The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer

FOR YEARS THEY'VE BEEN NOMADS FOR JUSTICE,

BUT A FINAL MISSION MAY JUST LEAD THEIR HEARTS HOME. 

Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes—ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2021

Genre: historical romance

Setting: Llano County, Texas, 1894

Series: Hanger's Horsemen, book 2

My Review

Ms. Witemeyer has done it again! The Heart's Charge is a delightful addition to the Hanger's Horsemen series. The sweet, slow-burn romance between Mark and Katherine sets the story, while a love interest for Jonah keeps readers guessing what will happen for him. The mysterious and danger-filled plot keeps the pages turning. This story is full of sweetness and love, rugged men and pure entertainment. I'm eagerly awaiting book three in the series. 

*sidenote* While this is a standalone novel, I suggest reading book one first, as it gives rich details of the backstory that follows through the entire series. 

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

 

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2021

Genre: historical romance

Setting: Colorado Territory, 1862

Series: Colorado Cowboys, book 1

My Review

I thoroughly enjoy all of Jody's books. I was surprised to see that she'd written a western series, but she's a master of genres so I gave it a try. First, I love marriage of convenience stories and this one was satisfying as the hero and heroine are thrown together in marriage, immediately become aware of their attraction for one another, and then it's a slow burn (and sizzling) romance from there. The characters and plot are complex, and there's a great twist 3/4 of the way through, however, I did feel that the "twist" worked itself out too easily and perfectly. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it to anyone who likes historical romance, especially in a western setting. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas

 

Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he'd obeyed his mother. The ripples caused by his discovery will impact the town of Beverly, West Virginia, in ways no one could have imagined.

The first person those ripples disturb is Loyal's absentee father. When Creed Raines realized his infant son was deaf, he headed for the hills, returning only to help meet his family's basic needs. But when Loyal, now a young teen, stumbles upon a murder it's his father he runs to tell--shaping the words with his hands. As Creed is pulled into the investigation he discovers that what sets his son apart isn't his inability to hear but rather his courage. Longing to reclaim the life he abandoned, Creed will have to do more than help solve a murder if he wants to win his family's hearts again.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2020

Genre: historical fiction

Series: standalone novel

My Review

Ms. Thomas is a master storyteller. Her folk-inspired characters are every bit as warm and flawed as a decades-old quilt pieced together by the colorful members of the communities she creates. I look forward to her books every year, knowing a part of myself will be whisked away to a home I’ve never visited.

The Right Kind of Fool is both beautiful and heartbreaking. A community is shaken. Misplaced love is found again. Relationships are rebuilt even stronger than before. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, The Right Kind of Fool is a wonderful reminder to embrace differences (even our own), hold our loved ones close, and stand for truth no matter how difficult the circumstances.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jamie Jo Wright

WELCOME TO BONAVENTURE CIRCUS, 

WHERE MISFITS GO TO HIDE.

1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.

Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2020

Genre: romantic suspense

Series: standalone novel, not part of a series

My Review

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus hooked me at page one. This split-time novel switches from Pippa Ripley's story in 1928 to Chandler Faulk's story in present day. Both women are stronger than they realize, let their physical ailments hold them back,  and come to care for men outside of their circles. But both women also face a moment when they have to set their fears aside, release their courage, and do what is right. 

Jaime Jo Wright's writing is deep and captivating. Her characters are realistic in their flaws. Her plots are twisted and unique. Both eras in this book told a story all its own, yet they came together beautifully in the end. I highly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys suspense that isn't predictable and/or circus-related stories. 

I give this book four stars! 

At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer

HE'S FOUGHT THROUGH RUTHLESS OUTLAWS AND INJURY,

BUT WITH HER, HE'S TEMPTED TO SURRENDER

Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance
Setting: Texas, 1893
Series: Hanger's Horsemen, book one



My Review
At Love’s Command is a smashing start to a great new series. The book opens with gripping action and solidifies the relationships between Hanger’s Horsemen. The hero and heroine are lovable, noble, and flawed, and their attraction sizzles from the moment they meet. A gripping plot drives the story forward, blending perfectly with the setting. The last two chapters made this romantic’s heart sing! I cannot wait for book two in this series.

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund

Haunted by mistakes in her past, 

will she ever again trust her heart to another? 

Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need—a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?

Publisher: Bethany House, 2020

Genre: historical romance

Setting: Vancouver Island, 1862

Series: Book #2 in The Bride Ship series

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

My Review

I'm a huge fan of Jody Hedlund. Her attention to detail and the masterful way she crafts a story always holds me spellbound. I read A Reluctant Bride, book one in this series, and was delighted to see those characters make brief appearances in this book. Each are written as standalone novels, so reading them in order isn't necessary to understand the series. It just makes it more fun. 

Arabella Lawrence's backstory is dangled in front of the reader from the start and is revealed organically as the story progresses. She is strong and wonderful and flawed and absolutely lovable. Two men are vying for her affection: Lieutenant Richard Drummond of the Navy and Peter Kelly, a humble baker. Both men have their strengths and weaknesses, and I was torn between who I wanted to win Arabella's heart the first half of the book. As the story concludes, her backstory is fully laid out--revealing the true challenges of the day--the reader is left satisfied with her choice, and left eagerly awaiting book three. 

I look forward to the next book in the series, as well as reading more of Jody's books I haven't read yet. 

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

After the rival McLean clan guns down his cousin, Colman Harpe chooses peace over seeking revenge with his family. But when he hears God tell him to preach to the McLeans, a failed attempt to run away leaves him sick and suffering in their territory. He soon learns that appearances can be deceiving, and the face of evil doesn't look like he expected.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2019
Genre: historical fiction (with light romance)
Setting: West Virginia, 1930


My Review
I love Sarah’s books because of their authenticity. Her characters are so genuine in their triumphs and their flaws. Her settings feel like home. Her plots are relevant with sound Bible teaching stitched throughout like a handmade quilt you want to wrap up in.

When Silence Sings is beautifully written and stays with you long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend this book.

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building a successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Tasked with gaining access to the private Delacroix plant collection, Smithsonian botanist Annabelle Larkin unwittingly steps into a web of dangerous political intrigue and will be forced to choose between her heart and her loyalty to her country.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2019

Genre: historical romance

My Review

I love Ms. Camden's books for the way she makes history come alive. Her characters are solid, relatable, and intriguing. Her plot lines are gripping, and she weaves true history into fiction masterfully. I always learn something when I read one of her books.

The Spice King was no exception. Grey Delacroix was flawed yet oh-so-dreamy as owner of a global spice empire, a perfect match for the energetic and driven Annabelle Larkin, a Smithsonian botanist. I enjoyed learning about various spices, the various ways they were formulated and bottled, and the challenge the government had regulating such items.

The side plot and supporting characters in this story were so well written, I'm impatiently waiting for Ms. Camden's next book.

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper asking readers to send rocks in honor of loved ones to create something life-giving but the building halts when tragedy strikes. Decades later, Annie returns to the coastal Maine town where stone ruins spark her curiosity and her search for answers faces a battle against time.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2019

Genre: historical fiction, time slip novel

My Review

First of all, this cover is stunning. The color tones and title were the first to catch my attention. Then, I read the blurb and discovered it was set in Maine, and I was all in. With a unique premise and the time-hopping plot, I was excited to get my hands on this book. 

And it did not disappoint. 

This author’s prose is poetic and graceful and unlike any voice I’ve ever read. She wrote a perfect balance of setting details (so I felt I was really in Maine), character authenticities, and plot pacing. At times I wondered how the two stories would connect and then they did, and it was magical. 

I enjoyed finding little nuggets of similarity between her Maine story and my Cadence of Acadia series, also set in Maine. Like the fact they’re set in a small town in basically the same area, near Machias. The town meetings, the broken heroine who returns to Maine for healing without realizing that’s what she’s really there for, etc. It’s clear we both have a love and passion for the area, and it feels as though I’ve found a kindred spirit in the writing world. 

I have definitely found a new favorite author in Amanda Dykes and will be suggesting this book to others for months to come. I look forward to reading what she brings readers next. 

*I recommend this book to anyone looking for deep, soul-stirring read. For those who don’t like heavy romance, this story is light in those regards. For those who enjoy heavy romance, there’s enough love stories of substance throughout the book to make it completely satisfying. 

Sweet On You by Becky Wade

Sweet on You 

by Becky Wade

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet on You

(Bradford Sisters #3)

By Becky Wade

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

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Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

• Tote bag highlighting Britt’s chocolate shop, Sweet Art
• Paperback copy of Sweet on You
• $100 Visa gift card
• 1 pound box of See’s chocolate truffles
• Set of chocolate scented soap
• Box of colored pencils
• “Tattoo” coloring book

Enter on Becky's website HERE

MY REVIEW

I've been anticipating Sweet on You for a long time now. It's book three in Becky's Bradford Sisters Romance series. The first two books were wonderful, but the teaser with Britt and Zander in book one (True to You) was so great, it had me waiting patiently--okay, I'll be honest, impatiently--for Sweet on You. 

The cover is sensational with the Washington state skyline in the background. The first chapter, Britt and Zander's reunion, hooked me. But it was the second chapter that had me spellbound and knowing it would be nearly impossible to put the book down, no matter how loudly my everyday responsibilities called my name. 

I'll start with Britt. She's casual, trendy, witty, adventurous, and comfortable in her own skin. Exactly the kind of friend to have in real life. However, beneath her fun layers lies insecurity. That insecurity is keeping her from the one thing she needs most. 

Now to Zander. He's handsome, strong, reserved, one-hundred-percent loyal and devoted, and everything he does has a purpose. His rough childhood is still evident in places yet buffed smooth by the love and care he found later in life. He's intelligent and moody and--let's face it--NO ONE writes a sexy and moody hero like Becky Wade. 

I enjoyed the element of mystery in this book. There were some choices the characters made that I wish they hadn't, but that goes to show the characters were written realistically, with both attributes and flaws. 

As always, I love the way Becky Wade strings words together to make such powerful yet simplistic sentences, her great supporting characters, and a swoony ending. 

I'm really looking forward to Becky's next series. 

Day by Day Through the Gospel of John

During the second half of the nineteenth century, Great Britain was home to some of the greatest preachers, biblical scholars, and Christian writers in all of church history. Legendary names such as Charles Spurgeon, George Müller, Hudson Taylor, Catherine Booth, and George MacDonald stand out as giants of the church. Their predecessors, such as John Wesley and Matthew Henry, left them a rich tradition of biblical and evangelical excellence to follow. Americans R. A. Torrey and Charles Finney and South African Andrew Murray were cut from the same cloth.

From the classic writings of these revered saints, Lance Wubbels has edited and compiled the best of the best of their inspirational insights into this 365-day devotional. Verse by verse through the Gospel of John, readers will gain an unforgettable understanding of the life, words, and ministry of Jesus Christ. Here is a one-year devotional that is packed with profound biblical commentary, brilliant wisdom, and practical application that will enrich readers and be read for a lifetime.

MY REVIEW

This devotional is packed full of wisdom from some of world’s best preachers and teachers. From Charles Spurgeon to Hudson Taylor and many more, this book guides the reader through the gospel of John a little each day. The book opens with a brief biography of each contributor and the sturdy hardback cover makes for easy reading and bookmarking. 

I received this book in September and have read each daily passage since, so my review is based off of my experience thus far. I’ve enjoyed this devotional because it covers one verse a day and the accompanying teaching is short enough to read before work in the morning yet full of knowledge so I learn something too. The wisdom inside is not a new-age take on the Bible. It sticks to the original Word of God from solid biblical teachers. Different versions of the Bible are used at times in the opening text, but I followed along with my King James Bible. This is definitely a devotional I will keep around for years to come. 

I give this book five stars!

The Christmas Heirloom

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

My Review

This is the perfect novella collection to get you in the holiday spirit. The stories range from 1827 to present day, and each story revolves around an amethyst brooch handed down through the generations. 

Each story was wonderful in its own way, starting with Kristi Ann Hunter’s “Legacy of Love,” set in England and full of witty and lovable characters. Karen Witemeyer’s “Gift of the Heart” is warm and charming with a Texas Christmas as homey as the southern settings in her other books. “A Shot at Love” (a Sound of Rain novella) by Sarah Loudin Thomas takes readers to West Virginia for the holidays. The setting and inviting cast of characters made me feel like I had gone home after being away. It was great to visit this family again. Finally, Becky Wade’s “Because if You” (a Bradford Sisters novella) brought all the stories together in a precious romance worthy of a Hallmark Christmas movie. 

My rating is based on the stories together as a whole. I highly recommend this book. 

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

Will the mistakes of their past cost them a chance at love?

Determined to find her lost younger sister, Marianne Neumann takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York. She not only hopes to offer children a better life, but prays she'll be able to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train so they can finally be reunited.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing-out trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with children, firm but tender and friendly. Underneath his charm and handsome looks, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. 

As the two team up, placing orphans in the small railroad towns of Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2018

Genre: historical romance

Setting: 1858

My Review

Together Forever is a gripping story set in 1858 during the orphan train migration from New York to Illinois. From the first chapter, the chemistry between the hero and heroine sizzles and propels the story forward with a beautiful and satisfying ending. The orphans tugged at my heart and made me want to adopt them myself. The plot mixed with Ms. Hedlund's strategic writing takes the reader back in time on a journey that is bittersweet and historically accurate. Together Forever is book two in the Orphan Train series, but this novel stands on its own as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a rich history and to anyone who enjoys a strong, yet clean, romance between characters. I give this book five stars. 

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

She's the only witness to a wagon train attack. Keeping her safe, though, means his world is about to be turned upside down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2017
Genre: historical romance


My Review

Mary Connealy brings readers another sweet, action-filled romance! As always, Ms. Connealy opens the novel right in the middle of the action. Readers are instantly grounded in the plot, rooting for the hero's and heroine's escape. Trace Riley's unique backstory makes him LOVABLE, and his journey intertwines perfectly with the novel's theme. Deborah Harkness's past makes her hesitance toward Trace understandable and makes her character journey all the more sweet. The ending is satisfying and had me looking forward to the next book in this series.


This story holds a more serious undertone than most of Ms. Connealy's stories, but I found this refreshing after her last spunky, fast-paced series (The Cimarron Legacy). I give this book four stars.

Willow Bradford is content taking a break from modeling to run her family's inn until she comes face-to-face with NFL quarterback Corbin Stewart, the man who broke her heart--and wants to win her back. When a decades-old missing-persons case brings them together, they're forced to decide whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2017

Genre: contemporary romance



My Review

Falling for You had me falling for it within the first chapter. Willow's gentle, giving--and breakable--heart endeared her to me immediately. Corbin's charm and clever wit had me swooning, but combined with his unplanned retirement from the NFL and the challenges he now faces as a new Christian, made him an unforgettable hero. This story has intrigue, a dash of mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and steamy--yet clean--romance. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys second-chance romance and/or stories of redemption. I give this book five stars! (I'd give it more, but that's as high as the review scale goes!)

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings

When dance hall singer Louisa Bell visits Fort Reno to see her brother, she is mistaken for the governess that the harried Major Daniel Adams is waiting for. Between his rowdy troops and his two daughters, he has more responsibility than he can handle alone. Eager for the opportunity, Louisa sets out to show the widower that she is a perfect fit.

Publisher: Bethany House, Dec 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

My Review

This super fun plot grabbed my attention from the first page and held it to the last! Set in the tamed--untamed--west, opposites truly attract when Major Daniel Adams falls at dance hall singer, Louisa Bell's, feet--literally.  That starts a gambit of twists and turns, misunderstandings and deceptions that will either bring Daniel and Louisa together or will tear them apart.

With witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud, bold and lovable characters, and the plotting genius of Ms. Jennings, I give this book five stars!


I recommend this book to anyone who loves funny, light-hearted entertainment and those who love historical fiction. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinion was in no way influenced by anyone except the authors talent for writing.

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

Lucy is determined to keep working as a telegraph operator at a news agency, even though the arrival of Sir Colin Beckwith threatens her position. When she discovers Colin's shocking secret, she agrees to assist him if he helps her find her family's stolen inheritance--not realizing that the trail leads into a web of treachery, danger, and conspiracy.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance


My Review

Ms. Camden never fails to captivate me from the first chapter with her strong, complex characters and her gripping historical plots. A Dangerous Legacy is no exception. 

Lucy Drake and Sir Colin Beckwith have an electric attraction from the first moment they meet. Colin's loyalty to his family estate overseas and the decades-long feud surrounding Lucy's family make a romantic relationship between the pair near impossible. But need drives them together in a way that creates a formidable team and soon the two are deeper into the journey than they intended. 

With strong supporting characters and constant twists, A Dangerous Legacy is one I will read again. I give this book five stars!

__________________________________________

Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

When danger arrives, it's more than just her heart on the line.

Grace Mallory is tired of running, of hiding. But when an old friend sends an after-hours telegraph transmission warning Grace that the man who has hunted her for nearly a year has discovered her location, she fears she has no choice. She can't let the villain she believes responsible for her father's death release his wrath in Harper's Station, the town that has sheltered her and blessed her with the dearest friends she's ever known. 

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His telegraph companion, the mysterious Miss G, listens eagerly to his ramblings every night and delights him with tales all her own. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intended for him. Yet when he takes the next step to meet her in person, he discovers her life is in peril, and Amos must decide if he can shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Ladies of Harper Station, book #2

My Review

Solid writing from Karen Witemeyer. Heart on the Line is book two of her Ladies of Harper Station series. Grace Mallory is gentle yet tough, and her affinity for the telegraph leads her to Amos Bledsoe, a telegrapher in another town. Through secret messages, elusive code names, and a little flirting over the line, the two end up working together to save Grace from a dangerous man. The characters in this book are realistic and likable, and the town of Harper Station is intriguing. Full of heart and fun, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean, entertaining historical plots and/or westerns. I give this book 4.5 stars!

True to You by Becky Wade

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. 

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2017

Genre: contemporary romance

Series: Bradford Sisters, Book 1


My Review
Story crafting at its finest! This book made me laugh, had me in tears, made me swoon, and threw me a twist I never saw coming. As always, Ms. Wade's characters were lovable, witty, and just quirky enough to make them human. The setting was unique and enchanting. I read just enough about Britt and Willow, Nora's sisters, to totally hook me into reading future books in this series. Upon closing the back cover, all I could think was, "Wow!"-- a habitual reaction I've come to expect from all of Wade's novels. True to You is a magnificent start to a wonderful new series. I give this book five stars, only because I can't give it more.

Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

Miss Permilia Griswold, the wallflower behind "The Quill" gossip column, knows everything that goes on in the ballrooms of New York. When she overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Asher Rutherford, she's determined to warn him. Away from society's spotlight, Asher and Permilia discover there's more going on behind the scenes than they anticipated.

Bethany House Publishers, 2017

Historical Romance

Apart From the Crowd series, book 1

My Review

Jen Turano is known for her lovable characters and witty banter. Her plots are always complex, yet light-hearted, and include a good mystery. Behind the Scenes was written in true Turano fashion, starring Permilia Griswold, a socialite banned to the wallflower section of society, and Asher Rutherford, an eligible bachelor who owns a department store. With instant chemistry on Asher's end, these characters fall into a comfortable camaraderie from the first page that both charms and delights. Throw in a murder plot and a few unexpected twists, and you have a romance that takes center stage. 

I give this book 3.5 stars!