The Reluctant Warrior

 

The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy is the second book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series.  You don't necessarily have to read the books in order, but it will definitely add to your reading experience and help you to get to know the characters in a deeper way.

The Reluctant Warrior focuses on Cam (Cameron Scott).  He is seeking to find who killed his brother and sister in law.  He has come to fetch his daughter and nephew, but now he is trapped by a blizzard.  Gwen is caring for his children and she has become so attached and fears that Cam will take them and leave.  

Cam is very rough around the edges and is used to barking orders and everyone obeying him.  When both the male and female cabins they are staying in catch fire during a blizzard it quickly becomes apparent that someone is trying to take their whole camp out.  Cam gets hurt and now Gwen is caring for him too.  He soon learns why his kids love this woman.  Gwen sees through Cam's rough exterior and decides to help him get through to the children who seem more afraid of him than anything.  Slowly the walls start breaking down and a sweet relationship is forming, not only between Cam and the children, but between Gwen and Cam as well.  But let's not forget that someone wants them all dead and their is a battle ahead.

I always enjoy Mary Connealy's books.  She is so entertaining in her writing style and this book was no exception.  I loved all the characters and loved the sweet romance between Gwen and Cam.  I would highly recommend the whole series!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Season on the Wind

 

It has been a while since I have read an Amish Christian Fiction book, but I can always Count on Suzanne Woods Fisher to deliver.  

Ben Zook had only two loves in his life:  Birds and books.  In a stroke of luck he found a way to combine his two loves into a career writing books about rare books.  All was going great until a chase for a rare white winged tern leads him back to the one place he never wanted to return to. His Amish home in Stoney Ridge.

Desperate for photographs of the rare bird he hires a local field guide, Micah Weaver.  He also boards in Micah's home and his hope is to "bag the bird" and leave Stoney Ridge before anyone recognizes him.  Whet he did not count on was Micah's sister Penny.

It was a summer long ago that Penny first introduced Ben to birding. It was also that time that she fell in love with him.  She had always hoped that Ben would return back to Stoney Ridge and to her.  The only problem now is that Ben has absolutely no memory of her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is so apparent that great research went into the writing of it.  I was captivated by the birding aspect and I am reading to start bird watching immediately!  Another thing that I loved is the faith and spiritual tones in the book.  Forgiveness is a big topic and I love reading a book where I can clearly see underlying lessons.  

Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

A View Most Glorious

 

A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott is the third book in the American Wonders Collection series.  It is not a series that you need to read all three in order.  This makes for a great stand alone book.

In A View Most Glorious Coraline Baxter is a modern day woman living in the 19th century.  Her suffragette group suggests that Cora climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness and prove that woman can do anything that men can do.  Cora's mother is not supportive of her daughter's modern day views and insists she must marry.  When she learns of Cora's plans to climb the mountain she gives her an ultimatum... "if you do not succeed, you must marry the man of my choosing".  Cora becomes moret determined than ever to prove that she is a strong independent woman.  

With little climbing experience she seeks help from a guide.  Nathan Hardee wants nothing to do with this crazy expedition, but when he learns of Cora's mother's stipulation and the man that she has chosen for his daughter he knows that he must help Cora.

As Nathan and Cora journey up the mountain they both rediscover their faith in God and are quickly discovering that the view is most glorious toghether.

This was such a fun book to read.  I found it to be fast paced and a quick read, mainly because I didn't want to put it down.  Cora is such a strong character and I love her determination and courage to pursue what she believes in.  The sweet romance between Cora and Nathan is enjoyable to read and their is plenty of adventure and danger that keeps you captivated.  I have long since wanted to visit Mount Rainier and the authors descriptions of the mountain has me wanting to go more than ever!

Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox is a dual timeline story.   It jumps from 1965 to present day and as the 1965 storyline progresses the two stories intertwine into one.  I found this very interesting to read and a great way to deeper know your characters as you're reading about their older and younger selves.  

In 1965 Glory Ann confesses to her parents that she is pregnant with her dead fiancés baby.  He died in Vietnam and her parents arrange a marriage of convenience to save her reputation.  Clarence is a nice enough guy, but Glory Ann is determined to never love again.  Time though, has a way of changing things.  Clarence is so good with Rosemary and his patience and love for Glory Ann, in time, wins her over.  Soon they have a baby of their own.  When a tragedy strikes the family, Rosemary spends years blaming herself and trying to make up for her wrongs.

In present day, Sarah returns home to help her mother, Rosemary and grandmother Glory Ann, run the Old Depot Grocery store that her grandmother owns.  Sarah has just suffered the loss of her husband, but more than that she is dealing with a lot of guilt, and could it be that the nausea and lack of appetite could be caused by something else?  She soon discovers that her mother has been keeping a secret and is determined to uncover what it is.  The three woman are going to have to come together and let love heal their wounds.  The secrets that have been kept are destroying all of them.  

I really can't recommend this book enough.  I couldn't get enough of it and lost several hours of sleep trying to find out what happens next.  There is a big surprise in this book that I must not spoil, but oh is it a good one!  I was not expecting that twist!  

Thank you to Revell and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.  The review is my own opinion.

The Gold in These Hills

Joanne Bischof is one of my all time favorite authors and her recent release, The Gold in These Hills, is one of her best books yet.  It is a dual storyline.  That seems to be a very popular style of writing and although it is not my favorite, I did enjoy both of these storylines and how they complimented each other.

One of the stories is set in the late 1800s to early 1900s.  Juniper Cohen came to California to marry John as his mail order bride.  The gold mining town they are living in is slowly fading into a ghost town with no gold to be found.  John seems to have disappeared and many of the townsfolk believe him to be dead.  But not Juniper.  She refuses to believe that her beloved John is dead.  She writes him letters and turns down proposals in hopes that one day he will return, but it's not long until she finds out that John is an outlaw.  Juniper is furious.  When he finds his way back home, he is near death's door and Juniper struggles to care for this man that betrayed her.  She has to find a place of forgiveness and allow her own heart to be healed.  

The other story is set in present day and focuses on Johnny Sutherland who is going through a divorce.  He has just bought an old farmhouse and is excited to fix up a new home for him and his two children.  After discovering some old letters written by Juniper he realizes that there is a lot more history in this old house than what he realized.  He meets Sonoma who is doing some research for her family tree in hopes of discovering more about her heritage.  As they read the letters and dig into the past and new relationship begins to form between the two of them.

I really enjoyed so much about this book.  I wouldn't have minded if the whole book would have stayed centered on Juniper and the early 1900's, but it was clever how the two stories interlocked.  I am so excited for the next book in this series to come out and I'm sure I will love it just like this one. 

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. 

The Healing of Natalie Curtis

 Historic fiction has always been my favorite genre to read and it is books like The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick that serve as a perfect example of why. 

I don't recall hearing anything about Natalie Curtis prior to reading this book.  There is a lot that could be said about her life and the book only touches on a brief time period.

Living in New York, Natalie has isolated herself for the past five years after having a breakdown of sorts.  Her health is bad and she has little desire to do the things she once loved.  Her brother, who has been living out west comes for a visit and she sees how is health has improved greatly since being a way.  He convinces her that it would help her too if she would go back with him and maybe if she goes she can find her love for music once again.  

Not long after arriving in this new land does she find out that the Native American's music and dialect is under attack.  Under the Code of Offenses that prohibits the natives from singing, dancing or speaking their own language. It soon becomes Natalie's mission to preserve the songs and language of these people.  She knows what she must do...appeal to Teddy Roosevelt, the president of the United Stated. 

While helping the native people, will Natalie find the song in her heart again or is it lost forever?

When I pick up a historical fiction novel and it leaves me wanting to know more about the true life events or with a deeper knowledge of a time period or historical figure I knew little about, I know it was a good book.  This one was amazing! If your a History buff like me, I think you will love this one!

Thanks to Revell for proving me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Christmas In The Alps

 

 I have read several books by Melody Carlson and I've come to look forward to her Christmas novels.  Yes, I said Christmas.  I know it's only September, but what other way to end summer and go into the fall season than with a holiday book. The nights have even been a bit chilly here this week which make it perfect for a cup of coffee a blanket and a book.  

I always consider this Author's books what I like to call "easy reads".  They are usually kind of light hearted and just enjoyable.  This one continued in that category for me.  

Simone has had a rough year (relatable right). After a time of heartache and loss she discovers a letter from her French grandmother who has now passed away.  The letter informs Simone of a treasure that she is heir to and how she needs to travel to Paris in order to retrieve it.  Simone thinks that her grandmother must have not been in her right mind when she wrote the letter and doesn't want to go.  Her fear of flying doesn't help, but with the persuasion of a friend she heads to the French Alps.

During her flight she meets the charming Kyle Larsson and one of my favorite parts is when he helps her through a panic attack on the flight. When they land they part ways, but soon find themselves reunited. As she is trying to uncover the treasure that her grandmother spoke of is it possible she may uncover a romance between her and Kyle?

There were a few slow moments to the book, but overall an enjoyable read.  Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Since You've Been Gone

 Since You've Been Gone is the third and final book in the Restoring Heritage series by Tari Faris.  This whole series has been really good, but this is not one that you have to read in order to feel like you understand what's going on.  It makes a great stand alone book if you so choose.  I do think you would enjoy the whole series though.  

I am someone who reads a great deal of historical fiction and suspense.  Not very often to I read modern day romance novels. They just never really appeal to me, but that was not the case in this book.  I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Leah and Jon.  

Leah is back in Heritage and her main goal is to try to make her business a success, but there's a problem.  Jon Kensington is heir to the company and also her old high school crushd and nemesis.   Back in the day he made Leah's life very difficult and she has yet to forgive him. Why would she trust him after all these years?  Instead of selling the business Jon makes a proposal to Leah that they become partners.  With her creativeness and his business smarts they could make it a success.  Leah is on edge though and feels like he is once again trying to belittle her.  What she doesn't understand is that was never his intention when they were in high school and it is certainly not his intentions now.  He has secretly loved her for all these years, but with the constant disagreements will she ever see past to the man he really is and can they learn to trust God and each other?

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Midnight Dance

 A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano has been my favorite book I've read so far this year.  It has been a while since I have stayed up all night reading, but I could not stop.  The author used her words to dance right into my heart.  The story tells the history and culture of ballet set in London in the 1830's and honestly I found myself quite surprised that I fell in love with a novel about ballet.  

The first chapter starts out with some excitement and a bit of a mystery, but soon the author gives some clarity.   Fast forward five years and there is so much mystery that surrounds Ella as she tries to uncover who she is and what really happened to her mother.  Throw in some romance and you have an amazing story that will captivate you.  

From the Back of the Book:

All theater romances are tragedies.  Ella Blythe knows this.  Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most and certainly different that the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater.  Yet as she struggles to maintain her tenuous place in the ever shrinking ballet company, win the attentions of principal dancer Philippe and avoid company flirt Jack, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the dead ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own tragic end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the past?

Mystery and romance make the perfect dance partners in this evocative story!

I can't wait to read more books by this author.  Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Beyond the Tides

 

I am so excited to tell you about Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson.  This has been my favorite summer read so far and I'm sure you will love it too.  There is so much good to say about this book.  First, any book that has me showing outward emotion is a winner for me, whether that emotion be fear, anger, tears or laughter.  For this book, it was laughter.  The author had me laughing out loud with her wit on several occasions.  Another plus was the romance. And when I say romance, I mean romance.  The first kiss between the main character's will have you sighing and smiling at the same time.  Such a beautiful descriptive way of describing a beautiful moment.  Also, the setting ya'll!  Prince Edward Island! Need I say more?

Another great thing about this book is that it's the first one in a series!  I can't wait to read the second book and if it's anything like the first I know I will love it too!

When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should take it over instead.  Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet, or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness, she can't stand to see Oliver Ross in charge.  Not when he ruined her dreams of a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then.  Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg, an innocent bystander.  But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as a way to provide for his mother, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution.  Oliver and Meg will work the business together, and at the end of the season he'll decide who gets it.  Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought, and  their dreams aren't what they expected.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.