A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

A Virginia chocolatier and a privateering sea captain collide once more after a failed love affair a decade before. Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart? Or will a new shared vision reunite them?

 

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmee Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmee. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril--on the sea and in the heart--in this redemptive, romantic story.

Publisher: Revell, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

Setting: York, Virginia, 1755

Series: standalone novel

My Review

What a swoon-worthy romance! Esmee and Henri are the perfect pairing. I loved the slow-burn romance as well as their character growth. The turbulent times in this pre-Revolution era kept me turning the pages. I've visited Williamsburg, VA before so it was so fun picturing all of those places in my mind as the story went along. The supporting characters were a great addition to the story, and though some parts were tragic, I'm glad the plot was portrayed realistically for the time period and not wrapped up perfectly in a pretty bow. The only downside to this book is that it made me crave chocolate the entire time. That being said, where it's a perfect historical romance for any time of the year, it's especially so as we near Valentine's Day. Just make sure to have your faves on hand as you read. 

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.

Publisher: Revell, 2022

Series: Water of Time, book 2

Genre: Time travel, romance

Setting: England

My Review

I started my 2021 reading challenge with a Jody Hedlund title, and I ended it with a Jody Hedlund title. Time-travel is not a genre I typically read but the premise of Come Back to Me sounded so fascinating I had to give it a try. I loved it. Never Leave Me instantly went to the top of my 2022 reading list. Thanks to Revell, I received my copy right before Christmas. It was great to revisit Chesterfield Park and all the characters. I was instantly drawn into the story by Ellen’s compromised health issues and Harrison’s tender care and love for her. There were parts regarding the romance in the first quarter of the book that made me question where the story was going but transitioned nicely into the rest of the story. If you’re looking for book that’s entertaining, will sweep you into another world, and be a great escape this series is one to read. I’m hoping the author is planning a third book for this series but Never Leave Me ended with everything tied up nicely so if not, the series feels complete and satisfying. Though each book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order to better understand the complex plot and fine details.
 

God Is My Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

 

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."--Corrie ten Boom

Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom, with her courageous, God-fearing family, sheltered Jews from the Nazis during World War II. This led to her arrest and suffering in prison and concentration camps--told in her bestselling book The Hiding Place (and feature-length film of the same name. Her dramatic life story and her more than 40 other books have prepared millions of readers to face their own futures with courage--relying on God's love to forgive, overcome, heal, and restore.

Now, for admirers of Corrie ten Boom as well as a new generation of readers, this 40-day devotional based on Corrie's writings will strengthen your faith, re-root your soul in Christ, and increase your experience of God's peace. Receive the courage and comfort of the Holy Spirit, and remind yourself of what Corrie ten Boom knew and lived: God is your hiding place.

Publisher: Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Genre: Christian Living/Devotional

My Review

This devotional based on journal entries of Corrie Ten Boom was such a blessing, encouragement, and thought-provoking read each day. Her words, her journey, her faith has challenged me to consider my own faith walk and strive to strengthen my walk with Christ. Each entry begins with a Bible verse followed by a journal entry that relates to the verse. I do wish that the verses used were not from the NLT Bible as it wasn't in existence until 1996, long after Corrie's original writings were published, however, it didn't discourage me from using the devotions. 

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. 

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story. 

Publisher: Revell, 2021

Genre: Time travel fiction, romance

Series: Waters of Time, book one

Setting: present day and England 1381

My Review

First off, I have to say that time travel books and movies are not my thing (even though I LOVE historical novels). I think it's hard to take a character from present day with all the technology and medical advancements, drop them into a historical world that's entirely different from what they're used to, and make their existence in that new world work. That being said, for some reason, I've read two time travel novels this year. The first one I did not enjoy at all (poorly written and bland), so I was hesitant to pick up Come Back to Me because I was afraid I would be disappointed. However, I'm a HUGE fan of Jody Hedlund, and I know her writing is stellar, so I gave it a try. 

I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! I was engrossed from the first page and read the book in three days. I had a hard time putting it down. As always, Jody's writing was phenomenal, her characters were complex and delicious, the science and fantasy-science within the plot were easy to follow, and the romance was sizzling. 

This book was a pure, pull-me-out-of-the-stress-of-life-and-entertain-me kind of book. Different, but fun. I am eagerly awaiting the second book in the series, as Jody set the upcoming main characters up so well as secondary characters in Come Back to Me. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to escape into a good story. 
 

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. 

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

 

Selah Hopewell, Virginia Colony's most eligible woman, is busy matchmaking for a ship of brides, though she has no wish to wed.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement, but he is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along

Publisher: Revell, 2021

Series: standalone novel

Genre: historical romance

Setting: James Towne, Virginia Colony, 1634

My Review

Many books I've read set in Virginia Colony have been too dry for my taste, but not so with Tidewater Bride. The plot is rich with adventure, the characters are complex and deep, and the romance is sizzling! The storyline is original and true to Ms. Frantz's poetic and engaging prose. This book gave me all the feels. Truly the best book I've read in a long time.