Pox vaccines to the remote backcountry when the unthinkable happens. Ingrid's resilience and determination are remarkable as she struggles with her injuries. Will she be able to fulfil her quest?

Micah Bradley is a physician by trade but all that is behind him, all he wants is the solitude the misty mountains can provide. His self imposed exile is broken when he crosses paths with Ingrid who is very much in need of his doctoring skills. Can he truly help Ingrid, or with the past continue to destroy his God giving gifts? 

I'm sure readers will love the depth and thread of perseverance through the entirety of this story. I absolutely love how God speaks to us through everything, even books we read. In this book, the author really hits home the message of his faithfulness. Out of any bad situation can come beauty. Perhaps a different type of ending we imagine but a more beautiful one then we could have ever dreamed up ourselves. That my friends is our God.

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

Misty M. Beller

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and...

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Book Review: What Comes My Way

From The Back:

At the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, there's something special each and every night!
Ella Fleming is on the run from her past and the secrets that could tear her family apart. As a member of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, a wild west show comprised of all-female performers, her uncanny talent for trick riding impresses the audience. Only while performing can she forget her former life--and the man she knows to be a murderer.

Phillip DeShazer has secrets of his own and has done his best to bury his guilt in work and drink. Realizing he needs something more, he seeks answers and finds support and kindness from the beautiful Ella. The more she comes to his rescue, however, the more his guilt grows. He's fallen in love with her and feels confident that she returns his feelings, but he's not sure he's worthy of her love.

Uncertain of what will come their way, Ella and Phillip must learn to trust God even when the road they travel takes them in different directions--and into danger. Only then can love be a part of their journey.

My Reflections:
This is Petersons's third book in the Brookstone Brides series set in the early 20th century. Filled with talented rodeo slingers and old west adventures Petersons newest book is a delightful way to end this series.

This being the third and last of the series Peterson was able to tie up several loose threads from her previous two books. Though there seemed to be little surprise in the way the love interests play out, or how the plot progressed I still enjoyed the story and was warmed to its conclusion. There is little in the way of spiritual content, but we do see the example of the way the characters conducted themselves, which is clean and family-friendly. The action is not as gripping as some of Peterson's previous books, but it is there and readers do engage in a tinge of excitement throughout the story. 

If you love westerns and you have read the other two books, I think this would be a nice way to kick back and enjoy being transported to another era. 

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) 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...

Continue reading about Tracie Peterson

Book Review: A Reluctant Bride

From the Back:

A New Life Awaits Her across the Horizon
Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins harbours little hope for a better life. So when she's offered the opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. The journey abroad is her only prospect to escape a bleak future--both for herself and to help her sister, who's suffering in a workhouse.

Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves everything behind and takes to the sea to escape the pain of losing his family. As the ship's surgeon, he's in charge of the passengers' welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love.

With hundreds of single men congregating along the shore of Vancouver Island, eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph miss their chance at true love, or will they overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?

My Reflections:
I think Jody Hedlund has to be one of my favourite authours currently. I can always expect her novels to be filled with solid plot lines, likable characters mixed with well-researched themes. Her newest book "A Reluctant Bride" did not disappoint! Can you imagine boarding a ship filled with women who are going to be married to complete strangers? The dangers are many and the voyage harsh. 

At the insistence of her ailing sister Patience, Mercy Wilkins boards a ship with the Columbia Mission Society, not until she is boarded and on her way does she discover exactly what is expected of her. 

Mercy has grown up in the poorest part of London and having seen her shares of death and heartache she is determined to forge a new path for herself and ultimately her sister. This includes not getting married and forgoing the same fate as her mother and so many of the women she helps in her slums.
Unfortunately, she finds herself in a new predicament the new land she is headed for, Beautiful British Columbia is desperate for female workers...and apparently brides. Not quite what Mercy imagined she signed up for.

Dr. Joseph Colville is not running away, he is serving where he is needed, or that's what he tells himself. After all the loss he has experienced, doing good is just what he needs right now. As the ship named "Tynemouth's" new doctor, he works hard to keep illness and death at bay. Not quite the life his parents had planned for him.

I loved how Hedlund took many of the scenarios from real-life events and crafted her story around the realities of life in the 1860s. Her attention to detail and research is exemplary. One disclaimer I may add is there are a few scenes that I would consider rated for mature audiences, though it is a clean book, the reference to desire is mentioned. Hence I recommend this book be rated for 16 years and up.

I may have squealed out loud when I heard a book mention Vancouver Island! It's not often that a novel I read gives reference to the very island I live on. This alone made this book extra special for me. I found myself doing all kinds of research on Bride ships to Vancouver Island in this time period. I can't wait for book number two in the Bride Ships series!

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

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the author of over 20 novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, and is the winner of numerous awards, including the...

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Book Review: Wherever You Go

From the Back

Be delighted and amazed at the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza!
Mary Reichert is one of the best sharpshooters in the country, and in the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, her skills are on display in every performance. But Mary will never be able to rest until the man who killed her brother is brought to justice. She feels helpless in the face of the murderer's money, power, and connections, however, and the only bright spot in her days is the handsome journalist who keeps attending the show.

Christopher Williams has been assigned to follow the Brookstone show on its 1901 tour and write a series of magazine articles, and he finds himself irresistibly drawn to the show's sharpshooter. But getting close to someone would threaten to bring his family's history to light. How could he ever win Mary's heart if she knew the truth? Mary and Chris will both have to trust God in order to heal from their pasts.

My Reflections:
I am always amazed at how fast Tracy Peterson is able to whip up a great story. 
I just completed book one in the "Brookstone Brides" series an just like that there was book two! Imagine my delight that I could continue on with Lizzy's story, and meet new characters along the way. 
This is definitely a book series that you will want to read in order. Too many details would be lost in translation if you picked this book up before "When You are Near" (book one in the series.)

I loved the two main love stories in this novel and it gets a little complicated when Jason enters the plot and makes waves for the budding relationship between Lizzy and Wes. Mary and Christopher are another sweet little couple who are fostering a growing attraction. As always the romance is clean and well written so that these stories can be shared with the teens in your life. The faith elements were woven seamlessly into the storyline making wonderful connections and points to ponder along the way. 

This book leaves a few loose threads dangling, so I'm hoping Tracy Peterson is just as quick getting this one off to the presses so I can satisfy my curiosity! 
If you love a story set in the wild west as much as I do then you will most likely enjoy Peterson's newest series!

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) 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...

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