Appointment in Bath

 A few years ago I explained (in great detail…) why I love Tamara Leigh’s books so very much.  Well, brace yourselves, because I’m adding another author to my “Books I’ll Actually Spend Money On” list: Mimi Matthews.  

I adore Matthews’s books for many of the same reasons I love Leigh’s: they’re clean, sweet, historical, and just oh-so romantically swoon worthy.  For some reason, I always feel the need to rationalize my love for romance novels, so here we go again.  They’re entertaining, engaging,  wonderfully addicting.  Everyone, especially fatigued English teachers who’ve trudged through Jonathan Edwards or Patrick Henry for the umpteenth time earlier in the day, needs some brain candy, and Matthews’s most recent release fits the bill.  

It was an honor to join the Launch Team for Appointment in Bath earlier this summer.  I had intended to wait and read it on our vacation, but I simply couldn’t wait that long.  I may have devoured this novel in less than a day.  Ooops. 

Appointment in Bath tells the love story of the friendly, ambitious Ivo Beresford and the shy, stammering Meg Burton-Smythe.  The lovely backdrop of the English countryside, a quiet daydreamer learning to stand up for herself, families learning to forgive and move forward, and a compelling and charming male lead-- what’s not to love?  

While Appointment in Bath technically comes in as the 4th installment of Matthews’s “Somerset Stories” series, the novel stands on its own as well.  You might not have to read the first three books, but you’ll want to.  

If you’re looking for more Mimi Matthews books to read, my favorite series is easily the “Parish Orphans of Devon,” which begins with The Matrimonial Advertisement.   

July Reads

Sorry to be late again, but ramping up for the school year has warn me out!  

• Autumn Masquerade by Josi Kilpack, Donna Hatch, and Nancy Campbell Allen 
• 5 Stars 
• This is a lovely set of three clean, Regency romance novels.  I needed something light after my adventures in Orisha, and this fit the bill beautifully! 
• Katharine Parr, the Sixth Wife by Alison Weir 
• 4 Stars 
• Weir's entire Six Tudor Queens series has been a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Henry VIII's six wives.  While I still think I prefer Phillipa Gregory's story-telling style, Weir's collection is worth the read; it's not her fault the all end sadly!
• Scarlet & Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead 
• 4 Stars 
• I enjoyed the last two installments in Lawhead's King Raven series, but I was ready to be done reading them.  The plot twists got to be frustrating by the end.  
• The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks 
• 3 Stars 
• I skimmed through this one since I enjoyed Devolution by the same author.  It was interesting and creative if not terribly interesting. 
• The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts 
• 5 Stars 
• This was our book club pick for July, and I adored it.  It was a beautifully real and emotional look at a unique friendship that transcended culture, race, and tragedy. 
• John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow by Mimi Matthews 
• 4 Stars 
• Much different than Matthews's typical fare, I really loved this twist on both Jane Eyre and Frankenstein!  
• Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner 
• 5 Stars 
• I went on a Susan Meissner kick when a bestie and I made plans to attend a Book Talk for her most recent novel.  Set in London during the Blitz, I think this one might be my favorite!!  
• Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath by Priscilla Shirer 
• 4 Stars 
• Some friends and I got together to complete this study over the summer.  It was an interesting take on the idea of Sabbath, and I've already implemented weekly changes as a result. 
• As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner 
• 4 Stars 
• This Susan Meissner novel was set in Philadelphia during the 1917 Spanish Flu Pandemic.  The story was enjoyable, and the topic ironically timely! 
• The Betrayed by Kiera Cass 
• 4 Stars 
• While I didn't love this two-part series as much as I did The Selection series or The Siren, this sequel ended much more satisfactorily than its predecessor. 

June Reads

 

Happy Summer, Y'all! 

I may be a week or so late, but here's a rundown on the books I read in June: 

• The Huntress by Kate Huntress 
• 4 Stars 
• Intense, fascinating, and more than a bit stressful, I couldn't put this one down!! For those who typically read Christian Fiction, be aware that there's a homosexual relationship that plays a large role in the overall plot.  
• Devolution by Max Brooks 
• 4 Stars 
• The Hubby and I listened to this one during the first few legs of our "Great American Road Trip" (pictures of that adventures are forthcoming...).  Though there's some rough language and graphic gore, it was an enjoyable change of pace.  Volcanic eruptions and sasquatch massacres?  I was entertained.  
• Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon 
• 4 Stars 
• Lawhon chronicles the final flight of the Hindenburg from multiple perspectives in this thoroughly interesting historical-fiction novel.  I'll definitely be reading more by her in the future. 
• The Rose Code by Kate Quinn 
• 5 Stars 
• While a bit less intense than Quinn's previous two WWII novels, I adored this new release that tells the story of three female code breakers stationed in England during the war.  
• The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner 
• 3 Stars 
• I've heard rave reviews of this novel from several sources, but I just didn't love it.  The overall story was interesting, but the writing seemed choppy, the end was unsatisfying, and I personally disagreed with some of the themes woven through the narrative.  Ignore the hype and skip this one; there are better books out there.  
• Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon 
• 4 Stars 
• Hannon's novels are essentially book versions of Hallmark movies, and I'm fine with that.  Check out my full Netgalley review here.  
• Red Rising by Pierce Brown 
• 4 Stars 
• This audiobook kept the Hubby busy for the remainder of our road trip... and it's LONG.  While I did enjoy the blend of fantasy, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic adventure, I'm not sure I'll get around to reading more of the series.  We'll see. 
• Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson 
• 3 Stars 
• Why do I keep agreeing to review Dickerson's medieval fairytale retellings despite my well-documented complaints with the writing and characters?  Who knows, but I do.  
• Full review here.  
• There, There by Tommy Orange 
• 2 Stars 
• This was our Book Club choice for the month, and I was not a fan.  The premise had potential: telling the stories of urban, indigenous people whose stories all connect.  The problem, however, was that Orange failed to create characters I actually cared about-- only one was even remotely likable.  To make matters worse, Orange tried to tell too many stories utilizing too many narrative techniques.  The result was a confusing mess. 
• Round Up by Rebecca Connolly 
• 3 Stars 
• Y'all know that Connolly is one of my go-to favorites for clean, romance novels... but I didn't like this one.  Skip it.  
• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi 
• 5 Stars 
• I absolutely this devoured this YA blend of fantasy and West African mythology.  I'll be purchasing this one for my classroom for sure.  
• Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi 
• 3 Stars 
• Perhaps this is just another example of the 2nd book slump in a trilogy, but this installment of the Legacy of Orisha series lacked the magic of the first.  I'll reserve final judgment for the release of the final book. 

Blackberry Beach

In this newest installment of Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series, readers meet actress Katherine Parker and coffee shop owner Zach Garrett.  Katherine has retreated to the quaint town of Hope Harbor, Oregon to escape the limelight and paparazzi after the unexpected death of a co-star.  Despite the news that she's been offered a starring role in an A-List movie, however, Kate begins to question whether a fast-paced life in Hollywood is really where she belongs.  Having left a lucrative career behind after the death of his brother, Zach has finally found peace running a coffee shop in Hope Harbor.  When he meets his mysterious new neighbor on their shared beech, sparks immediately fly.  Will he have the courage to give his heart to a woman who might return to her old life at any minute?  Will Kate manage to figure out what she wants in life?  Would Zach potentially be a part of that equation? 

As per my expectations going in, Blackberry Beach reads like a classic Hallmark movie.  Zach was perfectly swoon worthy as the small-town hunk, and Katherine was both relatable and likable.  Having read several of Hannon's other Hope Harbor novels, I also enjoyed getting to check in on some of my favorite characters.  This particular story, however, does stand on its own for those unfamiliar with Hope Harbor, Oregon.  (Just a note: if you're looking for my favorite of the series, start with Sandpiper Cove!)  Was the plot predictable?  Yes.  Don't expect many twists, turns, or surprises, and instead just enjoy the sugary sweetness of a clean, contemporary love story.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Castle of Refuge

Castle of Refuge, the 2nd installment in Dickerson's newest series, tells the medieval love story of Audrey and Edwin.  Audrey, the daughter of a viscount, flees her childhood home to escape her abusive sister and impending marriage to a man she does not love and finds herself at Dericott castle. The Lord of said castle, Edwin, is quickly intrigued by his mysterious and well-educated servant.  Soon, the man whom her father intended Audrey to marry appears in Dericott looking for her, and the young couple must make important deacons regarding their futures.  Can either of them learn trust another's love despite the emotional and physical scars from their pasts?  

While Dickerson bills this as a retelling of "The Ugly Duckling," I didn't quite see the parallel.  Despite this, and the fact that I had not read the first novel of this Dericott series, I enjoyed the story as much as I ever enjoy Dickerson's work.  It was predictable, slightly shallow, and heavy-handed with the obvious character development, but an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon if you don't have to have to think too hard.  If you've liked her many other medieval fairy tale retellings, you'll enjoy this one.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

May Reads

 

• Lore by Alexandra Bracken 
• 5 Stars 
• I saw this book described as The Hunger Games meets Greek mythology, and the description is apt.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would enthusiastically recommend it to any fan of mythology or YA lit. 
• Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead 
• 4 Stars 
• The first in a trilogy, Hood retells the Robin Hood story set in Wales in the generation after the Norman Invasion.  While it took me a while to get invested in the story, it eventually got me, and I plan to read the next two books as well.  
• Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys 
• 5 Stars 
• I read this YA historical-fiction novel in about two days and loved every minute of it. Not only is the writing beautifully done, but the subject matter was utterly fascinating, heartbreaking, and new to me.  Somehow, I had never heard of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, but I'm glad I have now! 
• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton 
• 5 Stars 
• A mystery set across three generations and two continents, I couldn't put this one down! 
• The Heart's Charge 
• 5 Stars 
• See my full review here of this fun 2nd installment in Witemeyer's Hanger's Horsemen series.  
• The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff 
• 4 Stars 
• While I found the ending a bit unsatisfying, this WWII spy story provided a intriguing glimpse into Britain's SAS. 
• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou 
• 3 Stars 
• Once the author began to tell the story of his own involvement in the downfall of Elizabeth Holmes and the ill-fated biotech startup, Theranos, the book really picked up.  Getting to that 60% mark, however, was a bit of a drudge.   
• When Twilight Breaks Sarah Sundin 
• 5 Stars 
• Despite the slightly heavy-handed character development typical in Sundin's work, I absolutely loved this story set in pre-WWII Austria.  
• Lawless by Tamara Leigh 
• 4 Stars 
• A much as I anticipated this series from Leigh set in the years following the Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror's reign, it just hasn't captivated me like her Age of Faith series did (Read my gushing tribute here). I still devoured it in a matter of hours.  I still enjoyed the story.  I'll still buy every other book she writes.  

The Heart's Charge

 

In this second installment of her Hanger's Horsemen series, Karen Witemeyer uniquely tells the story of two couples: Mark Wallace and Katherine Palmer alongside Jonah Brooks and Eliza Southerland.  Mark and Jonah, whom readers have met in the previous installment, run into Kate and Eliza while delivering a baby to the foundling home the women run.  Will Mark and Kate-- who almost married one another back East years before-- gradually learn to trust again and communicate with one another?  Will Eliza, who has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, learn to accept Jonah's attentions despite his own secrets? 

Before reading The Heart's Charge, I was skeptical on two counts: that telling two love stories simultaneously would prove confusing, and that Witemeyer, despite good intentions, would struggle writing a story from two black characters' perspectives.  Luckily, she proved me wrong on both counts.  I actually enjoyed the double love story; it seemed to make the plot move more quickly, and there was no need to add pointless or frustrating obstacles for the characters to overcome before the "happily ever after."  Similarly, I thought Witemeyer handled the race issue beautifully.  She certainly didn't shy away from the struggles Eliza and Jonah had faced in society, history, culture, etc.  While I enjoyed At Love's Command, the first Hanger's Horseman novel, I definitely prefer this second one! 

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

April Reads

• The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner 
• 5 Stars 
• Set during the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 and full of murder, mystery and intrigue, this was one of my favorites this month!  
• The Elite & The One by Kierra Cass 
• 3 Stars & 4 Stars 
• Since I started The Selection series last month, I just had to finish!  I liked the final installment better than the second, but they both filled their roles as brain candy admirably.  
• The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White 
• 5 Stars 
• Even though White (or her assistant) didn't think I was cool enough to be on the publicity team for this novel, I still loved it.  See my full review here.
• Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis 
• 4 Stars 
• Monster read this in 5th grade earlier this year while his class learned about the Great Depression.  The story took a while to get going, but the end was beautifully sweet. 
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 
• 3 Stars 
• The Hubby and I listened to this as an audiobook earlier this month.  While this post-apocalyptic story was compelling and certainly kept us entertained for hours, the ending was abrupt and unsatisfying.  
• A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden 
• 4 Stars 
• I've long been a fan of Camden, but her stories seem to have fallen into a predictable pattern.  This novel was not exception.  That said, I still enjoyed the story and its setting during the McKinley Administration.  
• The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin 
• 3 Stars 
• Set in January 1888, this historical fiction novel tells the story of a horrific blizzard that hit the Dakota territory and Nebraska just as schools released students for the day.  The novel tracks the decisions and fates of several different characters throughout the region.  While I found the subject fascinating, but tragic, the writing was a bit disjointed and the characters not terribly likable.  
• Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter 
• 4 Stars 
• This was a fun, light, historical fiction romance by one of my favorite authors.  You can see my full review here. 
• Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan 
• 4 Stars 
• Maybe 5 Stars 
• Despite a little too much emotional exploration, I truly enjoyed this book.  I had never even heard of the Pulaski steamship explosion, often referred to as "The Southern Titanic."  I always love when I learn something completely new from a book!  
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi 
• 4 Stars 
• This is a heartbreakingly lovely story that follows several generations of two branches of the same African family.  One branch remains in Ghana while the other ends up in the US.  It was a difficult but powerful read.  
• Let It Be Me Becky Wade 
• 3 Stars 
• I really didn't love this contemporary Christian romance.  You can read my rant about it here.  
• Something Old by Rebecca Connolly 
• 4 Stars 
• Along with Mimi Matthews, Connolly is one of my go-to historical romance writers when I need something light.  Sweet, easy, clean, and romantic was just what I needed, and Something Old delivered.  

Let It Be Me

 

Becky Wade's Let It Be Me tells the love story of pediatric heart surgeon Sebastian Grant and math- prodigy-turned-teacher Leah Montgomery.  Several obstacles stand in the their path to true love, however; Sebastian's best friend has been in love with Leah for months, Leah  professes not to believe herself capable of romance or attraction, Leah finds herself distracted by a quest to discover how and why she was evidently switched at birth, and Sebastian admittedly holds himself apart from others as a result of his troubled childhood.  In the end, predictably, the problems resolve and the happy couple waltzes off toward the Georgian horizon.  

After reading in the afterward that Wade is a fellow Baylor Bear, it pains me to profess that I am not at all a fan of this book. Before you accuse me of disliking the novel because it isn't historical fiction, bear in mind that there have been several contemporary romance series from Bethany House that I've enjoyed, like Liz Johnson's Prince Edward Island Dreams, Susan May Warren's Montana Rescue, or Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor.  First, there were simply far too many unrelated plotlines.  The love triangle issue and the whole "switched at birth" saga were unnecessary, distracting, and borderline bizarre.  Second, I may have been able to overlook the first issue if I had found the love story compelling or even believable.  I'm honestly not sure why either Leah or Sebastian managed to even like each other.  Despite physical attraction, which Wade described at one point as "a pleasurable menstrual cramp," the characters didn't seem to have anything in common or any reason to find themselves in love.  Sebastian, despite being a rich, handsome heart surgeon, regularly deliverers cringe-inducing lines like, "I want to make out with you" and sometimes behaves like a maniacal stalker.  Which brings me to my final point, the characters' actions simply don't make sense.  Sebastian goes to great lengths (mostly spending inappropriate amounts of money) to get Leah to go on a date, but has no intention of maintaining a long-term or serious relationship with her.  If it weren't Christian fiction, I'd assume he just wanted to get in her pants then dump her.  It was all very confusing.  I won't be reading any other Misty River books.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Winning the Gentleman

 

In Kristi Ann Hunter's 2nd installment of her Hearts on the Heath series, Winning the Gentleman, readers experience the sweet love story of Sophia Fitzroy and Aaron Whitworth.  Aaron, the illegitimate son of an earl, has always had to work hard to maintain his reputation as a gentleman, businessman, and horseman.  When he mistakenly hires Sophia as a temporary jockey, however, his well-ordered life and painstakingly crafted image begin to crumble.  Sophia regrets the trouble she has caused, but still can't see another way to save her brother and herself from the itinerant life they've led since their father's death.  Will Sophia and Aaron hold tight to old dreams and vulnerabilities or take a chance on each other?  

While this wasn't my favorite of Hunter's novels, I did enjoy Sophia and Aaron's story.  The story took a while to get moving; from the back cover the reader knows that Aaron will hire Sophia, so the several chapters prior to her arrival at the Heath seemed to drag.  The ending, however, was as sweetly romantic as I could have hoped.  Even though I've read all of Hunter's books, I found myself confused by the cast of characters from time to time.  Aaron himself, for example, featured in two other of Hunter's novels.  This flaw, however, didn't hinder my ability to follow the primary plotline, and I absolutely loved getting to see Trent and Adelaide from An Uncommon Courtship again!  All in all, Winning the Gentleman and its prequel, Vying for the Viscount, are worth reading, but I haven't loved them as much as her Hathorne House series.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

The Nature of a Lady

 

In the first installment of her newest series, The Secrets of the Isles, Roseanna M. White transports her readers to the fascinating history, culture, and geography of the Scilly Isles off the southwestern tip of England.  The Nature of a Lady's heroine, Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, hasn't ever felt that she belongs among London's society and decides to spend an idyllic summer in the Isles with her maid.  When she arrives at her cottage, however, she discovers its former occupant has mysteriously vanished.  Libby and her maid, who hails from the Isles, join with the missing girl's brother, the dashing Oliver Tremayne, to find her.  The team wade through ancient legends, treasure maps, and forbidding caves and castles as the search becomes more fascinating and dangerous.  What will they discover about the nature of science, history, faith and love?  

The Nature of a Lady is nothing short of White at her finest.  I adored her Ladies of the Manor series (A Lady Unrivaled, The Reluctant Duchess, The Lost Heiress), liked her Shadows over England series, and tolerated her Codebreakers series, but if this first installment is any indication, I may soon have a new favorite.  The characters were believable and dynamic, the plot was fast paced and full of adventure, and her overarching theme of finding the difficult balance between faith and science was compelling.  I'll be anxiously awaiting the next novel and a return trip to the Scilly Isles!   

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review was required, and all opinions are my own.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars

 

In The Forest of Vanishing Stars, Kristin Harmel tells the beautifully heart wrenching story of Yona, a German-born girl who had been kidnapped and taken to live in the forest at the age of 2.  When her kidnapper and teacher, Jerusza, dies, Yona begins a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and love that brings her face-to-face with the outside world, the plight of Jewish refugees, and even her Nazi father.  Which world will she embrace: the glittering one Jerusza stole her from, one of isolation in the woods, or something new? 

I simply could not put this book down and devoured every single page over the course of about 24 hours.  From the very first page, Harmel weaves a complex, engaging, and truly exquisite coming of age story.  Despite having read my fair share of WWII historical fiction,  I've not read anything about the thousands of Jewish refugees who hid, mostly successfully, in the Polish forests until the end of the war.  Not only is the plot itself fast paced and excellently researched, but Harmel's character development was masterful as well.  This novel had everything I love in a great book: a fascinating historical setting, complicatedly believable characters, love, and adventure.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own. 

February Reads

 Fiction: 

• News of the World by Paulette Jiles 
• 3 Stars 
• The plot was fascinating, but the ending was abrupt and the writing difficult to follow. 
• I don't say this often, but just wait for the movie to come out.  With Tom Hanks in the lead, my guess is that it'll be better than the book. 
• Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn 
• 4 Stars 
• Ok, I keep saying that I won't read any more Bridgeton books, but then I do.  I just keep getting so involved with the characters and HAVE to know what happens! I'm trying to quit. 
• The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel 
• 4 Stars 
• This. Story. Was. Awesome.  
• The writing seemed a bit clunky to me, but I otherwise loved it. 
• Lakeshire Park by Meagan Walker 
• 4 Stars 
• This was a lovely little Regency Romance that gave my brain a little break.  
• The Address by Fiona Davis 
• 5 Stars 
• This was, by far, the best of Davis's books so far.  Definitely worth the read!  
• My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kaye 
• 5 Stars 
• At about 800 pages, this book isn't for casual reading!  That said, it was excellent.  I had so much fun comparing it to the play.  
• Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews 
• 4 Stars 
• I read this while on vacation a few weeks ago, and it was another fun, clean, and light Regency Romance from Matthews. 
• The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis 
• 4 Stars 
• The Address is easily Davis's best, but this one and Chelsea Girls are also thoroughly enjoyable.  If you like history with a bit of mystery and drama, Fiona Davis is excellent.  
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 
• 3 Stars 
• This one was definitely outside my typical reading, but the Hubby had checked it out and since it's something of a cult classic, I decided to give it a try. 
• While the writing was extremely witty and I appreciated the dry, British humor, I had a difficult time "getting in" to the story.  The characters are caricatures and the whole story was satirical.  Again, I appreciated the genius, but it wasn't my cup of tea.   

Nonfiction: 

• Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance 
• 4 Stars 
• This was a fascinating memoir that really helped me understand our current political climate.  There's a chapter that almost eerily foretells the rise of Donald Trump and the reasons he is so beloved by such a large portion of the country.  This wasn't, by any stretch of the imagination, a pleasurable read, but it was an important one.  

January 2021 Reads

 Fiction: 

1. A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen 
• 4 Stars 
• I enjoyed this one more than the Ivy Hill series, but it still wasn't up to par with the "Old Klassen" I used to adore. 
2. Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White 
• 5 Stars 
• Loved it. 
3. The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis 
• 5 Stars 
• Davis is one of my new favorites for historical fiction, but note that is NOT Christian fiction.  
4. Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp 
• 4 Stars 
• We listened to this on the way to Medieval Times for J's 9th birthday.  It's a cute and fun quick read for my HP fans out there.  
5. The Lions of 5th Avenue by Fiona Davis 
• 3 Stars 
• Very well written, but there was an adulterous, homosexual relationship that ruined it for me.  
6. Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews 
• 4 Stars 
• Matthews has become my new go to for sweet, clean, fun historical romance.  Sometimes you just need something light. 
• This one is very Count of Monte Cristo-esq.  I loved it, but I'm not sure it's my favorite of hers. 
7. Bridgerton Collection Vol. 1 (First 3 Novels) by Julia Quinn 
• 3  Stars 
• Don't judge me.  Yes, I watched Bridgerton and had to give the books a try. 
• The books are very much like the show on Netflix: witty, entertaining, romantic... and NOT AT ALL CLEAN.  Quinn would get 5 stars from me if certain scenes were quite a bit less graphic.  Read at your own risk.  
8. Boundless (Age of Conquest #6) by Tamara Leigh 
• 4 Stars 
• Ok, y'all know Leigh is one of my absolute FAVORITES, but I'm not loving this series as much as I thought I would.  
• That said, I still love her, and I enjoyed this installment.  
9. Lovely War by Julie Berry 
• 5 Stars 
• I'd give it 6 if I could. 
• Read this book. 
• Mythology, WWII, and romance?  It's like she wrote this book with me in mind.  
• Read it.  

Non-Fiction: 

1. The Backyard Gardener by Kelly Orzel 
• 4 Stars 
• The Hubby is building me a deer-proof garden for my birthday, so I thought I'd do a little studying. 
• Other than being a bit above my gardening skill level, this guide was very helpful 
2. The Space Between Us by Sarah Bauer  Anderson 
• 3 Stars 
• Anderson had an excellent  and timely message in this book (our book-club pick for January), but she beat it into dust and rambled a bit much for my taste.  

The Romanov Empress

In The Romanov Empress, C.W. Gortner allows Maria Feodorovna-- the mother of the last Russian Tsar-- to tell her own fascinating life story.  From a humble childhood in Denmark, to an adolescence as a princess, then finally as the daughter-in-law, wife, and mother of Russia's last three emperors, Minnie's life story is undeniably worth telling.  Gortner does an admirable job melding tumultuous historical events and detail with vivid portrayals of historical figures.  Given the complexity of Russian politics and the length of time the novel covers, I was amazed at Gortner's ability to keep the plot straightforward and relatable.  The insider's view of the slow decline of the Russian monarchy and its ultimately gruesome demise was nothing less than fascinating.  I couldn't put the book down and finished it in a weekend.

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own. 

The Masterpiece

Roman Velasco has a thriving career as an artist and a beautiful mansion outside Los Angeles, but still feels like the defiant foster-child he used to be.  No one can even last as his personal assistant for more than a few weeks.  Sent by a temp. agency and desperate for a way to support herself and her young son, Grace Moore agrees to give the job a try.  Grace manages to not only get Roman's business affairs in better order, but begins to inspire and encourage him in ways he didn't know were possible.  Still recovering from her failed marriage, Grace does her best to ward off Roman's advances but finds it more and more difficult as she learns more about the fascinating artist and his past.  Knowing he doesn't share her faith, Grace must fight an uphill battle to keep her heart safe.  Will Roman learn to love in the selfless way Grace deserves?  Will Grace ever have the courage to risk her heart again?

Francine Rivers will not disappoint her avid fans in The Masterpiece.  While contemporary literature has never been my favorite, Rivers does it well.  Both Grace and Roman were believable, real, round, dynamic characters that I loved getting to know.  With her typical talent, Rivers also manages to weave complex moral and ethical dilemmas into a fast-paced plot.  I couldn't put this one down, and remain a devoted fan.

Pelican Point

Just out of the Army and on his way to work at a private practice with a colleague in the midwest, doctor Ben Garrison never expected to inherit a lighthouse in Hope Harbor.  Eager to sell the landmark and move on with his life, Ben comes to the attention of local newspaper editor Marci Weber.  Determined to save the Pelican Point lighthouse, Marci starts a campaign to do just that.  Can she convince Ben to go along with her plan?  As the two spend more time together and sparks begin to fly, can either of them learn to love again?  Will Hope Harbor truly be a place of healing for Ben, or just a layover on the way to the rest of his life?

Irene Hannon takes readers back to the lovely Hope Harbor in Pelican Point.  While I love Hannon's writing and adore her characterization skills, this isn't my favorite of her Hope Harbor series thus far. It honestly seemed like a rewrite of Sea Rose Lane: local boy comes home for a quick trip... meets a girl... falls in love... must decide if he wants to stay forever.  There was very little suspense, and everything just fell into place a little too predictably this time.  I did, however, enjoy this story's sub-plot immensely.  I'm still a devoted fan, and will continue to look forward to more Hope Harbor installments even though this one missed the mark a bit.

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own. 

The Heart's Appeal

Michael Stephenson has worked his entire adult life to regain his family's social status after his father lost the family's money and respectability years ago.  His continued success as a barrister and a noble marriage will finish the job, and give his sister the security she deserves.  With a lucrative and high-profile case in the works, and permission to court an eligible lady, Michael seems unstoppable-- until aspiring doctor Julia Bernay saves his life.  Julia will stop at nothing to become a doctor-- but she needs to pass a Latin exam to officially enroll in medical school.  For saving Micheal's life, she requests he tutor her in Latin.  Sparks fly between the two, but several obstacles stand in the way as well.  Can Julia forgive Michael for working on a case that would shut down the medical program for female doctors?  Will Michael decide that true love is worth more than social standing?

Jennifer Delamere shows readers an interesting glimpse of the medical and legal fields in England in The Heart's Appeal.  The second book in her London Beginnings series, this installment stands well on its own.  While the plot itself was interesting, and I like Michael's character, I couldn't bring myself to enjoy Julia.  What Delamere surely meant to be endearing, I found obnoxious.  I applaud the attempt at creating a strong female lead, but it came off as pandering rather than inspiring.  Again, Michael's personal struggles and dilemmas were believable, but Julia's seemed contrived and overblown.  Delamere's writing was decent and the plot moves quickly.  Without Julia's pushy petulance, I would have enjoyed the novel much more.

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own. 

A Most Noble Heir

On her deathbed, Nolan Price’s mother finally reveals her adopted son’s true parentage—he is the son of the Earl of Stainsby.  Afraid that his noble father will not allow him to marry kitchen maid Hannah Burnham, Nolan whisks Hannah away to elope.  The Earl soon officially acknowledges Nolan as his heir but does not accept his son’s marriage.  Can Nolan and Hannah’s relationship survive Nolan’s new position? Will Nolan be forced to choose between the wife he has always loved, or the father he’s always desired?  

Susan Ann Mason tells a beautifully gut-wrenching story in A Most Noble Heir.  I’ll admit to skepticism before reading the novel given that I did not particularly enjoy A Worthy Heart, but I was pleasantly surprised. While slightly predictable, the story is well-told and believable.  I appreciated that the various struggles and arguments between characters stemmed from real problems, not contrived misunderstandings with simple solutions. While Hannah was a bit unrealistically perfect, the rest of the characters were complex and well-developed. Perhaps A Worthy Heart was an aberration, and Mason deserves the adoring fans she has accumulated after all.  

I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own. 

Storm Front

When they get news that team leader Chet King is missing after a tornado in Minnesota, former helicopter pilot Ty Remington and the rest of the PEAK team race to help with the search and rescue operation.  What Tye doesn’t expect in Minnesota was Brette Arnold—the girl he once loved and hasn’t been able to forget for the last year.  After surviving a year of chemotherapy for breast cancer, Brette joins a team of storm chasers, and lands directly in Ty’s path.  Brette acknowledges she has feelings for Tye, but decides that he deserves to love a woman who hasn’t been ravaged by cancer, and may not live a full life.  Will Tye be able to let go of his past mistakes and learn to trust himself again? Will Tye’s dedication to the rescue effort and to Brette’s best interest finally convince her to let someone else into her life?  

Susan May Warren continues her riveting Montana Rescue series in Storm Front.  While I had an easier time following the multitude of storylines in this installment because I skimmed the previous stories prior to opening Storm Front, I still struggled a bit.  With so many characters with so many backstories, keeping track of every one of them can be mentally exhausting.  That said, I have loved each of those characters and stories!  Warren is an excellent story-teller, and—like her other works—Storm Front is full of drama, intrigue, and adventure.  Having introduced both Brette and Ty previously, Warren wisely takes her time with subtle characterization and has no need beat the reader over the head.  Again, both characters were well-developed, sympathetic, and believable.  I’ve truly enjoyed the Montana Rescue series, but I’m ready to resolve the overarching mysteries and let the entire cast of characters enjoy a happy ending.  

 I received a free copy from the publisher.  No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.